Authentic German Lebkuchen

When the crisp air of fall sweeps in and the leaves start to turn, I can’t help but think of baking my favorite holiday treat: Authentic German Lebkuchen. This traditional German cookie, often associated with Christmas, has a special charm that transports me back to my childhood. It reminds me of cozy afternoons spent in the kitchen with my family, laughter filling the air as the sweet aromas of spices and chocolate wafted from the oven. Each bite of these spiced cookies brings warmth and nostalgia, making them a must-have during the holiday season.

Authentic German Lebkuchen Ingredients

The ingredients for Authentic German Lebkuchen come together to create a symphony of flavors. Each component plays a vital role, with the almond flour and hazelnut flour bringing a nutty richness, while the brown sugar and honey provide a delightful sweetness. The blend of spices, particularly Lebkuchengewürz, gives the cookies their signature taste, while the candied peels add a splash of color and flavor. This harmonious mix is what makes these cookies so irresistible.

• 5 large eggs – Essential for binding the ingredients and creating a moist texture.
• 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar – Adds sweetness and a rich flavor to the cookies.
• 1/4 cup honey – Contributes a natural sweetness and moisture.
• 1 teaspoon quality pure vanilla extract – Enhances the cookie’s flavor profile.
• 2 cups almond flour – Provides a nutty base and gluten-free option.
• 2 cups hazelnut flour – Adds depth and a delicious nutty flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Gives the cookies a light texture.
• 3 teaspoons Lebkuchengewürz – The star of the show, bringing warmth and spice.
• 4 ounces candied lemon peel – Adds a burst of citrus flavor.
• 4 ounces candied orange peel – Complements the lemon peel with its sweetness.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for coating) – Prevents candied peels from sticking together.
• Backoblaten (either 70mm or 90mm) – The traditional base for the cookies.
• Blanched whole almonds, cut in half lengthwise – For decoration.
• For the Chocolate Glaze:
• 3 ounces quality dark or milk chocolate – For a rich chocolate coating.
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil (or oil of choice) – Helps smooth the chocolate.
• For the Sugar Glaze:
• 1 cup sifted powdered sugar – For a sweet, glossy finish.
• 3 tablespoons water or milk – To create the glaze consistency.

Making This Authentic German Lebkuchen

Let’s dive into the delightful process of making Authentic German Lebkuchen. Follow these steps and you’ll be rewarded with a batch of fragrant cookies that will make your home feel like a cozy bakery.

1. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F. This low temperature allows the cookies to bake evenly without drying out. Make sure your oven is properly calibrated for the best results.

2. Toss the candied lemon and orange peel with about 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour in a bowl. This helps prevent them from sticking together later. After that, pulse them in a food processor until finely minced. Set this mixture aside to use later.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until they are foamy. This aeration helps create a lighter texture in the cookies. Add in the brown sugar, honey, and vanilla extract, and beat until everything is combined smoothly.

4. Next, incorporate the almond flour, hazelnut flour, salt, baking powder, and Lebkuchengewürz into the mixture. Stir vigorously until everything is thoroughly combined.

5. The mixture will be quite wet, but if it’s too thin to scoop easily, feel free to add a bit more almond or hazelnut meal until it reaches a better consistency.

6. Scoop the mixture onto the Backoblaten, smoothing down the tops. Leave just a slight space around the edges as they will spread a little while baking. Place them on a lined cookie sheet.

7. Now, bake the cookies on the middle rack of the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You want them to be firm to the touch and lightly golden, so keep an eye on them as they approach the end of the baking time.

8. Once baked, remove the cookie sheet from the oven and allow the Lebkuchen to cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling process lets the flavors settle and develop.

9. When they are fully cooled, set a wire rack over a cookie sheet to catch the drippings. Dip half of each cookie in the chocolate glaze and the other half in the sugar glaze. Allow the excess to drip back into the bowl.

10. While the glazes are still wet, arrange 3 almonds on top of each cookie for decoration. This adds an elegant touch and a little nutty crunch.

11. Let the glazed cookies dry completely until the glaze hardens. Once set, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for weeks. The flavor will continue to improve over time!

Helpful Hints

Here are some handy tips to help you perfect your Authentic German Lebkuchen.

• Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three weeks for the best flavor.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked cookies. Just make sure they are completely cooled and sealed tightly in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
• Pairing: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of spiced tea or coffee. The warmth complements the flavors beautifully.
• Decorating: Get creative with your decorating! Try adding colored sprinkles or different nuts on top of the glaze for a festive touch.
• Substitutions: If you want a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Test for Doneness: Make sure to check the cookies as they bake; they should be slightly firm to the touch.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying Authentic German Lebkuchen, the options are endless. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Festive Occasions: Serve these cookies during Christmas gatherings or holiday parties to impress your guests.
• Gift Ideas: Package Lebkuchen in decorative boxes as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
• Coffee Break: Pair these cookies with your favorite coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Seasonal Treat: Enjoy these cookies not only in winter but also during any fall gathering to embrace the seasonal flavors.
• Decorative Platter: Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter for a striking centerpiece during holiday meals.
• With Other Desserts: Serve alongside other festive desserts, such as stollen, for a comprehensive holiday dessert table.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Authentic German Lebkuchen are more than just cookies; they are a delightful tradition that brings warmth and joy during the holiday season. With their rich flavors and delightful textures, they are sure to become a favorite in your home. I encourage you to try making these delicious cookies, whether for yourself or as thoughtful gifts to share. They embody the spirit of the holidays, and I’m sure you’ll love them as much as I do!

Authentic German Lebkuchen

The ultimate comfort food, Authentic German Lebkuchen are spiced cookies that bring warmth and nostalgia to your holiday season. With hints of citrus and rich spices, these easy-to-make cookies will leave your taste buds craving more. Perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own, make a batch tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine German

Servings 35 lebkuchen

Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

• Food Processor
• Cookie Sheet
• Wire Rack
• Backoblaten

Ingredients

  

• 5 large Eggs
• 1.25 cups Packed brown sugar
• 0.25 cups Honey
• 1 teaspoon Quality pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups Almond flour
• 2 cups Hazelnut flour
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Baking powder
• 3 teaspoons Lebkuchengewürz
• 4 ounces Candied lemon peel
• 4 ounces Candied orange peel
• 0.25 cups All-purpose flour (for coating)
• 1 Backoblaten either 70mm or 90mm
• Blanched whole almonds (cut in half lengthwise)
• 3 ounces Quality dark or milk chocolate for the chocolate glaze
• 2 teaspoons Coconut oil (or oil of choice) do not use butter
• 1 cup Sifted powdered sugar for the sugar glaze
• 3 tablespoons Water or milk to create the glaze consistency

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F.
• Toss the candied lemon and orange peel with about 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to prevent them from sticking. Pulse in a food processor until finely minced. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until foamy. Add brown sugar, honey, and vanilla extract, and beat until combined.
• Incorporate the almond flour, hazelnut flour, salt, baking powder, and Lebkuchengewürz into the mixture. Stir until thoroughly combined.
• If the mixture is too wet to scoop, add more almond or hazelnut meal to reach a better consistency.
• Scoop the mixture onto the Backoblaten, smoothing down the tops, and place on a lined cookie sheet.
• Bake on the middle rack for 25 to 30 minutes until firm to touch and lightly golden.
• Once baked, cool completely on a wire rack.
• Dip half of each cookie in the chocolate glaze and the other half in the sugar glaze. Let excess drip back into the bowl.
• While the glaze is still wet, arrange 3 almonds on top of each cookie.
• Let the cookies dry completely until the glaze hardens. Store in an airtight container.

Notes

• Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container for several weeks.
• Freezing: Can freeze cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container.
• Pairing: Great with coffee or tea.
• Decorating: Try adding sprinkles or different nuts.
• Substitutions: Use a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
• Test for Doneness: Cookies should be firm to touch and golden.

Keyword German cookies, holiday baking, Lebkuchen recipe, spiced cookies

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Meet Hanna Hart

I am obsessed with the “how” and “why” of cooking. It doesn’t matter if we are roasting a chicken or baking brownies; I am the one double-checking our measurements and cooking times. I love working on every type of cuisine and finding the absolute best method to get the results we want. I treat every recipe with the same level of care and dedication.