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German Christmas recipesLebkuchen

The sweet, spiced dough has a centuries-long history in German-speaking Europe. German Lebkuchen is different from the gingerbread known in the English-speaking world. First of all, it may or may not contain ginger. It also has a somewhat different consistency, both because it is chewier and contains nuts and fruits. And the German confection has a lemon glaze or icing on the top and is sometimes dipped in chocolate. Lebkuchen varieties made with other recipes include Dominosteine, Pfeffernüsse, and Zimtsterne.

Ingredients

3 cups flour
1 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. allspice
1 egg
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1 cup dark molasses
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup mixed chopped candied fruits & peels


Lemon glaze:
1 slightly beaten egg white
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. finely shredded lemon peel
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
dash salt

Preparation

Stir together dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, beat the egg. Add the brown sugar and beat until fluffy. Stir in honey and molasses and beat until well mixed. Add dry ingredients to the mixture, stirring well until combined. Stir in nuts and fruits. Chill overnight.

Roll chilled dough on a floured surface into a 14-inch square. Cut into 3 1/2 x 2-inch rectangles or use cookie cutters to form the desired shapes. Place 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheet and bake at 375°F for 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool 1 minute before moving to wire rack.

While Lebkuchen is baking, make the lemon glaze. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Brush onto the cookies while they are still warm.


Based on a recipe from Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook.


Lebkuchen



Chocolate Lebkuchen from
Nuremberg, in a decorative
gingerbread house-shaped box.
Pack of 7 boxes. 5.89 oz. each.
Free shipping available.
More info - Buy

Nuremberg Lebkuchen
Assortment of traditional
German gingerbread in
a holiday tin.
More info - Buy

Schmidt Lebkuchen assortment
with 7 types, including chocolate,
iced, and with nuts.
More info - Buy


Book: Gingerbread Houses
has step-by-step instructions
for creating your own gingerbread
houses. 50 designs with
drawings & patterns.
More info - Buy



Gingerbread Cookie
Cutters
. 6 cutters: small
boy & girl, large boy &
girl, house, star.
More info - Buy


German Ginger
Bread Mold

Durable non-stick aluminum,
2-sided design for complete
Hansel & Gretel house.
More info - Buy

Oblaten-Lebkuchen
3 varieties of Nürnberger
Lebkuchen: original, chocolate, and iced.
More info - Buy



Gingerbread House Kit
Pre-baked gingerbread
house pieces for assembling
and decorating.
More info - Buy

Buy or browse more German Christmas cookies


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