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Lebkuchen (German Soft Gingerbread)

Soft and Chewy Lebkuchen: The Ultimate German Gingerbread

Indulge in Soft and Chewy Lebkuchen, a delightful German gingerbread that combines honey, spices, and chocolate for a festive treat.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: German
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 3 cups all purpose flour Essential for cookie formation; do not substitute with gluten-free flour without adjusting the recipe.
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg Provides warm spice notes; can substitute with additional cinnamon if needed.
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Key spice for warmth; consider using fresh ground for enhanced aroma.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves Adds depth; can be reduced or omitted based on preference.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice Complements the other spices; can swap with additional cinnamon if needed.
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger Traditional ginger flavor; can adjust according to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda Essential for the cookie texture; helps them puff during baking.
  • 1 large egg Contributes to texture and moisture; no substitutes recommended for this recipe.
  • 1 cup brown sugar Adds moisture and flavor; light brown sugar can be used.
  • 1/4 cup honey Imparts moisture and flavor; can substitute with corn syrup if necessary.
  • 1/4 cup molasses Dark flavor profile; alternative sweeteners can affect taste significantly.
  • 1/2 cup almonds (chopped or slivered) Adds crunch; can substitute with hazelnuts or omit for nut-free options.
  • 1/2 cup candied mixed fruit and peel Traditional addition for sweetness; fresh fruit can alter moisture content.
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest Enhances flavor brightness; can replace with other citrus zests if preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest Enhances flavor brightness; can replace with other citrus zests if preferred.
Glaze and Coating Ingredients
  • 1 large egg white Essential for the glaze; can use aquafaba for a vegan alternative.
  • 1 cup icing sugar Forms the glaze for that perfect shine; no easy substitutes for the desired texture.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Freshly squeezed preferred for flavor; bottled can be used in a pinch.
  • 8 ounces dark chocolate Provides rich flavor for coating; can substitute with milk chocolate or candy melts.

Equipment

  • food processor
  • oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • Parchment paper
  • wire rack
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

Steps
  1. In a food processor, combine all the dough ingredients: flour, spices, baking soda, egg, brown sugar, honey, and molasses. Blend until the mixture forms a smooth dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight.
  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Divide the chilled dough into two halves and roll one half into a long rope, about 1 inch in diameter. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces, then shape each piece into small rounds. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets in a little space between them to allow puffing during baking.
  3. Bake the shaped cookies for 12-15 minutes, until puffy and slightly cracked on top. Keep a close eye to prevent overbaking. Once baked, let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  4. Prepare the glaze by whisking together the icing sugar, egg white, and lemon juice in a bowl until smooth and glossy. The glaze should be thick enough to coat a spoon but pourable.
  5. Once the cookies have cooled for about 10 minutes, use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops with the lemon glaze. Allow the glaze to set for about 20 minutes at room temperature.
  6. Melt dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth. Dip the bottoms of each glazed cookie into the chocolate, shake off excess chocolate and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  7. After the chocolate has completely set, store your Lebkuchen cookies in airtight containers to maintain their softness. They can be kept at room temperature for weeks.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 1gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 30mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 9gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 4mg

Notes

These cookies stay fresh for weeks and are perfect as gifts or cozy treats with tea or coffee.

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