These German gingerbread cookies, known as Lebkuchen, are warm and spicy treats that bring a smile to your face. They are soft and often decorated with icing, making them extra festive!
Making these cookies fills your kitchen with amazing smells. My favorite part is icing them with fun designs. Perfect for sharing during the holidays or enjoying with a cup of tea anytime!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour is essential for the structure of cookies. If you’re gluten-free, a gluten-free all-purpose blend works well too.
Honey: Honey gives these cookies their unique flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use maple syrup, but keep in mind it’ll slightly change the taste.
Spices: The blend of spices is what makes Lebkuchen special. Feel free to adjust based on your taste—adding cardamom can give it a nice twist!
Nuts: Walnuts or almonds are often used, but any favorite nut can work. If you’re nut-free, try adding seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy texture.
Candied Citrus Peel: This adds a nice zest. If you don’t have it, you could use dried fruit or just skip it altogether for a simpler cookie.
How Do I Achieve a Perfect Chocolate Glaze?
A smooth chocolate glaze adds a delicious finish to your gingerbread cookies. Here’s how to do it:
- Melt the chocolate along with oil or butter to create a glossy finish. Use a microwave at low power or a double boiler to avoid burning.
- Ensure your cookies are completely cooled before glazing so the chocolate doesn’t melt into the cookie.
- For the perfect dip, gently dip the top of the cookie into the chocolate, letting the excess drip back into the bowl.
- Place them on parchment paper to set. You can also brush the chocolate on for a more even layer.
Using these tips will help you achieve beautiful and tasty gingerbread cookies every time!
German Gingerbread Cookies (Lebkuchen) with Chocolate Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds recommended)
- 1/4 cup candied citrus peel, finely chopped (optional)
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 1 cup semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil or butter
For the Royal Icing Decoration:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon egg white (or meringue powder and water alternative)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe includes about 30 minutes of preparation time, followed by at least 2 hours of chilling time for the dough. You will also need about 12 minutes for baking. Allow additional time for cooling and icing the cookies, so plan for around 4-5 hours total to make delicious gingerbread cookies from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the spices: cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. This will ensure everything is evenly distributed.
2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter along with the granulated sugar until it becomes creamy. Then add the honey, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until all ingredients are well combined.
3. Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Stir until just incorporated—don’t overmix to keep the cookies tender!
4. Add Nuts and Citrus Peel:
Gently fold in the finely chopped nuts and the optional candied citrus peel. This adds a wonderful texture and flavor to the cookies.
5. Chill the Dough:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor. This helps the dough firm up so it’s easier to roll out.
6. Preheat and Prepare to Bake:
Once the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. If the dough is too sticky, you can sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
8. Cut the Cookies:
Use round cookie cutters to cut out your cookies. Place them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
9. Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. They should be lightly browned at the edges when done.
10. Cool the Cookies:
Remove them from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on wire racks. Don’t rush this step; allowing them to cool ensures your icing will stick properly!
11. Prepare the Chocolate Glaze:
To create the chocolate glaze, melt the chocolate chips with vegetable oil or butter in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler until smooth and fully melted.
12. Glaze the Cookies:
Once the cookies are cool, dip the top side of each cookie into the chocolate glaze or use a brush to apply the glaze. Place them back on the parchment paper to set.
13. Make the Royal Icing:
In a clean bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar with egg white and lemon juice until you achieve stiff peaks. Transfer this mixture to a piping bag fitted with a fine tip for easy decorating.
14. Decorate the Cookies:
After the chocolate glaze has set, pipe decorative designs onto the cookies. Be creative! You can create snowflake patterns, designs, or write festive messages.
15. Let the Icing Dry:
Finally, allow the royal icing to dry completely before storing the cookies in an airtight container. This will help keep them fresh and maintain their beautiful decorations!
Now, you can enjoy your traditional German Lebkuchen cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for festive occasions or cozy winter days!
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months—just thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling it out.
What If I Don’t Have Royal Icing Ingredients?
If you can’t find egg white or meringue powder, you can make a simple glaze using powdered sugar and water. Just mix until you achieve a thick consistency that can be piped but still smooth enough to spread. This won’t harden as firmly as royal icing but will work for decorating.
How Should I Store the Cookies?
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to stay fresher longer, you can refrigerate them for about 10-14 days. Just allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Use Other Sweeteners Instead of Honey?
Yes! While honey adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar. Keep in mind that these alternatives will change the flavor slightly, but they will still yield delicious cookies!
