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Classic Cozy Lebkuchen Cookies

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These classic cozy Lebkuchen cookies offer a perfect balance of chewy and tender texture with warm spices and a sweet glaze, ideal for holiday baking and sharing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey
  • 1/4 cup (85 g) molasses
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts (optional)
  • For the glaze:
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or orange juice)
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

  1. Prep the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom (if using), and salt.
  2. Cream butter and sweeteners: Beat softened butter with honey and molasses until light and fluffy.
  3. Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  4. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing on low speed or folding gently. Fold in chopped nuts if using.
  5. Chill the dough: Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions, roll into balls, and flatten slightly on prepared baking sheets. Alternatively, roll dough 1/4 inch thick and cut shapes.
  7. Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until edges are firm but centers remain soft.
  8. Cool: Transfer cookies to wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
  9. Prepare the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and honey until smooth and pourable.
  10. Glaze the cookies: Brush or drizzle glaze over cooled cookies and let set for about 30 minutes.

Notes

Use fresh spices for best flavor. Chill dough to control spreading and develop flavor. Avoid overbaking to keep cookies soft. Adjust glaze consistency with powdered sugar or juice. Test bake one cookie to check oven and texture. Nuts can be swapped for seeds or omitted for allergy concerns.

Nutrition

Keywords: Lebkuchen, holiday cookies, German cookies, spiced cookies, honey cookies, Christmas baking, chewy cookies

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/classic-cozy-lebkuchen-cookies-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-perfect-holiday-baking/