Homemade German Lebkuchen

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. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, ground almonds, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, melted butter, milk, and rum (if using) until well combined.
3. 3.
   Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a thick dough forms.
4. 4.
   Fold in the candied citrus peel and raisins.
5. 5.
   Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. 7.
   Take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
8. 8.
   Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
9. 9.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let the Lebkuchen cool completely on a wire rack.
11. 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.