Easy German Lebkuchen Recipe – Traditional Gingerbread Cookies
**Looking for an easy yet delicious German Christmas cookie recipe?** This **Lebkuchen** recipe, a classic **German gingerbread** cookie, is packed with rich spices and honey, making it perfect for the holidays. The soft, chewy cookies are finished with a sweet glaze and make an ideal treat for gifting or enjoying with a hot drink. Let’s dive into making these festive treats!
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#### Ingredients:
**For the Lebkuchen:**
– **2 cups all-purpose flour** ????
– **1 teaspoon baking powder** ????
– **1 tablespoon ground ginger** ????
– **1 tablespoon ground cinnamon** ????
– **1/2 teaspoon ground cloves** ????
– **1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg** ????
– **1/4 teaspoon salt** ????
– **1 cup honey** ????
– **1/2 cup brown sugar** (packed) ????
– **1 large egg** ????
– **1/2 cup finely chopped nuts** (such as almonds or hazelnuts) ????
– **1/2 cup candied citrus peel** (optional) ????
**For the Glaze:**
– **1 cup powdered sugar** ????
– **2-3 tablespoons water** or **lemon juice** ????
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### Instructions:
#### 1. **Prepare the Dough:**
– In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking powder**, **ground ginger**, **cinnamon**, **ground cloves**, **nutmeg**, and **salt**. Set aside.
– In another bowl, combine **honey**, **brown sugar**, and **egg**. Stir until smooth and well combined.
#### 2. **Combine Mixtures:**
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
– Gently fold in the **chopped nuts** (almonds or hazelnuts) and **candied citrus peel** (if using) until evenly distributed.
#### 3. **Chill the Dough:**
– Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least **2 hours**, or preferably overnight. Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to handle.
#### 4. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)** and line a baking sheet with **parchment paper**.
#### 5. **Shape the Lebkuchen:**
– Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
– Flatten each cookie slightly with your hand to create a rounded shape.
#### 6. **Bake the Lebkuchen:**
– Bake the cookies for **10-12 minutes**, or until the edges are lightly browned. Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should remain soft in the center.
– Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
#### 7. **Prepare the Glaze:**
– In a small bowl, mix the **powdered sugar** with **water** or **lemon juice** until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if necessary.
#### 8. **Glaze the Lebkuchen:**
– Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle or gently brush the glaze over the top of each **Lebkuchen**. Allow the glaze to set before serving or storing.
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### Tips for the Best German Lebkuchen:
– **Storage:** Store the Lebkuchen in an **airtight container** for up to a week. These cookies often taste better after a day or two as the flavors continue to develop.
– **Variations:** For a different twist, you can **dip the cookies in chocolate** instead of glazing them or try adding other spices like **allspice** or **cardamom** to customize the flavor.
– **For a Softer Cookie:** If you prefer a softer texture, use a bit more honey or add a tablespoon of molasses to the dough.
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### Why You’ll Love This Lebkuchen Recipe:
– **Authentic Flavor:** Enjoy a classic **German gingerbread** experience with rich, fragrant spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
– **Perfect for the Holidays:** Whether you’re baking for a Christmas party, gift-giving, or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies are a festive treat.
– **Simple and Easy:** With easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.
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This **Easy German Lebkuchen Recipe** is a must-try for anyone who loves traditional gingerbread cookies. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet homemade gift, these soft, spiced treats are easy to make and sure to please everyone. Thanks to the **SEO-optimized keywords**, this recipe will attract those searching for festive, authentic gingerbread recipes. Enjoy!