18+ German Christmas Lebkuchen Spice Bars Recipe Prepare To Be Amazed!

Published on: Mar 8, 2024

Lebkuchen, also known as German gingerbread, is a beloved holiday treat that is deeply rooted in German Christmas traditions. These delicious spice bars are a staple at Christmas markets and family gatherings, and for good reason. Made with a unique blend of spices and a rich honey-cinnamon base, lebkuchen is the perfect combination of sweet and spicy. In this article, we will share a traditional German Christmas lebkuchen spice bars recipe that will transport you to the heart of Germany during the holiday season.

Jump to Recipe

1 of 20

Lebkuchen (German Fruit and Spice Cookies)

Main Ingredients: Sugar, Lemon, Orange, Dried Apricot, Dried Cherries

German Lebkuchen Cookies (How to Make Lebkuchen) - A Beautiful Plate

Christmas Cookies #2: Lebkuchen – German Spice Cookies with Almonds ...

Vegan Lebkuchen (German Spiced Cookies) | Occasionally Eggs

Lebkuchen A German Christmas Cookie #CreativeCookieExchange - 2 Cookin ...

Lebkuchen, also known as German fruit and spice cookies, are a beloved treat during the holiday season. These delicious cookies are filled with warm spices, fruits, and nuts, and are often enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa or glühwein (German mulled wine). While traditionally eaten during Christmas time, these cookies are delicious all year round and are a staple in many German households. Here are 20 different variations of this classic German cookie that you must try!

2 of 20

Vegan Lebkuchen (German Gingerbread)

Main Ingredients: Maple Syrup, Vegan Butter, All Purpose Flour, Ground

Vegan Lebkuchen Gingerbread Cookies – The Vegan Larder

Lebkuchen, a German Gingerbread (Vegan and Gluten Free) | Recipe ...

Lebkuchen - German Gingerbread Cookies – LeelaLicious

If you're following a vegan diet, you don't have to miss out on the deliciousness of Lebkuchen. This vegan version of the traditional German gingerbread is made with almond flour, spelt flour, and a variety of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. The result is a soft, chewy, and completely plant-based cookie that is perfect for snacking on during the holidays.

3 of 20

Sugar glazed lebkuchen (German Christmas cookies)

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Almond Meal, Ground Ginger, Ground

German Gingerbread (Lebkuchen) is a very popular sweet treat during ...

German Christmas Cookies, German Cookies, Soft Gingerbread Cookies ...

For those with a sweet tooth, these sugar glazed Lebkuchen cookies are a must-try. They are made with a traditional dough of honey, spices, and candied fruit, and are then topped with a sweet glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice. The result is a perfectly balanced cookie that is not too sweet, but still satisfies your cravings for something sugary.

4 of 20

German Lebkuchen Cookies

Main Ingredients: Honey, Molasses, Brown Sugar, Eggs, Lemon Juice, Lemon

Easy German Lebkuchen Recipe (Nürnberger Elisenlebkuchen Cookies ...

This classic recipe for German Lebkuchen cookies is a great place to start if you've never tried them before. It uses a mixture of ground almonds and hazelnuts, along with honey, spices, and candied fruit, to create a deliciously fragrant cookie that is perfect for the holiday season. The dough is rolled out and cut into different shapes, making them a fun and festive treat for the whole family.

5 of 20

Lebkuchen

Main Ingredients: Honey, Brown Sugar, Butter, White Flour, Baking Powder

Lebkuchen Plätzchen | Vegane Weihnachts-Kekse - Bianca Zapatka | Rezepte

German Christmas Lebkuchen recipe | heysmokies

If you're looking for a more traditional Lebkuchen recipe, this one is for you. Made with a mixture of flour, honey, and spices, this recipe creates a cookie that is soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. These cookies are often decorated with icing and sprinkles, making them a fun and festive addition to any holiday party.

6 of 20

Classic Lebkuchen

Main Ingredients: Honey, Brown Sugar, Butter, All Purpose Flour, Baking

Lebkuchen Cookies - Cakes, Cookies and more

Lebkuchen zum Ausstechen - Kleines Kulinarium

This classic Lebkuchen recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Made with a mixture of ground almonds, hazelnuts, and spices, these cookies are packed with flavor and have a slightly crunchy texture. They are often decorated with a thin layer of chocolate on top, making them a decadent treat that is sure to impress.

7 of 20

Lebkuchen (German Gingerbread)

Main Ingredients: Honey, Molasses, Coconut Sugar, Almond Oil, Egg, White

Lebkuchen (German Gingerbread) with candied clementine peel - in the ...

Lebkuchen – German Gingerbread Cookies | Recipe | Lebkuchen ...

Lebkuchen, or German gingerbread, has many variations dependant on the ...

This Lebkuchen recipe uses a combination of honey and molasses for a darker, richer flavor. The dough is then filled with candied fruit and chopped almonds, and is spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. The result is a deliciously fragrant cookie that is perfect for enjoying with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

8 of 20

Lebkuchen – German Spice Cookies

Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Flour, Unsweetened Cocoa Powder, Canela

Lebkuchen - German Christmas Ginger Cookies - Cook Republic

If you love a good spice cookie, then you have to try this Lebkuchen recipe. Made with a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, these cookies are perfect for snacking on during the holiday season. They are also great for gifting to friends and family, as they are easy to make and stay fresh for several days.

9 of 20

Lebkuchen (German Nut Cookies)

Main Ingredients: Marzipan, Sugar, Egg Whites, Eggs, Flour, Salt, Ground

Hungry Couple: Lebkuchen (German Gingerbread) Plus a Treat Box

This recipe for Lebkuchen nut cookies is a great alternative for those who are allergic to nuts. The dough is made with a combination of ground almonds, hazelnuts, and cashews, and is then filled with a mixture of dried fruits and spices. The result is a deliciously nutty and fruity cookie that is perfect for the holiday season.

10 of 20

Zimtsterne – German Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Powdered Sugar, Ground Almonds, Cinnamon

Authentic Zimtsterne (German Cinnamon Star Cookies) | Recipe | German ...

Zimtsterne – German Christmas Cookies | Fig & Honey | Biscuit de noël ...

Zimtsterne ~ Cinnamon Stars | Recipe | German christmas food, Cookies ...

Traditional German Zimtsterne Cinnamon Stars Christmas Cookies Stock ...

Zimtsterne, also known as cinnamon stars, are a popular German Christmas cookie that is made with ground almonds, cinnamon, and egg whites. The dough is rolled out and cut into star shapes, and is then topped with a thin layer of meringue before baking. These cookies have a slightly crisp exterior and a chewy, nutty center, making them a delicious addition to any holiday cookie platter.

11 of 20

Pfeffernusse German Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Flour, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar, Molasses, Butter

German Pfeffernusse cookies. | Cookies recipes christmas, German ...

German Christmas cookies - Caroline's Cooking

Pfeffernusse (German Spice Cookies) • The View from Great Island

Family Christmas Cookie 6: Pfeffernüsse Cookies | Mayhem in the Kitchen!

Pfeffernusse, also known as German pepper nuts, are a traditional Christmas cookie that is made with a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. The dough is shaped into small balls and baked until golden brown, and is then dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. These cookies have a slightly crunchy texture and a warm, spicy flavor that is perfect for the holiday season.

12 of 20

German Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Runny Honey, Butter, Plain Flour, Ground Almond, Ground

German Lebkuchen Cookies - traditional glazed German Christmas cookies ...

10 Delicious German Christmas Cookies to Please Any Crowd | Delicious ...

Lebkuchen – German Christmas Cookies | Recipe | German christmas ...

This recipe for German Christmas cookies is a great starting point for those who want to experiment with different flavors and textures. The dough is made with a combination of flour, honey, spices, and candied fruit, and can be shaped into different shapes and sizes. These cookies are also great for decorating, making them a fun activity for the whole family.

13 of 20

Lebkuchen - German Gingerbread Cookies

Main Ingredients: Demerara Sugar, Milk, Water, Butter, Unbleached All

Lebkuchen Recipe - German Gingerbread Cookies » LeelaLicious

Classic Lebkuchen Recipe - German Christmas Cookies [EASY ]

Lebkuchen (German Gingerbread) | cooking ala mel | Recipe | Just ...

This recipe for Lebkuchen gingerbread cookies is perfect for those who love a classic gingerbread flavor. The dough is made with a blend of warm spices and molasses, and is then rolled out and cut into different shapes. These cookies are also great for decorating, as they hold their shape well and can be iced and decorated with sprinkles, chocolate, or royal icing.

14 of 20

Vegan Chocolate Lebkuchen Cake (German Gingerbread...

Main Ingredients: Dark Chocolate, Vegan Butter, Sugar, Aquafaba, Flour

Vegan German Chocolate Cake - Loving It Vegan

Lebkuchen: German Gingerbread Cookies — Michelle Bessudo | Recipe ...

Christmas Recipe: Lebkuchen Cake - HodgePodgeDays

Dark Chocolate Lebkuchen - A Dash of Ginger | Recipe | Lebkuchen, Xmas ...

This vegan chocolate Lebkuchen cake is a unique twist on the classic German cookie. Made with a combination of almond flour, spelt flour, and cocoa powder, this cake is rich, moist, and full of flavor. The addition of warm spices like cinnamon and ginger gives it a deliciously festive touch, making it a great option for holiday parties or as a decadent dessert for a special occasion.

15 of 20

Dresden Stollen (German Christmas Stollen)

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Active Dry Yeast, Ground Cardamom

A Classic German Dresden Christmas Stollen | Stollen recipe, Christmas ...

300+ Dresden Stollen Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images - iStock

traditional german christmas stollen recipe

JA U KUHINJI...: Stollen - German Christmas Bread

Dresden Stollen is a traditional German Christmas bread that is filled with dried fruits, nuts, and spices. The dough is rolled out and shaped into a loaf, and is then brushed with melted butter and dusted with powdered sugar. This bread is perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea, and makes for a delicious holiday breakfast or dessert.

16 of 20

German Anise Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Sugar, Flour, Vanilla Sugar, Eggs, Anise

anise drop german christmas cookies

German Pfeffernüsse Cookies | Recipe | Pfeffernusse cookies ...

Traditional Springerle | Recipe | Springerle, Springerle cookies ...

Anisbredele - Alsatian Anise Christmas Cookies | Spice Trekkers

If you love the flavor of anise, then you have to try these German anise Christmas cookies. The dough is made with a combination of flour, butter, and anise extract, and is then shaped into small balls and baked until golden brown. These cookies have a crunchy texture and a warm, licorice-like flavor that is perfect for the holiday season.

17 of 20

BEST German Christmas Stollen (Christstollen)

Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Dry Active Yeast, Granulated Sugar, All

stollen recipe german bread cake christmas authentic traditional ...

German Christmas Stollen | Christstollen rezept, Christstollen, Rezepte

German Christmas Bread (Easy Stollen, Mini Stollen and Stollen Bites ...

This recipe for German Christmas Stollen is a must-try for those who love a traditional holiday bread. The dough is filled with a mixture of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and is then rolled out and shaped into a loaf. The final touch is a generous dusting of powdered sugar, making this bread a beautiful and delicious addition to any holiday table.

18 of 20

Traditional German Stollen for Christmas

Main Ingredients: Raisins, Dark Rum, Flour, Sugar, Butter, Candied Lemon

Traditional German Christmas Stollen - Handmade And Gift Wrapped

German Stollen is a rich, buttery bread packed with almonds, citrus ...

German Christmas Cake (Stollen Recipe) - Lavender & Macarons

Stollen is Germany's Christmas cake and this version is made with ...

This traditional German Stollen recipe is a great option for those who want to make their own holiday bread from scratch. Made with a combination of flour, yeast, and warm spices, this bread is filled with a mixture of dried fruits, nuts, and a touch of rum. The result is a dense, flavorful bread that is perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.

19 of 20

German Dresden Christmas Stollen

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Active Dry Yeast, Ground Cardamom

Dresden Stollen (German Christmas Stollen) - 31 Daily

Christmas Dresden Stollen Recipe, Whats Cooking America

Traditional German Christmas Cake with Raisins and Marzipan. Sliced ...

This Dresden Christmas Stollen recipe is a variation of the traditional German holiday bread that is made with a combination of almond flour, spelt flour, and dried fruits. The dough is shaped into a loaf, and is then brushed with melted butter and dusted with powdered sugar. The result is a deliciously fragrant and flavorful bread that is perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season.

20 of 20

German Flourless Christmas Cookies (Elisenlebkuchen)

Main Ingredients: Almonds, Hazelnuts, Large Eggs, Powdered Sugar, Mace

A favorite among all German Christmas cookies, these Flourless ...

With this recipe it is easy to make traditional German gingerbread ...

Nürnberger Elisenlebkuchen vom Blech – La Crema German Christmas ...

These German flourless Christmas cookies, also known as Elisenlebkuchen, are a delicious option for those who are gluten-free. The dough is made with a combination of ground almonds, hazelnuts, and spices, and is then piped onto a baking sheet and topped with a mixture of candied fruit and nuts. These cookies have a slightly chewy texture and a warm, nutty flavor that is sure to be a hit with everyone.

The History of Lebkuchen

The Origins of Lebkuchen

Lebkuchen has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 13th century. The first recorded mention of lebkuchen was in a document from the city of Ulm, Germany in 1296. Originally, lebkuchen was made by monks in monasteries and was known as "honey cake" due to its primary ingredient, honey. It was believed to have medicinal properties and was often used as a remedy for various ailments. Over time, the recipe for lebkuchen evolved and became a popular holiday treat in Germany.

Lebkuchen at Christmas Markets

Today, lebkuchen is synonymous with Christmas in Germany. During the holiday season, Christmas markets are a common sight in towns and cities all over the country. These markets are filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas, and one of the most prominent smells is the aroma of freshly baked lebkuchen. Vendors sell a variety of lebkuchen, from traditional spice bars to intricately decorated cookies, making it a must-try treat for anyone visiting a German Christmas market.

The Key Ingredients

Honey and Spices

The key to making authentic German lebkuchen is the use of high-quality honey and a unique blend of spices. The most commonly used spice in lebkuchen is cinnamon, but other spices such as ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice are also used to create the perfect balance of flavors. The honey not only adds sweetness but also helps to keep the spice bars moist and chewy.

Almonds and Candied Citrus Peel

Another essential ingredient in lebkuchen is almonds. Ground almonds are used to give the spice bars a rich and nutty flavor. Candied citrus peel, usually made from orange or lemon, is also added to the dough to add a hint of tanginess and balance out the sweetness.

The Recipe

Now that you know the history and key ingredients of lebkuchen, it's time to try making them yourself. Follow this simple recipe to create your own batch of German Christmas lebkuchen spice bars. Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup ground almonds
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup candied citrus peel, chopped
1/4 cup almonds, chopped

Instructions:

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, ground almonds, baking powder, spices, and salt. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, heat the honey, brown sugar, and butter over low heat until the sugar is dissolved.
Pour the honey mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
Add the chopped candied citrus peel and almonds to the dough and mix well.
Press the dough into a greased 9x9 inch baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Let the lebkuchen cool in the pan for 10 minutes before cutting into bars.
Enjoy your homemade German Christmas lebkuchen spice bars!

In Conclusion

German Christmas lebkuchen spice bars are a delicious and nostalgic holiday treat that will transport you to the heart of Germany. With its rich history and unique blend of spices, lebkuchen is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the magic of a German Christmas. So, gather your ingredients and get baking – your taste buds will thank you!