Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Traditional German Lebkuchen (Spice Cookies)


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Recipes Tasteful
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 30 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These delightful spice cookies are traditionally made with honey, molasses, and a blend of warm spices, perfect for the holiday season.


Ingredients

Scale
    • 1/2 cup honey
    • 1/2 cup molasses
    • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
    • 1 tablespoon orange zest
    • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
    • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
    • 1/4 cup finely chopped nuts (such as almonds or hazelnuts)

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons milk or lemon juice

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, heat the honey and molasses over low heat until warm. Remove from heat and stir in the brown sugar, egg, lemon zest, and orange zest. Mix until smooth.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and ginger.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chopped nuts.
  • Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to develop.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle or brush the glaze over the cooled cookies and let set.

Notes

These cookies can be made in advance and taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: German

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg