German Lebkuchen Cookies: Soft, Spiced Holiday Cookies

When the holidays roll around, one of the first treats I reach for is Lebkuchen. These traditional German gingerbread cookies are soft, warmly spiced, and filled with crunchy nuts and chewy candied citrus. They’re the kind of cookie that makes your kitchen smell like Christmas and brings everyone to the table. Whether you glaze them in chocolate or with a simple powdered sugar finish, they always disappear fast.

I love baking these with my kids they get to help shape the cookies and dip them in glaze, which is half the fun. And bonus: these actually get better after a few days, which makes them perfect for make-ahead gifting or cookie boxes.

Why You’ll Love Lebkuchen Cookies

If you love soft cookies packed with warming spices, crunch from nuts, and little pops of candied citrus, this recipe is going to be your new favorite. They’re easy to make, super forgiving, and can be dressed up with chocolate or glaze. Plus, they stay fresh for days and make the perfect edible gift!

Simple Ingredients

This cozy cookie comes together with some pantry staples and a few seasonal extras:

• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and gives the cookies their classic chew.
• Brown Sugar: Deepens the flavor with caramel notes.
• Eggs: Helps bind the cookies and give structure.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, holding all the deliciousness together.
• Spices: A blend of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice makes these taste just like the holidays.
• Baking Soda: Gives a little rise and softness.
• Chopped Nuts: Traditionally almonds or hazelnuts for crunch and flavor.
• Candied Citrus Peel: Adds bursts of sweet, tangy citrus in every bite.
• Optional Glaze: A chocolate or sugar glaze makes these cookies truly festive.

Yields and Timing

Servings: About 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

What is Needed

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds or hazelnuts
• 1/2 cup chopped candied orange peel or citron
• Optional: chocolate glaze or powdered sugar glaze

How to Make Lebkuchen

1. In a small saucepan, warm the honey and brown sugar over medium heat just until the sugar melts. Let cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs until foamy. Slowly pour in the honey mixture and stir to combine.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, spices, and baking soda.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Fold in the chopped nuts and candied citrus.
6. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour (it will be sticky).
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Scoop dough into 1.5 tbsp portions and shape into rounds. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheet.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes until puffed and lightly golden.
10. Let cool completely, then glaze with chocolate or powdered sugar icing if desired.

Top Tips

• Chill your dough: This helps firm it up and makes shaping much easier.
• Use parchment paper: These cookies are sticky, and parchment keeps things mess-free.
• Get kids involved: Let them help dip cookies into glaze it’s messy fun!
• Let the flavors develop: These cookies taste even better on day 2 or 3.
• Double the batch: They freeze well and are perfect for gifting!

Recommended Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets
• Cooling rack

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it chilled until ready to bake. The baked cookies can be stored for a week or frozen for up to 2 months.

How to Store and Reheat

Store Lebkuchen in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. They actually get softer and more flavorful with time. To reheat, pop in the microwave for 5–10 seconds if you like them warm.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Serve with hot cocoa, mulled wine, or coffee. These are lovely on a holiday dessert tray with other cookies like shortbread or thumbprints.

What You Need to Know About This Recipe

Lebkuchen has been a German Christmas staple for centuries, originating from Nuremberg in the 13th century. Traditionally made by monks, the cookies were a luxurious blend of spices, honey, and nuts ingredients once considered rare and special. Today, they’re still cherished as a symbol of holiday warmth and tradition, and this soft version is especially beloved for its rich, cake-like texture.

More Christmas Cookies

If you love these cookies you must try these forgotten Christmas Cookies.