Description
Traditional German spice cookies made with honey, nuts, citrus zest, and warm spices. Glazed or dipped in chocolate, these festive treats are soft, chewy, and perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped almonds or hazelnuts
- Optional: 1/2 cup candied orange peel
- For Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk or water
- Optional: melted chocolate for dipping
Instructions
- In a saucepan, heat honey and molasses until just bubbling. Remove from heat.
- Stir in brown sugar and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Add egg, lemon zest, orange zest, and lemon juice. Mix well.
- Whisk dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, spices, salt) in a separate bowl.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Stir just until incorporated.
- Fold in nuts and candied peel (if using).
- Cover dough and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, place 2 inches apart, and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set. Cool on a wire rack.
- Dip in glaze or brush it on while warm. Optionally dip in melted chocolate.
Notes
- Flavor improves after 1–2 days of storage.
- Can be stored for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
- Freeze unglazed cookies and glaze before serving for best results.
- Traditional German Lebkuchen is often made on oblaten (edible wafers)—optional but authentic.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 126
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 62mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Lebkuchen, German cookies, holiday spice cookies, gingerbread alternative, glazed cookies