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
Scale
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
