Irresistibly Soft Lebkuchen – Traditional German Cookies Recipe

These Lebkuchen cookies are traditional German treats filled with warm spices and honey, perfect for the festive season.

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: German

Keyword: Christmas, Cookies, Festive, Lebkuchen, sweet, traditional

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 12

Resting Time: 1

Total Time: 1 32

Servings: cookies

Calories: 150kcal

1 cup Honey Adds natural sweetness and moisture. No direct substitution recommended.
1 cup Dark Soft Brown Sugar (Muscovado Sugar) Contributes rich flavor and softness. Can substitute with light brown sugar if needed.
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Provides richness and a tender crumb. Could substitute with a dairy-free alternative for a vegan option.
1 tablespoon Orange Zest Enhances flavor with citrus notes. Lemon zest can be used as a substitute.
1 tablespoon Lemon Zest Adds brightness. Can substitute with extra orange zest if unavailable.
1 teaspoon Baking Powder Leavening agent. Must be included for proper texture.
1 teaspoon Baking Soda Enhances browning. Essential for the recipe.
2 teaspoons Ground Spices (Cinnamon, Allspice, Ginger, Cloves, Nutmeg, White Pepper) Offer warmth and festive flavor. Adjust quantities based on spice preference.
1/2 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt Balances sweetness. Essential for well-rounded taste.
1 large Egg Binds ingredients and contributes to texture. For vegan version, consider flax egg or applesauce.
2 cups Flour (All-Purpose) Key structural ingredient. Can substitute with gluten-free flour blend.
1 cup Ground Almonds (Almond Flour) Adds nuttiness and moisture. Pecan or hazelnut flour can be used.
1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Adjusts dough consistency if needed.

1 cup Powdered Sugar Essential for making the glaze. Substitute with coconut powdered sugar for a healthier option.
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Enhances flavor. Optional but recommended.
1 tablespoon Rum Adds depth of flavor to the glaze. Can omit for a non-alcoholic version.

Sprinkles/Sanding Sugar/Flaked Almonds Optional decorative elements for visual appeal.

In a medium bowl, gently heat honey and dark brown sugar until dissolved, stirring often to combine smoothly.
Stir in unsalted butter, orange zest, and lemon zest until well mixed.
In a separate bowl, combine baking powder, baking soda, ground spices, fine sea salt, and flour.
Add the dry mixture into the bowl containing the wet ingredients. Mix until a slightly sticky dough forms.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the fridge.
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough to about 0.75 inches thick and cut shapes using cookie cutters.
Place the shapes on the prepared sheet and bake for about 12 minutes.
While the cookies cool, mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and optional rum in a bowl until smooth.
Brush the warm cookies with the glaze while still slightly warm.

Optional: Decorate with sprinkles or flaked almonds for a beautiful finish.