There’s something delightful about German holiday traditions, especially when it comes to the beloved Lebkuchen cookies. These heart-shaped cookies, known as Lebkuchenherzen, are a staple during the festive season. With a fragrant blend of spices and a sweet icing topping, they are sure to bring warmth and cheer to your home. Let’s dive into how to make these charming treats!
Lebkuchenherzen
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
– Candied cherries and sliced almonds for decoration
– For the Glaze:
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 2-3 tablespoons milk
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the honey, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and beat until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
6. Stir in the finely chopped almonds until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the Lebkuchenherzen shapes.
8. Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
9. Before baking, gently press a candied cherry and a few sliced almonds into the center of each cookie for decoration.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
11. While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth.
12. Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the Lebkuchenherzen using a spoon or a piping bag.
14. Let the glaze set before serving the cookies for the perfect finishing touch.
These Lebkuchenherzen cookies are a labor of love, but the joy they bring is well worth the effort. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or give them as gifts during the holiday season, these sweet and spiced treats are sure to be a hit. Embrace the festive spirit and create your own batch of Lebkuchenherzen to share with family and friends. Guten Appetit!
