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Home » Recipes » Cookies

How to Make Homemade Lebkuchen Cookies

Published: Sep 8, 2023 · Modified: Sep 18, 2023 by Sandrine Pearson · This post may contain affiliate links

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Want to bake something special? Try Lebkuchen. These German cookies are a mix of sweet, spicy, and a little nutty. You won't stop at one!

there is some Lebkuchen on a table top.

Lebkuchen is a hit during Christmas. Want more holiday treats? Try my Gingerbread Bread, Cinnamon Palmiers or Learn How to Make Nougat!

Jump to:
  • PREFER TO WATCH INSTEAD OF READ?
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Substitutions
  • Variations
  • Equipment
  • Storage
  • Top tip
  • FAQ
  • Related
  • How to Make Homemade Lebkuchen Cookies
  • Food safety

PREFER TO WATCH INSTEAD OF READ?

Ingredients

  • Brown Sugar
  • Honey
  • Molasses
  • Butter
  • Eggs
  • Flour
  • Ground Almonds
  • Ginger
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Allspice
  • Clove
  • Baking Powder
  • Bicarbonate of Soda
  • Salt
  • Lemon Zest
  • Orange Zest
  • Icing Sugar
  • Lemon Juice

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Mixing wet ingredients for Lebkuchen dough.

Prepare the Dough
Mix brown sugar, molasses, honey, and butter. Add eggs one by one.

Adding dry ingredients and zests to the mix.

Sift and Mix
Sift dry ingredients into the wet mix. Add zests and stir well.

Chilled Lebkuchen dough ready for shaping.

Cool the Dough
Put the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Raw Lebkuchen dough balls on a baking sheet.

Shape Cookies
Make 40g dough balls. Place them on a baking sheet.

ebkuchen dough balls on a baking sheet in the oven.

Bake the Cookies
Bake at 325°F for 15-20 minutes. Cool them down.

Glazing the Lebkuchen cookies.

Glaze
Whisk icing sugar and lemon juice for the glaze. Coat cookies.

A bited Lebkuchen on a table top.

Hint: For the best flavor, let the cookies sit a day before eating. The spices blend well over time.

Substitutions

To make it vegan, use flax eggs and vegan butter.

Variations

Add chopped hazelnuts or dip in chocolate.

Equipment

A hand mixer and a sifter are key.

Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Freezing? Wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months.

Top tip

Don't overmix the dough. It keeps the cookies soft.

FAQ

Can I use white sugar?

No, brown sugar adds moisture.

Is the glaze optional?

Yes, but it adds extra sweetness.

How long do they last?

Up to 2 weeks if stored well.

Can I freeze Lebkuchen?

Yes, up to 3 months.

Vegan options?

Use flax eggs and vegan butter.

How many cookies does this make?

About 25-30 cookies.

Why chill the dough?

It's easier to shape.

Related

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there is some Lebkuchen on a table top.

How to Make Homemade Lebkuchen Cookies

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Bake delicious Lebkuchen cookies with ease. This German classic is perfect for the holidays. Simple steps, vegan options available. 

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 25-30 cookies

Ingredients

150g Brown Sugar

130g Honey

50g Molasses

50g Butter

2 Eggs

300g Flour

150g Ground Almonds

2 tsp Ginger

1 tsp Cinnamon

¼ tsp Nutmeg

¼ tsp Allspice

⅛ tsp Clove

½ tsp Baking Powder

¼ tsp Bicarbonate of Soda

½ tsp Salt

Zest of ½ Lemon

Zest of ½ Orange

75g Icing Sugar

20-25ml Lemon Juice

Instructions

Step 1 - Cookie:

  1. Mix brown sugar, molasses, honey, and butter.
  2. Add eggs one by one, mixing each time.
  3. Sift other ingredients into mix.
  4. Add zests.
  5. Mix well.
  6. Fridge 30 mins.

Step 2 - Shaping:

  1. Make 40g pieces.
  2. Roll them round.
  3. Place on baking sheet.

Step 3 - Baking:

  1. Bake 15-20 mins at 325°F.
  2. Cookies should be golden.
  3. Cool 30 mins.

Step 4 - Glaze:

  1. Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice.
  2. Keep it light, not too thick.
  3. Enjoy!
  • Author: Sandrine Pearson
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: German
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Food safety

  • Store in a cool, dry place.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Vladimir.j

    September 11, 2023 at 5:55 pm

    I could eat this everyday 🙂

    Reply

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Hi there, I'm Sandrine!

I'm a professionally-trained pastry chef, and here at Whipped, I share unique dessert recipes and baking tips to help you bake with confidence. If you looking for me, I'm always in the kitchen (even in my dreams!)

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