Lebkuchen
Nuremberg Style
Authentic Nuremberg Lebkuchen, a rich and spiced gingerbread, traditionally made for Christmas. This recipe focuses on a dense, moist texture, often without flour, and is a staple at German Christmas markets.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Honey(A good quality, flavorful honey like wildflower or buckwheat is recommended.)
- 100 g Granulated Sugar(To help with caramelization and sweetness.)
- 150 g Ground Almonds(Finely ground for a smoother texture.)
- 100 g Candied Orange Peel(Finely chopped. You can also use a mix of candied orange and lemon peel.)
- 2 tbsp Lebkuchen Spice Mix(A traditional blend typically includes cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, and allspice. You can buy pre-made mixes or create your own.)
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 50 g All-Purpose Flour (optional, for a slightly firmer Lebkuchen)(Traditional Elisenlebkuchen often omits flour. Add if you prefer a less sticky dough and slightly firmer cookie.)
- 2 large Eggs(Room temperature.)
- 30 pieces Oblaten (Edible Wafers)(Thin, unleavened wafers (usually 70mm or 90mm diameter) used as a base to prevent sticking and add a slight crispness.)
- 200 g Dark Chocolate(For coating, good quality (70% cocoa solids recommended).)
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil or Coconut Oil (optional)(To thin the chocolate for easier coating.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Honey Syrup: In a medium saucepan, gently heat the honey and granulated sugar over low heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Do not boil. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes until it's warm but not hot to the touch.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the ground almonds, finely chopped candied peel, Lebkuchen spice mix, baking soda, and optional flour (if using).
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Mix the Dough: Pour the slightly cooled honey syrup into the dry ingredients. Add the room temperature eggs. Mix everything together with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer on low speed until a thick, sticky dough forms. It will be quite soft.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Rest the Dough: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the dough to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate the dough overnight, or for at least 8 hours. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up slightly.
⏱️ Overnight (8-12 hours) - 5
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Shape the Lebkuchen: Take the chilled dough out of the refrigerator. It will still be sticky. Lightly dust your hands with flour or use a small scoop. Place one oblaten wafer on your work surface. Scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of dough (depending on desired size) and gently press it onto the center of the oblaten, spreading it evenly to the edges. Aim for a thickness of about 1-1.5 cm (around 1/2 inch). Repeat with the remaining dough and oblaten.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 7
Bake the Lebkuchen: Carefully transfer the shaped Lebkuchen onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers feel set to the touch. They should not be hard, but should spring back slightly when gently pressed.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 8
Cool the Lebkuchen: Remove the baking sheets from the oven. Let the Lebkuchen cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 9
Coat the Lebkuchen: Once completely cool, prepare the coating. Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir in the optional oil to make it more fluid. Dip the bottom or top half of each Lebkuchen into the melted chocolate, or spread it evenly. Place the coated Lebkuchen back onto parchment paper to set.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 10
Final Setting: Allow the chocolate coating to harden completely at room temperature or briefly in the refrigerator. Store the finished Lebkuchen in an airtight container at room temperature.
⏱️ 30 minutes (setting time)
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Nuremberg is famous for its high-quality Lebkuchen, often made with a high nut content and minimal flour.
- ✓These are a quintessential treat during the Christmas market season (Weihnachtsmarkt).
- ✓The ideal Lebkuchen should be soft and moist, not hard and crunchy, especially the Elisenlebkuchen variety.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Elisenlebkuchen: For the most traditional and finest Lebkuchen, omit the flour entirely and ensure a very high nut content (at least 50% of the dough weight).
- Different Coatings: Experiment with white chocolate, a simple sugar glaze (icing sugar mixed with lemon juice or water), or leave them plain.
- Additions: Some recipes include finely chopped nuts like hazelnuts or walnuts, or even a touch of orange zest.