Liechtensteiner Lebkuchen
Liechtensteiner Lebkuchen are traditional spiced cookies, similar to gingerbread, often enjoyed during the holiday season. They are characterized by their rich flavor from honey, spices, and nuts, and are typically baked until slightly chewy or firm.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Honey
- 100 g Brown sugar(packed)
- 100 g Butter(unsalted, cut into cubes)
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tsp Lemon zest
- 1 tsp Orange zest
- 3 cups All-purpose flour(about 270g)
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1 tbsp Lebkuchen spice mix(or a blend of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger)
- 1 tsp Cinnamon powder
- 1/2 tsp Ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp Ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg
- 57 g Finely chopped blanched almonds(or hazelnuts)
- 100 g Icing sugar(for glaze)
- 3 tbsp Milk(for glaze)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the honey and brown sugar in 30-second bursts, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Alternatively, heat in a saucepan over low heat.
💡 Tip: Ensure the mixture is not too hot before adding other ingredients. - 2
Add the cubed butter and citrus zest to the honey-sugar mixture and stir until the butter melts.
💡 Tip: Using fresh zest provides a brighter flavor. - 3
Stir in the baking powder, baking soda, salt, Lebkuchen spice mix, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
- 4
Whisk in the egg until well combined.
- 5
Gradually add the flour and chopped almonds, mixing until a dough forms. The dough will be sticky.
💡 Tip: Avoid overmixing. - 6
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- 7
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
💡 Tip: Ensure even baking by using parchment paper. - 8
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thickness. Cut into desired shapes (squares, rectangles, or gingerbread figures).
💡 Tip: Work with half the dough at a time, keeping the other half chilled. - 9
Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets.
- 10
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are firm. They should not be too dark.
💡 Tip: Baking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the cookies. - 11
Let the Lebkuchen cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- 12
To make the glaze, whisk together icing sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle or spread over the cooled cookies.
💡 Tip: Adjust the amount of milk for desired glaze consistency. - 13
Allow the glaze to set. Store the Lebkuchen in an airtight container with a piece of apple or a marshmallow to keep them soft.
💡 Tip: They improve in flavor and texture after a few days of storage.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a chewier Lebkuchen, reduce the baking time slightly.
- ✓For a firmer cookie, bake for a few minutes longer.
- ✓If you don't have a Lebkuchen spice mix, you can create your own blend.
- ✓Candied ginger or citron can be added for extra flavor and texture.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Decorate with chopped nuts or candied fruit before baking.
- Use different shapes for festive occasions.
- Add a touch of cocoa powder to the dough for a richer flavor.