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german spice cookies with chocolate on a plate

Lebkuchen Cookie Recipe

Here is a Christmas cookie you must try.  A traditional German spice cookie made famous in  Nuremberg by monks.  Try these for your cookie exchange! 
5 from 8 votes
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: German
Keyword: Christmas cookies, easy baking, German gingerbread, spice cookies
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 306kcal
Author: Analida Braeger

Ingredients

Decoration:

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F
  • Line 3-4 baking sheets with parchment paper
  • Place eggs and sugar in a heatproof bowl on top of a saucepan of simmering water.
  • Beat with a whisk until thick and foamy.
  • Remove bowl from pan and continue to beat for an additional two minutes.
  • In a large bowl, sift flour, and cocoa powder. Add in the spices, almond flour and orange peel.
  • Slowly add the egg mixture and mix well until you have a uniform dough. If the dough is a bit loose a little more flour.
  • Using a cookie scooper, drop small mounds onto the parchment sheets.
  • Press down lightly on the mounds. 
  • Bake for approximately 15 minutes.
  • Cool on wire racks.
  • While the cookies are baking, place chocolate chips on two separate bowls, each over a pan of simmering water. Stir gently until thoroughly melted.
  • Using tongs, dip each cookie into the melted chocolate, alternating in order to end up with equal amounts of each color. Sprinkle with sugar crystals.

Notes

Frequently Asked Questions:
  • How long can I freeze lebkuchen cookies? You can freeze them in an airtight container with freezer paper between layers of cookies. Be sure they are completely cooled before storing. They will store nicely for up to 6 months. This is a great cookie to make in advance for Christmas.
  • Do I have to refrigerate the cookies? No, you do not. You can store these in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week.
  • Can I store the cookie dough? No, these need to be baked right away after mixing up the dough.

Nutrition

Calories: 306kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 28mg | Potassium: 99mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 65IU | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 1.6mg