Lebkuchen - German Christmas Ginger Cookies

Lebkuchen are classic German gingerbread cookies that are a beloved treat during the Christmas season. They are richly spiced, slightly nutty, and often adorned with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup ground almonds
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup candied orange peel, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup candied lemon peel, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts such as walnuts or hazelnuts
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

In a bowl, combine the flour, ground almonds, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and salt

In a separate bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and honey until creamy

Add the molasses and eggs to the butter mixture and mix well

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms

Stir in the candied orange peel, candied lemon peel, and chopped nuts

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight

Preheat the oven to 350F 175C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper

Take portions of the dough and roll into 1-inch balls

Place them on the prepared baking sheet

Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and slightly golden

Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on a wire rack

Once the cookies are completely cool, dust them with powdered sugar

Enjoy these traditional German Lebkuchen cookies as a festive holiday treat