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Lebkuchen – Traditional German Cookies

Delightful Lebkuchen – Traditional German Cookies to Savor

Discover the magic of homemade Lebkuchen – traditional German cookies filled with holiday charm and delightful flavors.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 12 minutes
Resting Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 12 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Cookies
Cuisine: German
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies
  • 1 cup Honey Can be substituted with agave syrup for a vegan option.
  • 1 cup Dark Soft Brown Sugar Can substitute with light brown sugar.
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Use coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
  • 1 tablespoon Orange Zest
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Ensure it's fresh for the best rise.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda Ensure it's fresh for the best rise.
  • 1 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt Essential—do not omit.
  • 1 teaspoon Spices (Cinnamon, Allspice, Ginger, Cloves, Nutmeg) Adjust for personal preference.
  • 1 large Egg (beaten) Can use a flax egg for a vegan alternative.
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour For gluten-free, replace with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • 1 cup Ground Almonds For a nutty flavor profile.
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar Ensure no bone char is used for vegan.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Fresh yields the best flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tablespoon Rum Optional; skip for non-alcoholic.
For Decoration
  • Sprinkles or Sanding Sugar Optional decorative elements.
  • Flaked Almonds Optional decorative elements.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cookie Cutters
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine honey and dark soft brown sugar, heating for about 30 seconds until melted and mixed. Stir in cubed unsalted butter and zests.
  2. Incorporate baking powder, baking soda, fine sea salt, spices, and beaten egg. Gradually mix in flour and ground almonds to form a soft dough. Cover and let rest for at least 1 hour.
  3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare glaze by mixing powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and rum until smooth.
  4. Roll out the dough to 2cm thick and use cookie cutters to shape. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes until firm.
  5. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Brush with glaze while warm and let set.
  6. Optionally, apply a second glaze layer and decorate with flaked almonds or sprinkles.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 70mgPotassium: 30mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Cookies become tastier with age, enhance flavors by storing in an airtight container.

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