German Christmas Cookies Lebkuchen Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it perfectly blends the warmth of spices with the sweetness of honey, creating an irresistibly aromatic treat that feels like a cozy hug in every bite. Plus, dipping them in dark chocolate makes me feel like I’m indulging in a little bit of luxury, perfect for impressing friends at a gathering or just savoring with a hot cup of tea.

Lebkuchen embodies the traditional German Christmas. The harmonious marriage of honey and brown sugar with the potent essence of aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg typifies the Lebkuchen I love.

The flavor is brightened with the zest of fresh lemons and oranges, while the texture is delightfully varied with the addition of finely chopped, toasted almonds and candied citron. Perfect for dunking into a cup of dark hot chocolate!

Ingredients

Honey: An antioxidant-rich natural sweetener that provides moisture and sweetness.

Brown sugar contributes an intense, rich sweetness while also lending extra moisture to the dough.

Lemon Zest: Imparts sweet citrus fragrance and flavor, freshly harmonious with sweetness.

Contributing bright, fragrant citrus notes that enhance the flavor complexity, orange zest is included in the formula.

Cinnamon, in its ground form, can be a powerful anti-inflammatory compound and offers a warm spice flavor.

Cloves, when ground, release a potent, aromatic spice that elevates the flavor of foods.

Almonds: Contribute crunch and are a good source of protein and healthy fats.

Candied Citron: Delivers sweet and sour citrus essence, a holiday baking essential.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup honey
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup water
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds
• 1/2 cup chopped candied citron
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces dark chocolate, melted (optional for coating)

Instructions

1. In a big saucepan over a low flame, stir together the honey, brown sugar, lemon and orange zests, and the spices: ground cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, and cocoa powder. Stir together for a smooth mix. Then, add water until the desired thickness is achieved and the warm mix is smooth again. Remove from heat and let it cool.

2. In a big mixing bowl, sift together the flour and baking soda. Set aside.

3. In the honey and spice mixture, the chopped almonds and chopped candied citron are stirred in and well mixed.

4. Slowly incorporate the flour blend into the still-warm honey mixture, mixing as you add. A dough will form that is sticky, damp, and warm—perfect for making just three rounds of not-too-firm, not-too-soft honey dumplings.

5. In a separate small bowl, beat together the eggs and vanilla extract, and add this to the dough along with the salt, mixing well until fully incorporated.

6. The dough should be covered with plastic wrap and then refrigerated for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight. This time in the refrigerator allows the dough to firm up.

7. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lay out sheets of parchment paper on the baking sheets.

8. Flour a work surface lightly, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick, and punch out shapes using cookie cutters. Position the cookies on the sheets to be baked.

9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow cooling on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. If desired, dip cooled cookies in melted dark chocolate, then place them back on parchment paper and allow the chocolate to set. Store in an airtight container.

Equipment Needed

1. Saucepan
2. Mixing bowls (large and small)
3. Whisk
4. Sifter
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Stirring spoon
7. Plastic wrap
8. Refrigerator
9. Oven
10. Parchment paper
11. Baking sheets
12. Rolling pin
13. Cookie cutters
14. Wire rack
15. Knife (for chopping almonds and candied citron)
16. Airtight container (for storage)

FAQ

• Q: Can I make lebkuchen ahead of time?Q: Can lebkuchen be made in advance? If so, how far in advance can they be made? And what is the expected effect of making them in advance?

  A: Yes, lebkuchen can be made several weeks in advance. In fact, they often improve in flavor as they age.

• Q: Are there substitutions for candied citron?You can use other candied citrus peels—like orange or lemon—or even skip it, if you prefer a version that’s not so fruity.
• Q: What can I use instead of almonds?Walnuts that are chopped or hazelnuts work well in place of almonds.
• Q: Is the chocolate coating mandatory?A: No, the coating of chocolate isn’t necessary. They are delicious with it or without it.
• Q: How should lebkuchen be stored?A: An airtight container is the best storage place for these. Layer the contents with either parchment or wax paper to keep them from sticking to one another.
• Q: Can I freeze lebkuchen?A: Indeed, lebkuchen retains its quality upon freezing. Wrap it closely and put it into a container that can go in the freezer.
• Q: Do I need special equipment to zest the lemon and orange?A Microplane or fine grater can be effectively used for zesting citrus fruits.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutes for honey: Use maple syrup or agave nectar in equal amounts.
Brown sugar: For a similar flavor, use white granulated sugar combined with a tablespoon of molasses.
Lemon zest: Substitute with extra orange zest if you desire a subtle twist in the citrus identity.
Ground nutmeg: Substitute with an equal amount of ground cinnamon.
Almonds, chopped: If you cannot find these, use walnuts or pecans instead.

Pro Tips

1. Infuse More Flavor into the Zests Before adding the lemon and orange zests to the honey and spice mixture, lightly rub them between your fingers or use a mortar and pestle. This releases their essential oils and intensifies their citrusy aroma.

2. Use Fresh Spices Freshly ground spices can make a big difference in the overall flavor profile of your cookies. Consider grinding whole spices like cloves and nutmeg yourself to enhance the fragrance and taste.

3. Cooling and Resting the Dough For optimal flavor and texture, let the spiced honey mixture cool to room temperature before incorporating the flour. Additionally, if time allows, let the dough rest overnight in the refrigerator. This enhances the flavors and firms up the dough, making it easier to work with.

4. Prevent Sticking The dough can be sticky to work with. Keeping your work surface and rolling pin lightly floured can help prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper for ease.

5. Chocolate Coating Tips When dipping cookies in melted chocolate, temper the chocolate for a smooth, shiny finish that snaps when you bite into it. If you don’t have tools for tempering, you can create a glossy appearance by adding a small amount of oil or butter to the chocolate before melting.