Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies) bring all the coziness and charm of a festive German Christmas market right into your kitchen. This classic treat is rich with warming spices, sweetened with honey and molasses, and dotted with nuts and candied citrus for irresistible texture and flavor. If you’ve ever wished your home could smell like a holiday bakery while also serving up soft, chewy, spice-laden cookies, this recipe will win your heart with every bite. Whether you make them for gifting, gatherings, or a quiet afternoon treat, Lebkuchen cookies brighten any winter day with old-world flair and lots of love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts of making Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies) is how each ingredient is carefully chosen for its role in creating that traditional flavor and tender, yet sturdy texture. Don’t be intimidated—the magic is in the way these simple ingredients come together to make something truly special.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookies, providing structure so they stay soft yet hold their shape.
- Baking powder: Just enough lift to keep these cookies from being too dense, while helping them bake up tender.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all those beautiful spices.
- Ground cinnamon: The key spice that brings warmth and comfort with every bite.
- Ground cloves: Adds a deep, slightly peppery note to the spice blend—just a touch!
- Ground allspice: Enhances the overall spiciness with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon in one punch.
- Ground nutmeg: Sweet, aromatic, and subtle—it rounds out any good spice cookie.
- Ground ginger: Lends a gentle, zesty kick that’s classic for German holiday cookies.
- Packed brown sugar: For a deep caramel flavor and moistness you can taste.
- Honey: Brings that traditional sweetness and sticky chew, plus floral notes unique to Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies).
- Molasses: Pours in rich, earthy flavor and color that set these cookies apart from the rest.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and gives the cookies their satisfying bite.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a delicate aroma that rounds out the spice.
- Finely chopped nuts (almonds or hazelnuts): For crunch, nuttiness, and rich flavor—choose your favorite!
- Finely chopped candied orange peel (or mixed candied fruit): Pops of sweet, chewy citrus brighten each bite.
- Optional glaze (powdered sugar + milk or lemon juice): A glossy, sweet finish that adds to the cookies’ charm.
How to Make Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies)
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, salt, and all those magical spices—cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and ginger—in a medium bowl. This ensures that every bite of your Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies) will be fragrant, balanced, and bursting with classic holiday flavor. Pro tip: whisking spices with the flour helps them mix evenly, so you won’t end up with any overpowering bites.
Step 2: Heat the Sweeteners
In a large saucepan over low heat, gently combine the brown sugar, honey, and molasses. Stir frequently until the sugars dissolve and the mixture becomes glossy and smooth. This step infuses the dough with deep, delicious sweetness, and the aroma alone will put you in a festive mood! Set aside off the heat to cool for a couple of minutes before continuing—you don’t want to scramble the egg in the next step.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Once the sweet mixture has cooled a bit, whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This step is crucial for a cohesive, easy-to-shape dough. The egg also adds structure and gives the finished Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies) their signature soft texture with a bit of chew.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the warm, sweet base. Use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon to fold the dough together—it will be quite stiff, but that’s normal! Finally, blend in the chopped nuts and candied orange peel (or mixed candied fruit), making sure they’re well distributed. This is when the dough transforms from basic to extraordinary, promising those bursts of flavor in every cookie.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least two hours, or overnight for best results. Chilling allows the spices to fully bloom and lets the dough firm up enough to roll and shape. Don’t skip this step; it’s what gives authentic Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies) their dreamy texture and bold taste.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment. Scoop or roll the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls, and place them about 2 inches apart—these cookies expand just slightly. Gently flatten each one with your hand, creating soft rounds. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges look set but the centers still feel soft to the touch. Cool on the baking sheet for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 7: Glaze for a Finishing Touch
If you love a glossy, sweet finish, brush the cookies with the optional glaze while they’re still slightly warm. The glaze will set as the cookies cool, adding shine and an extra layer of sweetness that is classic for German holiday cookies. If you’re feeling even more traditional, serve them on edible paper wafers for a timeless touch.
How to Serve Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies)
Garnishes
To really impress, dust your Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies) with a flurry of powdered sugar just before serving, or drizzle with extra glaze for sparkle. A few pieces of finely chopped candied fruit or even a whole almond pressed into the top make them look straight out of a European bakery.
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong pairing these cookies with a hot cup of spiced tea, mulled wine, or rich coffee. If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, serve them alongside cheeses, dried fruits, or dark chocolate to highlight their sweet and spicy complexity.
Creative Ways to Present
Pack up your Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies) in festive tins or clear bags tied with ribbon for the perfect edible holiday gift. Stack them on a cake stand for a gorgeous dessert-table centerpiece, or nestle a few into a cozy mug for neighbors or friends. They also make a lovely addition to any cookie swap or Santa’s treat plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the delights of Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies) is that they get even better after a day or two as the flavors meld. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 2 weeks. Place wax or parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together.
Freezing
Both baked cookies and unbaked dough freeze beautifully! For dough, chill as directed, then wrap tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. To freeze finished cookies, cool them completely and store in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature and enjoy as if you just baked them.
Reheating
If your Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies) feel a bit firm after storage, perk them up by microwaving for 10-15 seconds. They’ll become soft and fragrant again, just like fresh from the oven. Avoid reheating with the glaze, as it may melt or become sticky—instead, glaze after warming if desired.
FAQs
Can I substitute different nuts in Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies)?
Absolutely! Traditional recipes use almonds or hazelnuts, but feel free to use walnuts or pecans if you like. They each add their own character, but the warm, nutty baseline remains delicious.
Can I make Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies) gluten-free?
Yes—substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains a binder like xanthan gum for best results, as this will help the cookie dough hold together when baked.
Is the glaze necessary?
Not at all! The glaze is a classic finishing touch, but the cookies are flavorful and moist enough to enjoy without. Try both ways and see which you prefer—or offer a mix for guests.
Why do Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies) taste better after a few days?
This is the magic of spice cookies—resting allows the flavors of honey, molasses, nuts, and spices to meld, making each bite deeper and more aromatic. Waiting pays off!
What is the best way to chop candied orange peel?
Use a sharp knife and a cutting board, chopping the peel into small, even bits so they’re evenly spread in the dough. If it’s sticky, dust lightly with flour as you chop to prevent clumping.
Final Thoughts
I hope making Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies) brings a sense of tradition and joy to your kitchen, whether you’re sharing them with family or savoring one all to yourself. There’s something magical about watching those spices transform into a warm, cheerful cookie that’s perfect for any cozy moment—so bake, taste, and share your holiday spirit!
Print
Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lebkuchen cookies are a traditional German treat, packed with warm spices, nuts, and candied fruit. Perfect for holiday baking or anytime you crave a taste of old-world charm.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-Ins:
- 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (almonds or hazelnuts)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped candied orange peel (or mixed candied fruit)
- Optional glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar mixed with 2–3 tablespoons milk or lemon juice
Instructions
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- Prepare Wet Mix: In a saucepan over low heat, combine brown sugar, honey, and molasses until smooth. Remove from heat, cool slightly, then add egg and vanilla.
- Combine: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Add nuts and candied peel. Refrigerate dough for at least 2 hours.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Form dough into balls, flatten, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Glaze: If desired, brush with glaze while warm. Cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- For a more traditional touch, use edible paper wafers (oblaten).
- Cookies keep well for up to 2 weeks and improve in flavor over time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
