Lebkuchen vi –Lebkuchen, a traditional German gingerbread, is a festive treat that brings warmth and nostalgia to any holiday gathering. This delightful recipe will guide you through making these sweet, spiced cookies, perfect for sharing with friends and family. With a rich and aromatic flavor profile, Lebkuchen are not only delicious but also a wonderful addition to your holiday baking repertoire.
Lebkuchen Recipe
Prepare to indulge in the delightful aroma and taste of these delicious Lebkuchen. Below, you’ll find the ingredients and simple steps to create your own batch of these festive cookies.
Ingredients:
- 250g honey
- 150g brown sugar
- 120g unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 500g plain flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
- 150g chopped nuts (hazelnuts and/or almonds)
- 100g candied citrus peel
- Optional: Icing sugar for dusting or chocolate for glazing
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, and butter. Heat gently until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Once the mixture has cooled, whisk in the eggs until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the plain flour, baking powder, and spices (cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped nuts and candied citrus peel, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Cover the bowl with cling film and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1cm. Use cookie cutters to shape the cookies as desired.
- Place the cookies onto the prepared baking tray and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with icing sugar or dip them in melted chocolate for a festive finish if desired.
Now that you have crafted your own batch of Lebkuchen, gather your loved ones around and enjoy the heartwarming taste of this traditional festive treat. Happy baking!