German Lebkuchen

Lebkuchen are sweet and spicy German cookies that are full of festive flavor. This lebkuchen recipe will quickly become a seasonal staple in your cookie jar!

What Are Lebkuchen?

Lebkuchen are honey-sweetened German cookies that are commonly served during the Christmas season. They're similar to gingerbread cookies, but they are usually glazed and feature nuts and candied fruits.

Lebkuchen Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this German lebkuchen recipe:

• Sugars: You'll need brown sugar for the cookies and confectioners' sugar for the glaze.
• Honey and molasses: Honey adds a light, floral flavor and molasses lends complex sweetness.
• Eggs: A whole egg goes into the cookie dough, while an egg white goes into the glaze.
• Flour: All-purpose flour gives the cookie dough structure.
• Spices: These lebkuchen cookies are spiced with nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice.
• Baking soda: Baking soda acts as a leavener, which means it helps the cookies rise.
• Almonds: Slivered almonds lend nutty flavor and welcome crunch.
• Candied fruit: Add sweet, fruity flavor with candied mixed fruit peel.
• Lemon: The bright, citrusy glaze features both lemon peel and lemon zest.

How to Make Lebkuchen

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below – but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make lebkuchen at home:

1. Make the cookie dough: Beat the wet ingredients in one bowl and the dry ingredients in another. Combine the mixtures, then stir in the nuts and fruit. Cover and chill the dough.
2. Roll and cut the dough: Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut it into even rectangles.
3. Bake the cookies: Place on a prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven until golden brown.
4. Glaze the cookies: Make the glaze in a small bowl. Brush the glaze over the cookies while they're still warm.

How to Store Lebkuchen

Place the cooled lebkuchen in a shallow, airtight container. Store at room temperature for one to two weeks.

Can You Freeze Lebkuchen?

Yes, you can freeze lebkuchen! Flash freeze the cookies on a baking sheet for a few hours or up to overnight, then transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe container or zip-top freezer bags. Freeze for up to six months.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"Wow, these are delicious," raves TUNISIANSWIFE. "The only additions were a few raisins and dried currants, as well as a little bit of cardamom. The spices really made this. I loved the lemon glaze. The longer they set, the better they get."

"This dough is workable, but stays chewy and smooth," according to Stacy D. "I chilled the dough and made traditional cutout hearts, half with royal icing and half with dipped chocolate. They were a huge hit."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams