Christmas Lebkuchen

Name: Christmas Lebkuchen
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 43 min
Cuisine: Germany
Ingredients: 250 g of honey; 100 g of sugar; 1 eggs; 75 g of butter; 500 g of flour; 1 tsp of baking soda; 2 tsp of spices (gingerbread spice (cinnamon, ginger, cloves)); 1 zest of orange; 50 g of candied orange peel (finely chopped); 100 g of almond flour; powdered sugar (for dusting)

5,01 review

Christmas Lebkuchen are small German honey gingerbread cookies, flavored with cinnamon, ginger, cloves and orange zest, with candied orange peel and ground almonds. The dough rests 24 hours in the refrigerator before being cut out with a cookie cutter, then baked 12 to 15 minutes. The recipe makes about twenty cookies, to be dusted with powdered sugar.

Total time: 43 min
Prep: 30 min
Cook: 13 min
Rest: 24 h
Difficulty: Easy
Per person: €0.25

By the CookinBreak team

Goes well with

🎅 Christmas: all recipes

As a starter

Air Fryer Scallops au Gratin

35 minEasy

As a main

Air Fryer Roast Chicken with Potatoes and Onions

55 minEasy

To drink

Christmas Spiced Tea with Citrus

15 minEasy

Nutrition facts

per serving · estimate

150kcal

Protein2 g5%
Carbs26 g70%
Fat4 g24%
Fiber1 g

Share of each nutrient in the calories of one serving.

Good to know

Chef's tip

For even softer Lebkuchen, add a tablespoon of orange juice 🍊 to the dough. And for an even more festive touch, glaze them with a mix of powdered sugar and lemon juice 🍋 or dip them in melted chocolate 🍫 for an even more irresistible version! 😍

Freezing : Can you freeze this recipe?

Yes

Baked Lebkuchen freeze for up to 3 months in a bag or airtight container.

Storage : How long does it keep?

Keeps 7 to 10 days in an airtight container at room temperature.

Making ahead : Can you make it the day before?

Yes

The dough can be made the day before and kept 24h in a cool place. The baked cookies are better the next day.

Reheating : How do you reheat it?

Not applicable, eaten at room temperature. For a slight warmth, 10-15 seconds in the microwave on low power or 2-3 minutes in the oven at 100°C.

Variations

Glaze the cooled Lebkuchen with a sugar icing for a white finish.
Cut out stars or hearts instead of circles.
Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Mistakes to avoid

Skipping the rest: the dough must rest at least 24 hours in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic wrap.
Adding the egg to the mixture while it is still hot: let the melted honey, sugar and butter cool before adding the egg.
Overbaking: 12 to 15 minutes at 180°C is enough, until they are golden.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Lebkuchen?

Lebkuchen is a German Christmas gingerbread, dense and fragrant, made here with honey, spices, orange zest and candied orange peel, and ground almonds. It is often glazed with sugar.

Why let Lebkuchen dough rest for 24 hours?

The dough, wrapped in plastic wrap, rests in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before being rolled out. This long rest makes it easier to work with and lets the spices and honey spread through it.

How do you make Lebkuchen dough?

Heat the honey, sugar and butter until the mixture is liquid, let it cool and add the egg. Pour over the flour mixed with the baking soda, spices, zest and almonds, then knead into a smooth dough.

What temperature do you bake Lebkuchen at?

Preheat the oven to 180°C, roll out the dough, cut out circles with a cookie cutter and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden. Let them cool on a wire rack.