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Homemade German Christmas spice cookies arranged on parchment paper with one cookie split to show texture.

Lebkuchen German Cookies Recipe

This Lebkuchen German Cookies Recipe features soft honey-spiced cookies flavored with citrus zest and warm spices, finished with a delicate sugar glaze. A classic German holiday cookie with a tender bite and festive aroma.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: German
Keyword: Lebkuchen German Cookies Recipe
Servings: 18 cookies

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

For the Glaze

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Set aside while preparing the cookie dough.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey, dark brown sugar, and butter. Add the eggs, lemon zest, orange zest, and almond extract. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until smooth and thoroughly combined.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

  • Add the baking powder, baking soda, all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms and all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

  • Drop the dough by tablespoon-sized portions onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving sufficient space between each portion to allow for slight spreading during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft. Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

  • While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil and allow it to boil for approximately 1 minute. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until the glaze is smooth.

Step 7: Glaze the Cookies

  • Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the glazed cookies back onto the cooling rack and allow the glaze to set completely before serving.

Step 8: Storage

  • Store the cookies in an airtight container. For optimal softness, place a slice of apple or a piece of orange peel in the container with the cookies.

Notes

To make this Lebkuchen German Cookies Recipe gluten free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking. Ensure that the baking powder, spices, and almond extract are labeled gluten free, as some brands may contain additives or be processed in facilities with gluten. The remaining ingredients are naturally gluten free. Baking times and texture should remain similar when using a suitable gluten-free flour blend.