Lebkuchen – Traditional German Spice Cookies


 


🍪 Soft, spiced, and brimming with festive flavors, Lebkuchen are Germany’s beloved Christmas cookies, often compared to gingerbread but with a unique honey-sweetened, nutty depth. These aromatic treats are coated in a shiny chocolate or sugar glaze and make the perfect holiday gift or cozy winter snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Rich, complex spices – Cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and more!
✅ Chewy & moist – Unlike crunchy gingerbread.
✅ Traditional glaze – Chocolate or lemon-sugar for authenticity.
✅ Great for gifting – Stays fresh for weeks.


Ingredients You’ll Need

*(Makes ~30 cookies | Prep: 20 mins + Chilling | Bake: 12-15 mins)*

For the Dough:

  • ½ cup honey (or molasses for deeper flavor)

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • 1 large egg

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour *(or 1½ cups flour + ½ cup ground almonds for authenticity)*

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • 1 tbsp Lebkuchengewürz (German spice mix)* or:

    • 1½ tsp cinnamon

    • ½ tsp ground cloves

    • ½ tsp nutmeg

    • ½ tsp allspice

    • ¼ tsp cardamom

    • ¼ tsp ginger

  • Zest of 1 lemon or orange (traditional!)

  • ½ cup finely chopped candied citrus peel (optional but authentic)

For the Glaze: