German Spiced Christmas Cookies Lebkuchen Recipe
These traditional German Lebkuchen cookies are spiced and sweet, perfect for the holiday season. They are often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup finely ground almonds or hazelnuts
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup candied orange peel finely chopped
- ½ cup raisins or currants
- ½ cup dark chocolate melted
- powdered sugar for dusting optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ground nuts, baking powder, spices, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine brown sugar, honey, and eggs; whisk until smooth.
- Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until a sticky dough forms.
- Fold in candied orange peel and raisins or currants evenly.
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out chilled dough to ¼ inch thickness and cut out shapes.
- Arrange cookies on the baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown; cool on a wire rack.
- Dip tops in melted chocolate or drizzle over cookies; dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Chilling the dough enhances the flavors and makes it easier to handle.