What is Lebkuchen?
Lebkuchen are also known as German gingerbread cookies. It is a classic German Christmas treat that goes back to the 14th century! It was originally made by Catholic monks in Nuremberg (Nürnberg).
Unlike American gingerbread, Lebkuchen are softer and richer. It has a blend of nuts, honey, and spices like Lebkuchengewürz. The most famous kind are called Elisenlebkuchen, is made with a big percentage of almonds and hazelnuts and is baked on Backoblaten (thin wafers).
These delicious cookies are glazed with a sugar or chocolate coating and are a must have at German Christmas markets, or just during the Holiday times!
Why I Love This Recipe?
This Elisenlebkuchen recipe brings the magic of traditional German Christmas into your kitchen! It’s very simple to make, and they taste so delicious. Whenever i bake them, my whole house smells like Christmas! They are made with authentic methods from Nuremberg. It’s full of delicious spices and is topped with a sweet glaze. It is the perfect holiday treat.
And the best part? They are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it. You can even make it your own and add toppings like chocolate glaze or candied citrus peel. Doesn’t matter if they are for gifting or sharing with family, this Lebkuchen is a Christmas favorite you’ll want to bake every year!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Lebkuchen
- Lebkuchengewürz (Lebkuchen Spice Mix): This traditional spice blend has cinnamon, cloves, allspice, ginger and cardamom. You can make it at home or buy it already mixed.
- Backoblaten (Edible Wafers): These thin wafers are used as a base for the cookies. If you can’t find them, you can bake the cookies directly on parchment paper, though the texture will be slightly different.
- Almonds and Hazelnuts: Ground nuts give the cookies their signature texture. You can substitute with other nuts like walnuts or pecans if needed.
- Candied Citrus Peel: Candied orange and lemon peels add a sweet, zesty flavor. You can use store-bought or make your own.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and moisture to the dough. You can substitute with maple syrup or agave for a different flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- Food Processor: To finely grind the nuts, and candied orange zest.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the ingredients.
- Baking Sheet: For baking the cookies.
- Parchment Paper or Backoblaten: To line the baking sheet.
- Whisk: For mixing the glaze.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Lebkuchen
- Prepare the dough: Finely grind the almonds and hazelnuts until they look flour. In a large bowl, mix the ground nuts, sugar, Lebkuchengewürz (German gingerbread spice), and candied citrus peel. Stir in the eggs and honey. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
- Shape the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop out small portions of dough (about 2 tablespoons) with wet hands or a spoon and put them on Backoblaten wafers or parchment paper. Flatten the dough slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake the Lebkuchen: Bake the cookies for 15-18 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them—Lebkuchen should stay soft in the center.
- Glaze the cookies: While the cookies bake, prepare the glaze. For a sugar glaze, whisk powdered sugar with water or lemon juice until smooth. For a chocolate glaze, melt dark or semi-sweet chocolate with a little butter. Once the cookies are slightly cool, brush them with the glaze of your choice and let them set.
- Decorate (optional): If you want to make them extra special, sprinkle the cookies with chopped nuts, candied citrus peel, or even edible gold dust while the glaze is still wet.
Expert Tips for Perfect Lebkuchen
- Let the Dough Rest: Allowing the dough to chill for at least an hour (or overnight) helps the flavors develop and makes the dough easier to handle.
- Use High-Quality Spices: The spices are what make Lebkuchen special, so make sure your Lebkuchengewürz is fresh and fragrant.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies should still be soft in the middle, so keep a close eye on them and take them out of the oven when the edges start to brown.
Serving Suggestions
Lebkuchen is traditionally served at German Christmas markets with a hot cup of Glühwein (mulled wine). For a full holiday spread, serve them with other German Christmas treats like Stollen, or Pfeffernüsse. These cookies also pair wonderfully with coffee or tea and make a thoughtful homemade gift.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Lebkuchen actually taste better after a few days because the flavors are deeper. You can store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Print
Authentic German Lebkuchen Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 20 Lebkuchen 1x
Description
Soft, spiced, and full of holiday flavor, this Lebkuchen recipe is a German classic! These traditional gingerbread cookies are perfect for Christmas celebrations or gifting.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup ground almonds
- 1 cup ground hazelnuts
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp Lebkuchengewürz (spice mix)
- Pinch od baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup candied orange and lemon peel, finely chopped
- 20 Backoblaten (3-inch round wafers) or parchment paper
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp water or lemon juice (for sugar glaze)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted (for chocolate glaze)
- Walnuts (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- Mix the dough: Grind the nuts and candied orange peels in a food processor. Combine them with sugar and Lebkuchengewürz. Add eggs and honey, vanilla extract, soda and a pinch of salt.
- Chill: Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.
Shape and Bake:
- Preheat oven: Heat to 350°F.
- Shape the cookies: Place small dough portions on Backoblaten or parchment paper. Flatten slightly.
- Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes, until edges are golden.
Glaze:
- Make the glaze: Mix powdered sugar with water or lemon juice for a sugar glaze. Alternatively, melt chocolate for a chocolate glaze.
- Glaze the cookies: Brush the cookies with the glaze, top with favorite toppings and let them set.
Notes
For the most authentic flavor, use a high-quality Lebkuchengewürz spice mix or make your own.
These cookies taste better after a day or two of resting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Nutrition information
This website gives estimated nutritional information, which might change depending on the ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Lebkuchen without Backoblaten?
Yes, you can bake the cookies directly on parchment paper, though they will have a different texture without the wafers.
How long can I store Lebkuchen?
Lebkuchen can be stored for up to 2 weeks at room temperature or frozen for up to 3 months.
What is Lebkuchengewürz?
Lebkuchengewürz is a traditional German spice blend made with cinnamon, cloves, allspice, ginger, and other spices. It gives Lebkuchen its characteristic flavor.
