Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies)

Introduction

“Lebkuchen German Spice Cookies are a holiday classic in Germany…If you’re looking for the best Lebkuchen German Spice Cookies recipe…When it comes to European Christmas cookies, few treats evoke the spirit of the holidays quite like Lebkuchen. These German spice cookies have been cherished for centuries and are known for their richly spiced, chewy texture and fragrant aroma. Whether enjoyed with coffee or wrapped as a gift, Lebkuchen are the ultimate festive cookie.

The dough is made from honey, brown sugar, nuts, and a carefully blended medley of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. What sets them apart is their balance of sweet and spicy, paired with a soft texture that deepens in flavor over time. They are similar in structure to gingerbread but have their own unique heritage and flavor profile. If you’re already a fan of ginger cookies, these might just become your new favorite.

For similar authentic baked treats, you can explore Lemon Cream Cake or the ever-refreshing Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad. These bring similar comfort and homemade charm to your kitchen.

What is Lebkuchen?

If you’re looking for the best Lebkuchen German Spice Cookies recipe…Lebkuchen are traditional German spice cookies that date back to medieval times. Their name literally translates to “cake of life,” and they originated in the city of Nuremberg, which still produces some of the most famous Lebkuchen today. Traditionally made around Christmas time, these cookies were once offered by monks to spread cheer and spiritual comfort.

Lebkuchen German Spice Cookies Modern recipes use pantry staples and can be easily adapted for home kitchens. Their signature flavor comes from gingerbread-like spices, chopped nuts, and candied citrus peels. With time, the cookies soften and develop deeper flavor, making them perfect for holiday tins or gift boxes.

According to Delish, storing them for a few days before serving enhances the texture and makes the spices mellow and warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons why you’ll fall in love with this Lebkuchen recipe:

• The cookies are moist, chewy, and full of deep, warm spice.
• The dough is simple to prepare and stores well for several days.
• They stay fresh longer than most cookies—perfect for holiday prepping.
• They use wholesome ingredients like honey, brown sugar, and almonds.
• The glaze adds a shiny, beautiful finish without being overly sweet.

These cookies also go well with other holiday desserts like Blueberry Sour Cream Pound Cake or Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs if you’re looking to mix savory and sweet in your celebrations.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds or hazelnuts
• 1/4 cup chopped candied orange or lemon peel

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons water or lemon juice

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and salt.
2. In a saucepan, gently heat the honey and brown sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Allow it to cool slightly.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg and mix it with the cooled honey mixture.
4. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients, followed by the chopped nuts and candied peel. The dough will be sticky.
5. Cover the dough and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll the dough into 1½-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the sheet. Flatten slightly with your fingers.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are golden. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
9. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with water or lemon juice. Brush over cooled cookies and allow to set.

Tips for Success

• Use freshly ground spices for the most aromatic cookies.
• Allow dough to chill completely to prevent spreading during baking.
• Substitute ground gingerbread spice (Lebkuchengewürz) if available for an even more authentic flavor.
• For extra softness, place a slice of bread in the storage container—it keeps the cookies from drying out.

Serving Ideas

Lebkuchen German Spice Cookies These cookies pair wonderfully with warm drinks like herbal tea, mulled wine, or hot cocoa. They’re perfect for holiday cookie trays, lunchbox treats, or gift bags.

Try them alongside your favorite cookie recipes like Strawberry Oreo Cheesecake Frappuccino for a full dessert spread that impresses!

Storage

Lebkuchen German Spice Cookies Store Lebkuchen in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Their flavor and texture improve over time. You can also freeze them for up to three months.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without nuts?
Yes, feel free to omit the almonds or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin.

Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
While you can, the flavor will differ slightly. Honey is traditional and adds moisture and fragrance.

Do I have to use the glaze?
The glaze adds visual appeal and sweetness, but they’re delicious without it too.

Why is my dough too sticky?
Make sure it’s well-chilled before shaping. You can also lightly flour your hands to handle the dough.

Final Thoughts

Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies) are a timeless tradition that bring warmth, comfort, and flavor to the holidays. Their rich spices and chewy texture make them stand out from typical holiday cookies, while their ease of preparation keeps things stress-free in the kitchen.

Try them this season and experience a true taste of tradition. And if you’re exploring more recipes, browse our full collection on brandirecipes.com for dishes like Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings or Homemade Tomato Sauce to round out your festive table.

Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling)
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: ~2 hours 37 minutes
Calories: 120 kcal per cookie
Servings: 24 cookies

Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies)

These traditional German Lebkuchen cookies are spiced, sweet, and chewy, making them the perfect treat for the holidays or any cozy afternoon. Made with warm spices, honey, and a simple glaze, they’re easy to prepare and even better after a few days of storage.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 36 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients:
• For the Dough:
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds or hazelnuts
• 1/4 cup chopped candied orange or lemon peel
• For the Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 –3 tablespoons water or lemon juice

Method

 

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and salt.
2. In a saucepan over low heat, warm the honey and brown sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let cool slightly.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey mixture with the egg. Stir in the dry ingredients, then add the nuts and candied peel. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Roll the chilled dough into 1.5-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets. Flatten each slightly with your fingers.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice or water until smooth. Brush over cooled cookies and let set.

Notes

Notes:

For extra authentic flavor, use Lebkuchengewürz (German gingerbread spice mix) if available.

These cookies improve in flavor after 2–3 days of storage in an airtight container.

You can substitute hazelnuts with walnuts or pecans.