Go Back
Traditional German Lebkuchen cookies drizzled with chocolate glaze, perfect for the holidays.

German Lebkuchen Cookies

These soft and cozy German Lebkuchen cookies, spiced with ginger and cloves, are perfect for the holiday season, providing warmth and sweetness in every bite.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: German
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Core ingredients
  • 1 cup Honey Use a mild honey for a balanced flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar Dark brown sugar yields a deeper flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Butter Regular butter works well.
  • 1 large Egg Holds everything together.
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour Regular flour works great.
  • 1 tbsp Baking powder Helps cookies puff slightly.
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon Basic spice for flavor.
  • 1 tsp Ginger Adds warmth.
  • 1 tsp Cloves Basic spice for flavor.
  • Zest of 1 Orange or lemon Optional, adds brightness.
  • 1/4 cup Milk Only if needed for consistency.
Optional add-ins
  • 1/2 cup Chopped nuts Almonds or hazelnuts.
  • 1/4 cup Chopped candied orange peel Adds festive flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Melted dark chocolate For dipping or drizzling.
  • 1/4 cup Applesauce For extra softness (optional).
For glazes
  • 1 cup Powdered sugar For the glaze.
  • 2-3 tbsp Milk or lemon juice To mix into the glaze.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small pot, gently warm honey, brown sugar, and butter just until melted and smooth. Do not boil it. Let it cool for 10 minutes.
  2. In a big bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
  3. Stir the warm honey mixture into the dry ingredients, add an egg, and a splash of milk if the dough feels too stiff.
  4. Cover and chill the dough for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible.
Baking
  1. Scoop the chilled dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each scoop.
  2. Bake until the tops are set but still soft, usually 9 to 11 minutes depending on the size.
Finishing
  1. Brush with a simple powdered sugar glaze while warm, or let the cookies cool and dip them in melted chocolate.

Notes

To keep cookies soft, store in an airtight container and consider adding a piece of bread or wedge of apple. For gifting, stack with parchment paper between layers.