Holiday lebkuchen german spice cookies –Christmas is a wonderful time to come together with family and friends, and what better way to celebrate than with delicious homemade cookies? One traditional treat that everyone will love is Lebkuchen, a delightful German spice cookie that is perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are aromatic, flavorful, and made with love. Let’s dive into the world of Lebkuchen and get ready to spread some holiday cheer!
Lebkuchen – German Spice Cookies with Almonds
These festive cookies are soft and chewy, infused with warm spices, and studded with crunchy almonds. They are often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, making them the ideal snack while you gather around the fireplace with loved ones. Let’s gather our ingredients and get started on this delightful recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped almonds
- 1 egg, beaten
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, mix the honey, molasses, and the beaten egg until combined. Gradually add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Fold in the chopped almonds, ensuring they are evenly incorporated into the dough.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and scoop out tablespoon-sized portions. Roll each portion into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space for spreading.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are firm. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. Once cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar for an extra festive touch.
These Lebkuchen cookies are sure to bring joy and warmth to your holiday gatherings. Enjoy them with friends and family, and create lasting memories around the holiday table!