German Lebkuchen
Description
Lebkuchen are traditional German Christmas spice cookies flavored with honey, candied mixed fruit peel, and nuts. Decorate with a sweet lemon glaze for a delicious festive treat.
Ingredients
•
3/4 cup brown sugar
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1/2 cup honey
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1/2 cup dark molasses
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1 egg
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3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
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1 1/4 teaspoons ground nutmeg
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1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
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1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 cup slivered almonds
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1/2 cup candied mixed fruit peel, finely chopped
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1 egg white, beaten
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
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1 1/2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
Directions
1
Gather all ingredients.
2
Beat brown sugar, honey, and egg in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth; stir in molasses.
3
Combine flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and baking soda in a separate bowl; stir into the molasses mixture to form a sticky dough. Stir in almonds and candied fruit peel. Cover dough and chill overnight.
4
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease or line cookie sheets. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
5
Cut into 2x3-inch rectangles. Place cookies 1 ½ inches apart on prepared cookie sheets.
6
Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, about 10 to 12 minutes.
7
While the cookies are baking, make the glaze: Stir egg white, lemon juice, and lemon zest together in a small bowl. Mix in confectioners' sugar until smooth.
8
Brush glaze over cookies while they are still warm.
9
Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool and set completely before storing in a single layer in airtight containers.