German Lebkuchen (Spiced Christmas Cookies) Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate holiday treat, look no further than these German Lebkuchen (Spiced Christmas Cookies). Bursting with aromatic spices, honey, and the richness of nuts, these cookies practically embody the warmth and cheer of the season. Each bite offers the perfect blend of sweetness, spice, and a touch of nostalgia—whether you’re savoring them with hot tea or gifting them to loved ones, you’ll find that German Lebkuchen (Spiced Christmas Cookies) are more than just cookies, they’re a cozy tradition you’ll want to revisit year after year.

German Lebkuchen (Spiced Christmas Cookies) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of German Lebkuchen (Spiced Christmas Cookies) lies in simple, easy-to-find ingredients—each one playing a crucial role in creating their signature flavor and texture. From the earthiness of ground nuts to the heady blend of seasonal spices, every component brings a little magic to your kitchen.

  • Ground almonds: Offer a delicate, nutty texture that keeps cookies super moist.
  • Ground hazelnuts: Add depth and a toasty richness that is uniquely European.
  • Brown sugar: Brings a subtle caramel sweetness that enhances each bite.
  • Large eggs: Bind all the good stuff together and give your cookies gorgeous lift.
  • Honey: Lends a floral note and keeps the cookies beautifully soft and chewy.
  • Vanilla extract: Provides a gentle, rounded aroma that ties the flavors together.
  • Lebkuchen spice mix: Cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and cardamom come together for an unforgettable, holiday-worthy aroma.
  • Baking powder: Ensures just the right amount of rise and tender crumb.
  • Salt: Balances out the sweetness and intensifies every flavor.
  • Candied citrus peel (optional): Adds zesty pops of color and a subtle tang, making every bite feel festive.

How to Make German Lebkuchen (Spiced Christmas Cookies)

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Gently whisk together your eggs, brown sugar, honey, and vanilla extract until the mixture is silky-smooth and well combined—this helps ensure your cookies bake up light and tender. In a separate bowl, stir together the ground almonds, hazelnuts, Lebkuchen spice mix, baking powder, and salt, letting those fragrant spices mingle with the nuts. Now, combine your dry and wet ingredients, folding them together until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms. If you’re going for extra zest, stir in the chopped candied citrus peel at this stage. Don’t skip the chilling step: a good hour in the fridge helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle.

Step 2: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get ready to fill your kitchen with that wonderful spicy aroma. Line a baking sheet with parchment to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Scoop out heaping tablespoons of dough and space them apart on the sheet; the dough will spread just a little, so leave room for each cookie to puff up beautifully. Pop your tray in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes—look for cookies that are set at the edges but still a bit soft in the center for the perfect Lebkuchen texture.

Step 3: Glaze (Optional)

If you want that classic glistening finish, whip up a simple glaze from powdered sugar and a splash of water or lemon juice. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven and are still warm, brush the tops with your glaze. This creates a sweet, slightly crisp coating that sets as the cookies cool, adding a little extra sparkle and a lot of flavor.

How to Serve German Lebkuchen (Spiced Christmas Cookies)

German Lebkuchen (Spiced Christmas Cookies) Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For a truly beautiful and classic holiday touch, sprinkle the glazed cookies with chopped candied citrus peel, thin slivers of toasted almonds, or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. These garnishes add visual flair as well as delicious contrasts in texture and taste, making every batch of German Lebkuchen (Spiced Christmas Cookies) feel one-of-a-kind.

Side Dishes

Pair your German Lebkuchen (Spiced Christmas Cookies) with mugs of mulled wine, classic hot chocolate, or robust espresso for a warm and festive snack. For a bigger dessert spread, arrange alongside other holiday favorites like marzipan, stollen, or simple butter cookies—each bite will remind you just how special the holidays can taste.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack cookies in cellophane bags tied with a pretty ribbon for a lovely homemade gift, or arrange on a festive platter lined with greenery and dried orange slices as an edible centerpiece. If you want to go all out, box up the cookies with a handwritten note about their tradition and recipe. German Lebkuchen (Spiced Christmas Cookies) really shine as thoughtful homemade presents or as the showstopper treat at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cool, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep for up to two weeks, and in fact, the flavors often deepen and improve as they rest. This makes them ideal for keeping on hand throughout the busy season for spontaneous tea times or holiday visitors.

Freezing

Need to get ahead? After baking and cooling, freeze German Lebkuchen (Spiced Christmas Cookies) in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. They’ll last for up to three months—just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving for that fresh-baked flavor.

Reheating

If you crave that just-baked warmth, pop a few cookies in a low oven (about 275°F/135°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back their freshly-baked softness and gently revives the spice aromas, making your kitchen smell festive all over again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the glaze sticky and the texture uneven.

FAQs

What makes German Lebkuchen (Spiced Christmas Cookies) different from gingerbread?

While both are beloved holiday treats, Lebkuchen stands out for its nutty base (using ground almonds and hazelnuts) and its complex spice blend, which includes cardamom and allspice along with the more familiar cinnamon and cloves. The addition of honey and, traditionally, candied citrus peel also makes these cookies denser, moister, and more aromatic than classic gingerbread.

Can I substitute different nuts?

Absolutely! If you can’t find hazelnuts or almonds, ground walnuts or pecans work beautifully and bring their own unique flavors. Just make sure the nuts are finely ground so the dough comes together smoothly and the cookies retain their signature soft texture.

Is it necessary to chill the dough?

Yes—chilling is important for both flavor and texture! It gives the spices and sweeteners time to meld, and helps firm up the dough so you can easily scoop and shape it. Skipping this step can lead to cookies that spread too much or bake unevenly.

How can I make these cookies gluten free?

Great news: this recipe is already naturally gluten free thanks to the nut base, so there’s no need to make any special substitutions. Just double-check all packaged ingredients (especially baking powder) to ensure they haven’t been cross-contaminated if you’re baking for someone with allergies or sensitivities.

Can I use store-bought Lebkuchen spice mix?

Yes, store-bought mixes work wonderfully and save you a bit of time, but if you want to personalize your cookies, mixing your own spices lets you tweak the flavors to your liking. Either option results in aromatic, mouthwatering German Lebkuchen (Spiced Christmas Cookies) you’ll be proud to share.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to bring a batch of German Lebkuchen (Spiced Christmas Cookies) into your kitchen this season. They capture everything joyful about the holidays: incredible aroma, beautiful flavors, and memories made with every bite. Whether you’re continuing a cherished family tradition or baking them for the first time, these cookies promise to add warmth and sweetness to your festivities—give them a try, and watch them become an instant favorite!

Print

German Lebkuchen (Spiced Christmas Cookies) Recipe

Learn how to make these soft and spiced German Lebkuchen cookies, perfect for the holiday season. These traditional Christmas treats are a delightful combination of ground almonds, hazelnuts, warm spices, and honey.

  • Author: Douaa
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 15-18 mins
  • Total Time: ~1 hr 35 mins
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: German
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

  • 1 cup ground almonds 🌰
  • 1 cup ground hazelnuts 🌰
  • ¾ cup brown sugar 🍯
  • 2 large eggs 🥚
  • ½ cup honey 🍯
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract 🍦
  • 2 tsp Lebkuchen spice mix (cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom) 🍂
  • ½ tsp baking powder 🥄
  • ¼ tsp salt 🧂
  • Optional: ½ cup candied citrus peel 🍊

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, beat eggs, brown sugar, honey, and vanilla until smooth. In another bowl, mix ground nuts, spice mix, baking powder, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients; fold in candied peel if using. Chill dough for 1 hour.
  2. Shape and Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto sheet, spacing them apart. Bake for 15–18 minutes until edges are set.
  3. Glaze (Optional): While cookies are warm, brush with a glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of water or lemon juice. Let glaze set before serving.

Notes

  • For a more festive touch, decorate with sliced almonds or additional spice mix on top.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and flavorful.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 25mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: German, Lebkuchen, Christmas, Cookies, Holiday, Spiced

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating