Traditional German Lebkuchen Cookies

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Traditional German Lebkuchen Cookies.

1. Step 1

   To start your delightful cookie adventure, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the brown sugar, honey, and egg.

2. Step 2

   Use an electric mixer to beat these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

3. Step 3

   Next, gently stir in the dark molasses until everything is well blended.

4. Step 4

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground allspice, and baking soda.

5. Step 5

   Gradually add this fragrant dry mixture to your molasses blend, stirring until a sticky dough forms that’s just begging to be shaped.

6. Step 6

   Now it’s time to fold in the slivered almonds and finely chopped candied fruit peel, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough for that perfect bite.

7. Step 7

   Cover your dough with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight.

8. Step 8

   This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the dough to firm up, making it easier to work with.

9. Step 9

   The next day, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare your cookie sheets by greasing them or lining them with parchment paper.

10. Step 10

    On a lightly floured surface, roll out your chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick.

11. Step 11

    Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut the dough into 2x3 inch rectangles, placing them on the prepared cookie sheets with about 1 1/2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

12. Step 12

    Bake these delightful treats in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they turn a lovely light brown.

13. Step 13

    While the cookies are baking, let’s whip up a simple glaze.

14. Step 14

    In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

15. Step 15

    Gradually mix in the confectioners' sugar until your glaze is smooth and glossy, ready to add a sweet finish to your cookies.

16. Step 16

    Once the cookies are out of the oven and still warm, brush the glaze generously over the tops of each one, letting that citrusy sweetness shine through.

17. Step 17

    Finally, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them in an airtight container.

18. Step 18

    Enjoy the delightful aroma and the joy of sharing these delicious cookies with friends and family!.