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Recipe

Lebkuchen

43 min • 24 servings •
John S
A plate of freshly baked, powdered sugar-coated cookies next to a baking sheet and mixing bowl on a wooden countertop.

I was very young when my dad was stationed in Garmish-Partenkirchen, Germany, but I still have many warm memories of Christmas, St. Nick, wooden pickles in the Christmas tree, and the great cookies. These spicy, traditional holiday cookies have all the spice of a gingersnap and a texture that’s tender and chewy. This is my adapted recipe, enjoy!

This recipe is great making houses, men & cutouts.

Yields about 2 dozen cookies.

Ready

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (and a little for kneading)
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 8 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature, lightly beaten
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¼ cup unsulfured molasses
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ⅛ tsp ground cardamom (optional)
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ¾ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ⅛ tsp powdered ginger
  • ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
  • Finely grated zest of 1 orange
  • Confectioners’ sugar

    • Set

  • Mixer with paddle
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or Silpat mat
  • Medium bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Plastic wrap

    • Go!

    Mixing

  • Sift together the flour, baking powder and soda, and salt into a medium bowl.
  • Cream butter and sugar in mixing bowl and beat at medium speed until fluffy.
  • Beat in the egg, lemon juice, spices and orange zest.
  • Heat the honey and molasseses in a small saucepan over low heat until it is just warm and slightly thinned.
  • Beat the honey into the butter mixture in a steady stream until well blended.
  • Remove mixing bowl and with wooden spoon stir the flour mixture gradually into the butter mixture to make a stiff paste.
  • Remove dough from bowl and turn onto lightly floured surface and knead lightly until smooth. Shape dough into roll.
  • Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

    • Baking

  • Place rack in the center of oven and preheat to 350°F.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or Silpat mat.
  • Remove dough from plastic and slice into ¼ inch slices and space on lined baking sheet.
  • Bake 10-13 minutes until lightly brown.
  • Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet 5 minutes.
  • Transfer from baking sheet and let completely cool on wire racks. Once completely cool, sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar and store in an airtight container.

    • Recommendations

    These cookies are often glazed in chocolate then decorated with candied fruit and nuts.
    Click here for more delicious desserts.
    Follow this link for some delicious cookie recipes.

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