If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, spicy treat that perfectly captures the essence of holiday warmth, you’ll absolutely want to try my Lebkuchen Cookies with Spiced Glaze Recipe. These delightfully soft cookies have a wonderfully rich blend of spices and a shiny, tangy glaze that makes every bite a little celebration. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these Lebkuchen cookies will become your go-to for gifting and snacking all season long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Flavor with a Twist: A perfect blend of traditional spices with a fresh citrus kick from orange and lemon zest.
- Soft & Chewy Texture: Unlike many crunchy gingerbread cookies, these stay tender thanks to ground almonds and honey.
- Beautiful, Glazed Finish: The spiced glaze adds a subtle tang and shiny look that’s just irresistible.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These cookies actually get better as they rest, making them ideal for prepping early and enjoying later or sharing as gifts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Lebkuchen Cookies with Spiced Glaze Recipe lies in the harmony of deep, warm spices and mellow sweeteners like honey and muscovado sugar. I always recommend choosing high-quality fresh spices and soft brown sugar for that rich flavor. Also, using ground almonds helps keep the dough tender while adding just a bit of nuttiness.
- Honey: I like using good quality, mild honey so it blends well without overpowering.
- Dark Soft Brown Sugar (Muscovado): Adds a rich molasses note; don’t swap it for lighter sugars if you want authentic flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter melts right into the mix, giving you perfect dough consistency.
- Orange and Lemon Zest: These brighten and balance the spices, so don’t skip them.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Both help the cookies rise just enough for soft chewiness.
- Ground Spices (Cinnamon, Allspice, Ginger, Cloves, Nutmeg, White Pepper): The star of the show, creating that complex, spiced warmth.
- Egg: Binds everything together for a soft texture.
- Flour: All-purpose works perfectly here for structure.
- Ground Almonds (Almond Flour): Keeps the cookies tender and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Just a bit to moisten if your dough feels dry.
- Vegetable Oil: To lightly grease your bowl so dough won’t stick during resting.
- Powdered Sugar, Lemon Juice, Vanilla Extract, Rum (optional): For the slightly tangy, spiced glaze that coats the cookies.
- Decorative Sprinkles, Flaked Almonds: Optional, but I love how they make these cookies look festive and inviting.
- Orange Peel Strips: Great for storing in your cookie tin to infuse a subtle freshness.
Variations
I love tweaking this Lebkuchen Cookies with Spiced Glaze Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. For example, sometimes I’ll swap rum in the glaze for brandy or omit it altogether if I’m making these for kids. You can customize how spicy or sweet you want the cookies to be or even add a chocolate coating for extra indulgence.
- Chocolate-Coated Lebkuchen: I discovered this trick last year—dipping cookies in melted dark chocolate adds richness and keeps them soft longer.
- Nut-Free Option: You can omit ground almonds and use more flour, but the texture will be a bit firmer.
- Gluten-Free: I haven’t tried this yet, but swapping regular flour with a gluten-free blend plus a binder like xanthan gum could work.
- Extra Zesty: Add more lemon zest or a splash of orange liqueur for mega citrus flavor—great for those who like it fresh and bright.
How to Make Lebkuchen Cookies with Spiced Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Warm the Honey and Sugar
Start by combining your honey and dark soft brown sugar in a mixing bowl. I like to microwave them in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until the sugar dissolves into the honey. This not only speeds up mixing later but gives you that gorgeous, rich base flavor. Stir with a wooden spoon until everything looks smooth and luscious.
Step 2: Add Butter, Zests, and Spices
Drop in the cubed unsalted butter and your fresh orange and lemon zest. Stir gently while the residual heat helps melt the butter—this is where your kitchen starts smelling divine! Next, whisk in your baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and all those wonderful spices: cinnamon, allspice, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and a pinch of white pepper if you’re using it. Finally, crack in the beaten egg and mix everything together until combined and fragrant.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour and Almonds
Now it’s time for the dry stuff: the flour and ground almonds. Add them gradually and mix until you get a soft, slightly sticky dough. If it feels too dry, add a tablespoon of lemon juice—this trick makes a world of difference for the dough’s moisture and balance. I like to lightly oil my spatula or hands to help gather the dough without it sticking everywhere.
Step 4: Rest the Dough
This step really brings out the flavors. Cover your oiled mixing bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rest at room temperature for at least one hour, or even overnight if you can wait that long. I promise you’ll notice a deeper, richer taste and easier handling after the rest.
Step 5: Roll, Shape, and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Divide the dough into thirds and roll each portion out on a silicone baking mat to about 2cm thick. I find that rolling on silicone keeps the dough from sticking without extra flour, which keeps cookies tender. Use your favorite cookie cutters—rounds, stars, hearts—and place them on the mat spaced out. Bake for about 12 minutes until just set but still soft.
Step 6: Prepare and Apply the Spiced Glaze
While your cookies bake, mix powdered sugar, a tablespoon of lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a splash of rum if you’re using it, aiming for a thin, shiny glaze. Brush this onto your warm cookies right after they come out of the oven. I like to add a second layer once the first has dried for extra sparkle. If you’re feeling fancy, toss on some sanding sugar, sprinkles, or flaked almonds at this stage.
Step 7: Cool and Store
Let your Lebkuchen cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Store them in a cake tin layered with parchment paper and don’t forget to tuck in a few strips of orange peel. This little hint of citrus in the tin keeps your Lebkuchen fresh and infuses them with extra aroma over time. The best part? These cookies actually get tastier the longer you keep them!
Pro Tips for Making Lebkuchen Cookies with Spiced Glaze Recipe
- Warm Ingredients First: Mildly warming honey and sugar ensures smooth mixing and enhances flavor melding.
- Don’t Skip the Resting: Resting the dough for at least an hour softens it and deepens the spice infusion.
- Use Silicone Mats for Rolling: This eliminates the need for extra flour and keeps dough tender.
- Glaze While Warm: Applying glaze immediately after baking helps it soak in and set with a lovely sheen.
How to Serve Lebkuchen Cookies with Spiced Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple and sprinkle a bit of sanding sugar or toasted flaked almonds on top right after glazing — it adds the perfect bit of crunch and festivity. But during the holidays, I love decorating some with colorful sprinkles for the kids or even a light dusting of cinnamon sugar for a gentle extra warm note.
Side Dishes
These Lebkuchen cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of mulled spiced tea or a creamy hot chocolate. At family gatherings, I often serve them alongside slices of dense fruitcake or a cheese platter with mild cheeses and dried fruits — the spiced cookies balance richness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
One year, I wrapped stacks of Lebkuchen cookies in parchment tied with twine and tucked sprigs of fresh rosemary beneath the string — guests thought it was so charming and it filled the air with an extra layer of aroma. Another time, I arranged the cookies on a festive platter layered with orange slices and sugared cranberries for a holiday party centerpiece that doubled as dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always store leftover Lebkuchen cookies in a tin lined with parchment paper, separating each layer with fresh orange peel strips. I learned this from my grandmother—it keeps the cookies moist and fragrant for up to two weeks! Just avoid airtight containers without the peel, or they can get a bit too soft.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead for the holidays, these cookies freeze beautifully. I flash freeze them first on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe zip bag. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight at room temperature and refresh the glaze if needed. They keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Warm your leftover Lebkuchen cookies in a low oven (about 275°F/135°C) for 5 minutes to bring back that freshly baked aroma and soft texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy or rubbery. A gentle oven heat does the trick every time!
FAQs
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Can I make Lebkuchen Cookies with Spiced Glaze Recipe vegan?
While traditional Lebkuchen includes honey, butter, and egg, you could experiment with vegan substitutes like plant-based butter, flaxseed egg, and maple syrup or agave instead of honey. Keep in mind the texture and spice balance might change slightly, so testing smaller batches first is a good idea.
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How long do Lebkuchen cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight tin with orange peel strips, Lebkuchen cookies can stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. Their texture actually improves after a day or two, as the spices meld and the dough softens.
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What if my dough is too sticky to roll out?
If your dough feels too sticky, dust your silicone mat lightly with flour or refrigerate the dough wrapped in cling film for 30 minutes. You can also add a touch more flour, but be careful not to add too much or your cookies could turn dry.
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Can I substitute the ground almonds with another nut?
Yes, ground hazelnuts or walnuts would work nicely and add a slightly different flavor profile. I’d avoid chopped nuts since they can affect the dough’s texture. Always use finely ground nuts for best results.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Lebkuchen Cookies with Spiced Glaze Recipe brings a little slice of festive magic into my kitchen every year. The balance of spices, the soft texture, and that beautiful glaze make it feel like a warm hug from the holidays—perfect for sharing with friends and family. If you’ve been searching for a cookie recipe that’s both traditional and a little special, this one’s a keeper. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become one of your favorites too!
Print
Lebkuchen Cookies with Spiced Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
- Yield: 30 – 40 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Description
Traditional German Lebkuchen cookies are a deliciously spiced honey cake perfect for the festive season. Made with warm spices, ground almonds, and a sweet honey base, these soft and chewy treats are glazed with a tangy lemon icing and can be decorated with sprinkles or almonds, making them a delightful holiday gift or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Lebkuchen
- ½ cup (170 g) honey
- 1 cup (200 g) dark soft brown sugar (Muscovado sugar)
- ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ½ tsp ground allspice
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp grated nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp white pepper (optional)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose / plain flour
- 1 cup (100 g) ground almonds (almond flour)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (use only if dough is a bit dry)
- 1 tsp vegetable oil (for the bowl)
For the glaze
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (icing sugar)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or to taste (adjust as needed)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp rum (optional)
To decorate (optional)
- Sprinkles or sanding sugar
- Flaked almonds
To store
- Orange peel strips
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Measure the honey and dark brown sugar in a mixing bowl and heat in the microwave in 30-second bursts. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the sugar dissolves completely. Add the cubed unsalted butter and orange zest, stirring until the butter melts into the mixture.
- Add leavening, spices, and egg: Stir in the baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, allspice, ground ginger, ground cloves, grated nutmeg, white pepper (if using), lemon zest, and the beaten egg, mixing well until evenly combined.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and ground almonds to the wet mixture. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to achieve the right consistency.
- Rest the dough: Lightly oil a spatula or your hands and gather the dough into a ball. Place it in a bowl coated with vegetable oil, cover with a towel, and allow it to rest at room temperature for at least one hour or preferably overnight to develop flavor and texture.
- Preheat oven & prepare glaze: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). While waiting, mix the powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and rum (if using) in a bowl until you get a thin, runny glaze.
- Shape and bake cookies: Divide the rested dough into three portions. Roll each portion on a silicone baking mat to approximately 2 cm thick. Cut into shapes such as rounds, stars, or hearts. Place the cookies spaced apart on the mat and bake for 12 minutes until done. Repeat with remaining dough, re-gathering scraps and rolling again as needed.
- Glaze and decorate: Transfer the warm cookies carefully to a wire rack and brush the first layer of glaze over them. Allow the glaze to dry, then apply a second layer if desired. Decorate with sprinkles, sanding sugar, or flaked almonds while the glaze is still wet. For a chocolate glaze option, see notes.
- Store properly: Once completely cooled and glazed, store the cookies in a cake tin separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. Add strips of orange peel to the tin to enhance flavor. Lebkuchen improve in taste over time, making them excellent for gifting.
Notes
- Chocolate glaze option: To cover Lebkuchen in chocolate, melt ½ cup (90 g) dark chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bowl’s base doesn’t touch the water. Remove from heat when chips have almost melted, add another ½ cup (90 g) chocolate chips, and stir gently until fully melted. Dip the cooled cookies into the chocolate and place on a wire rack to set before storing.
- Resting the dough overnight enhances flavor and texture.
- Adjust lemon juice in glaze to get the perfect consistency—too thick will prevent easy glazing.
- Use a silicone mat or parchment paper for easy removal when baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 25 g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1.2 g
- Protein: 2.5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
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