Traditional Lebkuchen Recipe

Lebkuchen, Authentic German Gingerbread Recipe

Yields: 20-24 cookies This recipe should yield about 20-24 Lebkuchen cookies, depending on the size of the cookies you make.

Lebkuchen is a traditional German baked good, similar to gingerbread, that has been a holiday favorite for centuries. Originating from the Franconia region of Bavaria, specifically the city of Nuremberg, Lebkuchen is a spiced honey cake that's often enjoyed during the Christmas season. It's known for its rich flavors, which come from a combination of honey, nuts, and spices. 

Enjoy your homemade Lebkuchen with a warm cup of Glühwein for a truly authentic Bavarian holiday experience.

Glühwein, Authentic German Mulled Wine Recipe

Note Before Preparing

• Oblaten: These thin wafers are traditional but not necessary. They help keep the Lebkuchen from sticking to the baking sheet and add a slight crunch to the bottom.
• Spices: The spice mix can be adjusted according to personal taste. Some variations include adding anise, allspice, or even a pinch of black pepper for extra warmth.
• Texture: For a chewier Lebkuchen, slightly underbake the cookies and store them in a container with a slice of apple to keep them moist.
• Glaze Variations: Besides the traditional sugar glaze or chocolate, some recipes use a honey glaze for a glossy finish.

Traditional Lebkuchen Ingredients

• 250g (1 cup) honey
• 150g (2/3 cup) brown sugar
• 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
• 1 large egg
• 350g (2 3/4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 100g (1 cup) ground almonds or hazelnuts
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional, for a deeper flavor)
• Oblaten (thin wafer papers) – available in specialty stores, optional
• Blanched almonds or candied citrus peel for decoration

For the Glaze:

• 100g (1 cup) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons water or lemon juice
• Optional: 100g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate for a chocolate glaze

How to Prepare Traditional German Lebkuchen

Instructions:

1. Prepare the honey mixture: In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, and butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, ground almonds, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, and cocoa powder if using. Add the lemon zest.
3. Combine ingredients: Stir the egg into the cooled honey mixture.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the honey mixture, mixing until a thick dough forms. The dough will be sticky but should come together. If it's too sticky to handle, you can chill it for about 30 minutes.
4. Shape the cookies: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). If using Oblaten, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the Oblaten, or directly onto the parchment paper, and flatten slightly. You can also roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to shape the Lebkuchen.
5. Decorate: Decorate Lebkuchen with blanched almonds or candied citrus peel if desired.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to brown. Be careful not to overbake, as Lebkuchen should be soft in the center.
7. Glaze the cookies: While the Lebkuchen is cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with water or lemon juice until smooth. Brush the glaze over the warm cookies for a shiny finish. Alternatively, you can melt the dark chocolate and dip or drizzle it over the cooled Lebkuchen for a chocolate glaze.
8. Cool and store: Allow the Lebkuchen to cool completely on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container. Lebkuchen often tastes better after a few days, as the flavors have time to meld.

Quick History of Lebkuchen

The history of Lebkuchen dates back to the 13th century, where it was first created by monks in Franconia. Nuremberg became famous for its Lebkuchen production due to its strategic location along key spice trade routes. Over time, Nuremberg Lebkuchen became a highly prized delicacy, even being offered as gifts to royalty.

Lebkuchen was traditionally made by monks and nuns in monasteries as it was considered a "holy" bread due to its rich ingredients. Today, it is a beloved holiday treat that comes in many variations, from soft and cakey to crispy and chewy, often decorated with icing, chocolate, or nuts.