Lebkuchen (German Gingerbread Cookies)
Jump to the recipe Print version
Lebkuchen are German gingerbread cookies that are a vintage tried and true recipe that has been around for ages. A soft baked gingerbread cookie that is topped with a thin sweet icing that throws these gingerbread cookies over the top. A holiday cookie or dessert cookie you can make all year round.
These German cookies are exactly what your grandma used to make. German gingerbread is full of molasses, warm spices, and that soft baked cookie that melts in your mouth. I highly recommend this Lebkuchen recipe if you are a fan of gingerbread.
Reasons You Will Love This Lebkuchen Recipe
- A classic German spice cookie that is full of rich and warm spices.
- This is a German Christmas cookie recipe!
- Simple everyday ingredients are needed for this recipe.
- Freezer-friendly cookies so you can make and keep them on hand in your freezer for snacking or last-minute guests.
- Great for gifting loved ones, having on the dessert table while entertaining, or nibbling on at home.
- No need to do fancy frosting or cookie cutters for this recipe. These are classic cookies with all the rich gingerbread flavor.
Ingredients You Will Need
Butter – Unsalted butter is recommended. If you use salted butter leave out the salt in the recipe.
Molasses – Any brand of molasses works. You want a traditonal type as you don’t want the molasses to be too overpowering.
Spices – Ground cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg are all used to add warm spiced flavor to the cookie dough.
Corn Syrup – Light corn syrup is best so it will add the right texture and sweetness to the cookies.
Flour – All-purpose flour is what you will reach for. Ensure you measure properly to prevent the texture of the cookies texture being off.
Sugar – Brown sugar and powdered sugar are both used in this cookie recipe. You will use the powdered sugar for the glaze.
Salt – Salt is a must for the cookie dough. It is going to enhance and bring all the flavors together.
Baking Powder – To get the ginger cookies to fluff up as they bake you need baking powder.
Lemon – I prefer to use fresh lemon juice over bottled. It is going to really bring out the flavor in the glaze.
Vanilla Extract – A splash of vanilla is used for the simple powdered sugar glaze.
Variations to Lebkuchen Cookies
No Glaze – Leave off the glaze on the cookies if you want. Serve them plain, top with a frosting of choice, or even dust with powdered sugar.
Chocolate Dipped – Instead of a glaze after the cookies have cooled dip half the cookies in melted chocolate. Dark, milk, or even white chocolate works.
Fruity – Add in some dried fruit like dates, figs, or even apricots to the cookie dough and bake up for a fruit flavor.
Nuts – Want more of a nutty cookie? Add in some chopped almonds or even peanuts for a nice crunch.
Orange Flavor – Instead of lemon for the glaze use some orange zest and orange juice from a fresh orange instead of lemon. It will add a twist of flavor.
Tips for Making Cookies
I have a few helpful tips you might want to consider if you make these cookies. The tips and tricks will help set you up for success when it comes to making a batch of these homemade German Lebkuchen.
Quality Spices
Make sure your spices are fresh and quality. This is the stand-out flavor of the cookies. Traditional cookies use premium spices for the ultimate flavor.
Cookie Scoop
Make sure to use a cookie scoop so you get even amounts of the cookie dough for each cookie. This will ensure all the cookies bake up at the same time in the oven.
Space Between The Cookie Dough
Make sure to leave space between the cookie dough on the baking sheet. These Lebkuchen cookies will spread out as they bake.
Lining Baking Sheet
Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure the cookies do not stick. I like the silicone baking mats as they are re-useable. But if you don’t have it I recommend lining with parchment paper or cooking spray.
Cooling Cookies
I can’t stress it enough you have to allow the cookies to cool before you add the glaze. If you try to add the glaze to hot cookies it melts right into the cookies.
Serving Fresh
Like all cookies you will find the cookies can dry out after a few days. I recommend serving within the first 1-2 days of being made for the best quality. Or you can freeze the cookies for serving up later.
Best Way to Store Cookies
Room Temperature – These cookies can be stored at room temperature in a sealed container. I recommend allowing the cookies to be completely cooled before you place cookies in the container. Store for around 3-5 days.
Freezing – Now if you do not eat all the ginger cookies right away freeze for 4-5 months. Place in a freezer bag or freezer container and then thaw at room temperature later when you want to eat.
FAQs
How do I glaze Lebkuchen cookies?
You can dip the cookies in the glaze, brush it on with a silicone brush, or spoon a little glaze on in the center and spread it around the top of the cookies.
What are some common shapes for Lebkuchen cookies?
Rectangles, hearts, stars or circles are all used for making these cookies. If you want you can roll out the cookie dough and use cookie cutters. I recommend refrigerating the cookie dough for an hour to two hours before rolling out and using cookie cutters.
Do I have to use candied citrus peel in Lebkuchen cookies?
No, you do not need to use candied citrus peels for topping the cookies or mixing in the batter. This is optional and used in traditional cookies. I prefer to not use it, as I find we prefer the flavor otherwise.
More Cookie Recipes
Overall, I hope you all enjoy this cookie recipe the way me and my family have over the years. A tried and true cookie!
The recipe
Lebkuchen Gingerbread Cookies
- Prep20 minutes
- Cook20 minutes
- Total40 minutes
- Servings30
Ingredients
Cookies-
- ¾ cup + 2 Tbsp. Unsalted butter
- 2 Tbsp. Molasses
- 1/3 cup Light corn syrup
- 2¾ cups All-purpose flour
- 1 1/3 cups Light brown sugar- packed
- 2 large Eggs
- ½ Tbsp. Ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp. Ground cloves
- ½ tsp. Ground ginger
- ¼ tsp. Ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp. Baking powder
- ¼ tsp. Salt
Glaze-
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp. Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium-low heat, add in the butter, molasses, and corn syrup. Heat until the butter is just melted.
- In a large mixing bowl, add in the flour and brown sugar and mix.
- Pour in the butter mixture into the flour mixture and mix well.
- Add in the eggs, spices, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix until everything is fully incorporated.
- Using a cookie scoop, gather 1-2 tablespoons of the dough and place on the baking sheet leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake 15-20 minutes.
- While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze.
- In a small bowl, add in the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla.
- Mix until smooth and clump free.
- Once the cookies are done baking, allow to cool for 5 minutes and transfer to a wire rack.
- Using a basting brush, brush the glaze onto each cookie.
- Allow the glaze to harden and serve.
