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+ servings

Lebkuchen - German Gingerbread Cookies

Jeremy Nolen
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine Austrian, Bavarian, German
Servings 6 people

Ingredients
  

For the cookies:

  • 1/3 cup 110 g honey
  • 3/4 cup 250 g unsulfured molasses
  • 4 cups 560 g all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup 170 g unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for preparing the pan
  • 1/4 cup 55 g firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tbsp spice mix page 212
  • 1 tsp grated orange zest
  • 1 tsp chopped candied lemon
  • 2 eggs

For the glaze:

  • 2 cups 240 g confectioners’ sugar
  • Grated zest of 1 orange
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt

Instructions
 

Prepare the Honey-Molasses Mixture

  • In a small saucepan, combine the honey and molasses over high heat and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

  • In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

  • In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

Mix Wet Ingredients

  • Add the spice mix, orange zest, and candied lemon to the cooled honey-molasses mixture. Stir well, then pour into the butter-sugar mixture. On low speed, beat until well combined, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, add the eggs, and beat on medium speed until fully mixed.

Form the Dough

  • Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture on low speed and beat until a soft, sticky dough forms. If necessary, add more flour, a spoonful at a time, to achieve the right consistency. Pour the dough into a container, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight.

Prepare the Oven and Pan

  • The next day, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and butter a large sheet pan.

Shape and Bake the Cookies

  • Scoop the dough into golf-ball-sized portions and place them on the prepared sheet pan, spacing them about 2 inches (5 cm) apart. Bake the cookies until golden but slightly gooey in the center, about 10–15 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool completely.

Make the Glaze

  • In a small bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until a thick, free-flowing glaze forms.

Glaze the Cookies

  • Spoon about 1 tablespoon of glaze onto each cookie and let dry at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Store the Cookies

  • Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Keyword german, german cuisine, german food, german recipes
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