Description
Warm spices, soft texture, and nostalgic charm — Traditional German Lebkuchen is the ultimate holiday cookie. Perfect for anyone looking for easy dessert ideas, holiday baking recipes, or a festive homemade gift, these cookies combine cinnamon, cloves, and honey into chewy, beautifully iced treats. Whether you’re after a quick baking project, a cozy winter snack, or something to impress on a dessert table, Lebkuchen delivers every time. The comforting aroma and soft bite will make this your go-to Christmas cookie recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup candied orange or lemon peel (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk (for icing)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, gently heat honey, brown sugar, and butter until melted and smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Stir in spices and salt, then beat in the egg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda.
- Add dry ingredients to the honey mixture and mix until combined.
- Fold in nuts and candied peel, if using.
- Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough to 1/4 inch thick and cut into desired shapes.
- Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Let cookies cool completely.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze. Decorate cookies as desired.