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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
No, brown sugar adds moisture.
Yes, but it adds extra sweetness.
Up to 2 weeks if stored well.
Yes, up to 3 months.
Use flax eggs and vegan butter.
About 25-30 cookies.
It's easier to shape.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

How to Make Homemade Lebkuchen Cookies
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 1x
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:
- Mix brown sugar, molasses, honey, and butter.
- Add eggs one by one, mixing each time.
- Sift other ingredients into mix.
- Add zests.
- Mix well.
- Fridge 30 mins.
Step 2 - Shaping:
- Make 40g pieces.
- Roll them round.
- Place on baking sheet.
Step 3 - Baking:
- Bake 15-20 mins at 325°F.
- Cookies should be golden.
- Cool 30 mins.
Step 4 - Glaze:
- Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Keep it light, not too thick.
- Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian
Food safety
- Store in a cool, dry place.
Vladimir.j
I could eat this everyday 🙂