Recipe
Homemade German Lebkuchen
Spiced Delights: Homemade German Lebkuchen Recipe
4.4 out of 5
Indulge in the rich flavors of German cuisine with this homemade Lebkuchen recipe. These spiced gingerbread-like cookies are a beloved treat during the holiday season in Germany.
Metadata
Preparation time
30 minutes
Cooking time
12-15 minutes
Total time
1 hour 45 minutes (including chilling time)
Yields
Makes approximately 24 Lebkuchen cookies
Preparation difficulty
Medium
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Nut-free (if almonds are omitted), Soy-free, Egg-free, Dairy-free (if dairy-free butter and milk substitutes are used)
Allergens
Almonds, Milk
Not suitable for
Gluten-free (contains all-purpose flour), Vegan (contains honey and butter)
Ingredients
-
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
-
1/2 cup (60g) ground almonds 1/2 cup (60g) ground almonds
-
1/2 cup (120g) honey 1/2 cup (120g) honey
-
1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
-
1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
-
1/4 cup (60ml) milk 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
-
1/4 cup (60ml) dark rum (optional) 1/4 cup (60ml) dark rum (optional)
-
1/4 cup (60g) candied citrus peel, finely chopped 1/4 cup (60g) candied citrus peel, finely chopped
-
1/4 cup (40g) raisins 1/4 cup (40g) raisins
-
1 tablespoon (15g) cocoa powder 1 tablespoon (15g) cocoa powder
-
1 teaspoon (5g) ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cinnamon
-
1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground cloves
-
1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground nutmeg
-
1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground ginger
-
1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) baking powder 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) baking powder
-
1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) baking soda 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) baking soda
-
Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
- Fat: 5g (1g saturated)
- Carbohydrates: 25g (15g sugars)
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Salt: 0.1g
Preparation
-
1.In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, ground almonds, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
-
2.In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, melted butter, milk, and rum (if using) until well combined.
-
3.Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a thick dough forms.
-
4.Fold in the candied citrus peel and raisins.
-
5.Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
-
6.Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
7.Take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
-
8.Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
-
9.Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
-
10.Remove from the oven and let the Lebkuchen cool completely on a wire rack.
-
11.Once cooled, you can optionally glaze the Lebkuchen with a thin layer of sugar icing.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Almonds — Make sure to use ground almonds for a finer texture in the cookies.
- Candied citrus peel — Finely chop the candied citrus peel to evenly distribute the flavor throughout the dough.
- Rum — The addition of rum is optional but adds a subtle depth of flavor to the Lebkuchen.
- Honey — Use a good quality honey for the best flavor in the cookies.
- Cocoa powder — Use unsweetened cocoa powder to balance the sweetness of the Lebkuchen.
Tips & Tricks
- For a spicier flavor, increase the amount of ginger and cloves.
- If you prefer a softer texture, store the Lebkuchen in an airtight container for a day or two before serving.
- You can decorate the glazed Lebkuchen with colorful sprinkles or chopped nuts for added visual appeal.
- To make the cookies more festive, use cookie cutters to shape the dough into different holiday-themed designs.
- If you don't have candied citrus peel, you can substitute it with finely grated orange or lemon zest.
Serving advice
Serve the Lebkuchen with a cup of hot tea or mulled wine for a cozy and festive treat. They are perfect for holiday gatherings or as edible gifts.
Presentation advice
Arrange the Lebkuchen on a decorative platter or in a festive tin. Dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
More recipes...
For Lebkuchen
For German cuisine » Browse all
More German cuisine dishes » Browse all
Hausfreunde
Hausfreunde is a traditional German dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This dish is a combination of potatoes, bacon, and onions, all...
Zigeunerschnitzel
Gypsy Schnitzel
Zigeunerschnitzel is a traditional German dish that is perfect for a hearty meal. This delicious dish consists of a breaded and fried pork cutlet...
Flädle
Flädle is a German pancake that is similar to a crepe. It is a popular dish in Southern Germany and Austria.