German Christmas Cookies
There’s something magical about baking German Christmas cookies, especially Lebkuchen, as the holiday season approaches. These spiced, aromatic gingerbread cookies are a heartwarming staple in our household, especially around Christmas. The recipe is simple yet filled with rich, warm flavors that fill our kitchen with the smell of festive spices, instantly putting everyone in a joyful mood.
The first time I made these, I remember my boys’ eyes lighting up as they bit into the soft, chewy center. It was like a burst of holiday cheer. My husband swears these cookies taste like his favorite childhood Christmas memories, and even my pickiest eater asked for seconds! The best part? These cookies are super easy to whip up, even on a busy day of holiday errands.
I keep coming back to this recipe year after year because it’s reliable and yields perfect results every time. The balance of spices and the touch of honey make for a cookie that’s full of character but not overwhelming. Whether you’re preparing treats for a holiday party or just wanting to bake something special with your little ones, this recipe is a must-try. So grab your apron, gather your loved ones, and get ready to create holiday memories that smell and taste like Christmas!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I make Lebkuchen ahead of time?
Absolutely! Lebkuchen actually taste better after a day or two, as the spices have more time to develop. Store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Do I have to use special gingerbread spices?
It’s best to use traditional gingerbread spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. However, if you don’t have all the spices, you can use a pre-mixed gingerbread or pumpkin spice blend in a pinch.
Why is my dough sticky?
Lebkuchen dough is typically sticky. To make it easier to handle, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping the cookies.
What You Need to Make Lebkuchen
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup honey
½ cup brown sugar
1 large egg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Icing sugar for optional glaze
Tools & Equipment:
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
Cooling rack
How to Make It:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and spices. Mix well.
In another bowl, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, egg, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until well combined. The dough will be sticky.
Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Once chilled, roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are just set. They should be soft, not crunchy.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
If desired, dust with icing sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from icing sugar and a little water.
Tips:
Chill the Dough: Don’t skip this step! Chilling makes the sticky dough easier to shape.
Use Quality Spices: Fresh, high-quality spices make all the difference in flavor.
Don’t Overbake: These cookies should be soft and chewy. Take them out as soon as they are set.
Try a Glaze: A simple glaze adds a sweet finish and keeps the cookies moist for longer.
Latest Reviews:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Perfect for Christmas! My family loved these, and they were so easy to make. I’ll be baking them again!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Great flavor, but I might add a little more ginger next time for an extra kick. Still delicious!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “These cookies were a hit at our holiday party! Soft, chewy, and full of flavor. Thanks for the recipe!”
⭐⭐⭐ “They turned out good, but my dough was too sticky to handle. I’ll try chilling it longer next time.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I’m not usually a baker, but these were foolproof! My kids had fun helping, and they turned out perfect.”
Printable Recipe:
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German Christmas Cookies
Whip up these festive German Lebkuchen cookies for a taste of holiday cheer. Soft, spiced, and full of flavor, they’re the perfect treat to share with family and friends!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- Icing sugar for optional glaze
- Tools & Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and spices. Mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, egg, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until well combined. The dough will be sticky.
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Once chilled, roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are just set. They should be soft, not crunchy.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- If desired, dust with icing sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from icing sugar and a little water.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook
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