Lebkuchen

Soft, cakey Lebkuchen are traditional German Christmas cookies filled with rich molasses, warm spices, candied citrus, and almonds, then finished with a thin, sweet glaze.

Course Dessert

Cuisine German

Keyword How Do I Make Lebkuchen, How To Make Lebkuchen, Lebkuchen, Lebkuchen Recipe

Prep Time 45

Cook Time 15

Total Time 1

Servings Cookies

Calories 429kcal

Author Kathleen

Ingredients

1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon white vinegar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup minced candied orange peel
1/4 cup minced candied lemon peel
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground allspice
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups dark brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable shortening at room temperature
1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
1/3 cup blanched whole almonds

Glaze:

2 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar sifted
5 tablespoons whole milk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment; set aside.
Mix cream and vinegar in a small bowl and let sit until thickened, about 30 minutes.
Whisk together the all-purpose flour with the almond flour, candied orange and lemon peels, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt, in a medium mixing bowl.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the brown sugar, shortening, and molasses on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Pour in thickened cream and mix until smooth.
Gradually add the flour mixture, and beat on low speed, until just combined.
Using a 1/4 cookie scoop shape the dough into mounds, placing on prepared baking sheets, 3 inches apart. Arrange 3 whole almonds in a star pattern on the top of each cookie. Gently, slightly flatten the cookies with your hand.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven, until lightly brown, about 15 minutes. Let the cookies cool on baking sheets for 10 minutes, then remove them to a wired rack to cool completely.
When cookies are completely cool, make the glaze. Add confectioners sugar and milk to a small mixing bowl and whisk until smooth.
Dip the tops of each cookie into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off, then set on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set.

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