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Lebkuchen German Christmas Cookies – Easy Tender Spiced Icing Treats

Lebkuchen German Christmas cookies - featured image
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Tender, spiced German Christmas cookies with a cake-like texture and aromatic spiced icing. These nostalgic treats are easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free blend)
  • 1 cup (120g) ground almonds or hazelnuts
  • 3/4 cup (170g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup (170g) honey
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) unsalted butter, melted (or dairy-free margarine)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • 1 tbsp finely grated orange zest (about 1 medium orange)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup (70g) chopped candied citrus peel or dried fruit
  • For the Spiced Icing:
  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ground almonds, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, honey, melted butter, eggs, and orange zest. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients. Blend until just combined; dough will be sticky and thick.
  5. Fold in chopped candied citrus peel or dried fruit, if using.
  6. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until edges are set and centers are slightly puffed. Cookies should be soft.
  8. Cool cookies on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
  9. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, vanilla, and salt for the icing. Adjust milk for desired consistency.
  10. Once cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spoon spiced icing over each cookie. Let icing set for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Chill dough for 15 minutes if too sticky. Do not overmix for tender cookies. Use fresh spices for best flavor. Let cookies cool completely before icing. Store in airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. For softer cookies, store with a slice of apple overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: Lebkuchen, German Christmas cookies, spiced cookies, holiday baking, traditional, easy, festive, nutty, gingerbread, icing, almond, hazelnut, cinnamon, cloves, orange zest

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/lebkuchen-german-christmas-cookies-recipe-easy-tender-spiced-icing-treats/