German gingerbread cookies, or Lebkuchen, are sweet and spicy treats perfect for the holidays. With a mix of warm spices, honey, and nuts, they bring a cozy feeling to any gathering!
These cookies are fun to decorate with icing! I love making a batch, sharing them with friends, and even sneaking a few before dinner. Trust me, they’re always a hit! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for the cookie structure. If you need a gluten-free option, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It works nicely, too!
Honey: Honey adds a wonderful sweetness and moistness. If you’re out of honey, maple syrup is a decent substitute, though it may slightly change the flavor.
Spices: The blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg gives Lebkuchen its signature flavor. Feel free to adjust the spices based on personal preference or even experiment with adding some cardamom!
Nuts: Chopped almonds or walnuts add crunch and flavor. If you have nut allergies, you can skip them or swap in sunflower seeds for a similar texture.
Candied Citrus Peel: These add a festive touch and zing! If you can’t find them, try using dried cranberries or raisins for sweetness, or simply leave them out.
How Do I Get My Cookies to Hold Their Shape?
A common challenge is making sure your gingerbread shapes hold nicely while baking. The key lies in the dough’s chilling process and thickness before cutting.
- After mixing, wrap the dough tightly and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight. This helps the dough firm up.
- When rolling out, aim for 1/4 inch thick. Not too thin, or they might spread out too much in the oven.
- Keep the cookies uniform in thickness for even baking. Use a ruler if you’re precise!
Follow these tips, and your cookies will come out looking great and tasting even better. Happy baking!
How to Make German Gingerbread Cookies (Lebkuchen)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 cup honey
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup candied citrus peel (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk or lemon juice
- Cocoa or melted chocolate (for glaze)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 2 hours to chill the dough. Baking will take around 10-12 minutes, and then you’ll want some time to cool the cookies before decorating. Plan for about 3-4 hours total, including chilling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and ginger. This step creates a flavorful base for your gingerbread cookies.
2. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. It’s crucial for getting your cookies nice and soft!
3. Combining Wet Ingredients:
Next, mix in the honey and eggs one at a time, along with the vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Forming the Dough:
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to mix until a dough forms. You can also use a hand mixer on low speed if you have one. If you’re adding chopped nuts or candied peel, fold them in now.
5. Chilling the Dough:
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you prefer. This resting time is important as it helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle.
6. Prepping for Baking:
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
7. Rolling Out the Dough:
Roll the chilled dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a rolling pin for an even thickness. The thickness is important for getting that perfect cookie texture!
8. Cutting the Shapes:
Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into your desired shapes. Traditional shapes include hearts, stars, and gingerbread people!
9. Baking the Cookies:
Place the cookies on your prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are firm but not overbaked. Keep an eye on them—they can go from perfect to overdone quickly!
10. Cooling:
After baking, carefully remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Waiting is the hardest part!
11. Making the Glaze:
While your cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice until it reaches a smooth icing consistency. You can make it thicker or thinner to your liking!
12. Decorating the Cookies:
For a chocolate glaze, melt chocolate and dip or spread it over your cookies. Use your icing piping to make fun designs like snowflakes, lines, or festive patterns. Get creative!
13. Letting Set:
Set the decorated cookies aside to allow the icing to harden up before devouring or storing them. This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
Enjoy your delicious and beautifully decorated German Gingerbread Cookies (Lebkuchen) during the holidays or any time you crave something sweet! They also make great gifts for friends and family! 🎄🍪
Can I Use Different Nuts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While the traditional recipe calls for almonds or walnuts, you can use any nuts you prefer or have on hand, such as pecans or hazelnuts. If you’re avoiding nuts, feel free to skip them altogether!
How Do I Store These Cookies?
Once fully cooled and decorated, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months!
Can I Reduce the Sugar in This Recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the brown sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar contributes to the cookies’ texture and moisture. You could also try using a sugar substitute that measures like sugar if you’re looking for a lower-sugar option.
What If I Don’t Have Cookie Cutters?
No worries! You can use a sharp knife to cut the dough into squares, rectangles, or freehand shapes. Alternatively, you can use any small cups or glasses to make round cookies. Just ensure they are evenly sized for consistent baking!
