If your kitchen could smell like a Christmas market, it would smell like these Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies). Today, I’m thrilled to share my family’s favorite recipe, a holiday tradition that brings the warmth of cinnamon, honey, and cloves right to your home.
Before we get whisk-deep in cookie dough, thank you for being here! Whether you stumbled in from Pinterest’s tempting feed or you’ve been following my recipes for years, I’m so glad we get to bake together. If you want more recipes like this one, subscribe to my email list so you never miss a sweet treat or savory feast.
Overview of Recipe Content
What is Lebkuchen?
Lebkuchen is Germany’s answer to gingerbread—soft, warmly spiced, and often glazed or chocolate-coated. They’re a staple in European Christmas markets, but in my house, we make them year-round because they’re just that good.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Incredibly fragrant and festive
- Soft and chewy texture with a slight crisp edge
- Perfect make-ahead cookie for gifting
- Can be customized with nuts, citrus peel, or chocolate
Taste Profile:
Think rich honey sweetness balanced by warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, with a hint of earthy allspice. Every bite is like a hug from the holidays.
Seasonal & Nutritional Perks:
- Naturally flavored with warm spices—no artificial extracts needed
- Uses honey instead of refined sugar for a more nuanced sweetness
- Spices are rich in antioxidants (bonus for your immune system during cold season!)
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup honey
Tools You’ll Need:
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk and spatula
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
Suggested Additions & Substitutions:
- Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness
- Add finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts for texture
- Drizzle with dark chocolate for extra indulgence
How to Make Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies)
- Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and salt. Inhale deeply—this is the holiday aroma magic.
- Warm the Honey – In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the honey until it’s just pourable (don’t boil). This helps the dough come together smoothly.
- Combine Wet & Dry – Pour the honey into the dry mix and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Rest the Dough – Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to let the flavors develop.
- Shape & Bake – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls, place on parchment-lined baking sheet, and gently flatten. Bake 8–10 minutes until set but still soft in the center.
- Cool & Enjoy – Let cool completely before glazing, dipping in chocolate, or dusting with powdered sugar.
What to Serve with Lebkuchen
- A steaming mug of mulled wine or spiced cider
- A frothy cappuccino or latte
- A cheese plate for a sweet-savory dessert board
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Don’t overbake—these cookies are best when slightly soft in the middle.
- Rest time is key—even a short chill lets the spices bloom.
- For gifting—layer cookies between parchment in a decorative tin.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze: Place in freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp before serving.
- Glazed cookies—allow glaze to fully set before stacking.
General Information
Lebkuchen has been baked in Germany since the Middle Ages. Traditionally sold at Christmas markets, it often features ground nuts, candied peel, and sometimes sits on an oblaten wafer base. My recipe is a simplified, nut-free version that still captures the soul of the classic.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these without honey?
Yes! Maple syrup or golden syrup works, though the flavor will differ.
2. Can I add chocolate?
Absolutely—either drizzle or dip the cooled cookies.
3. Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes, the dough can chill for up to 3 days before baking.
Conclusion
These Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies) are the kind of treat that makes a kitchen feel like home. Soft, spiced, and impossibly comforting, they’re perfect for holiday gifting—or for sneaking with your morning coffee.
If you love holiday baking, you might also enjoy my Gingerbread Loaf and Molasses Spice Cookies.
Happy baking, friends—may your kitchen always smell like cinnamon and joy!
Interactive Elements
If you try this recipe, leave a comment below and tell me how yours turned out!
Share your creations on Pinterest at Poulef Recipes or tag me on Instagram with your festive cookie photos.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
| Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Saturated Fat | Sugar | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 140 | 24g | 2g | 4g | 1g | 12g | 1g | 70mg |
Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies) – The Cozy Holiday Treat You’ll Crave All Year
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies) are soft, warmly spiced, and full of holiday flavor. Made with honey, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, they’re perfect for Christmas gifting or cozy winter snacking.
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup honey
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and salt.
2. In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the honey until pourable.
3. Pour the honey into the dry mix and stir until a soft dough forms.
4. Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, place on the sheet, and gently flatten.
7. Bake for 8–10 minutes until set but still soft.
8. Cool completely before glazing, dipping in chocolate, or dusting with powdered sugar.
Notes
For a richer cookie, add 1/4 cup finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts.
Maple syrup can be substituted for honey for a different flavor.
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks or freeze for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
