Lebkuchen (gingerbread)

lebkuchen_(gingerbread)

Lebkuchen, also known as German gingerbread, is a traditional Christmas dessert in Germany. This spiced and rich treat is usually made with honey, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and anise. It is a baked good that is perfect to enjoy alongside a cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa during the holiday season.

Lebkuchen itself has a very long and rich history that dates all the way back to the medieval era. The monks in Franconia, which is located in the northern Bavarian region of Germany, first conceived this recipe. This treat was a means of preserving the bread as well as giving the monks a delicious treat to enjoy during the cold winter months.

Similarly, the tradition of baking Lebkuchen during Christmas time started as a way of preserving food for the winter season. The spices used in the recipe helped to mask the flavor of aging honey, making the gingerbread last throughout the year.

Lebkuchen typically comes in a variety of forms, such as round cakes, loaves, or stars, and it is often decorated with icing or glaze. In Germany, there are many different variations of Lebkuchen, each with a unique twist of flavors and spices, depending on the region.

The different flavors of Lebkuchen are determined by the ingredients used. For instance, Nuremberg Lebkuchen, which is perhaps the most famous and recognizable variation of the recipe, is made with ground hazelnuts and has a subtle, nutty flavor. Another popular variation is the “Printen” gingerbread, which is usually made in Aachen and contains a lot of honey and various spices.

Traditional Lebkuchen recipes usually call for a combination of low-gluten flour, spices, eggs, sugar, honey, and while some recipes call for candied peel, others include nuts and marzipan. Lebkuchen is a forgiving recipe, meaning that it can be tweaked or altered as per personal taste preferences.

There are several methods to make Lebkuchen, one of which involves baking the gingerbread first and then glazing it with icing or sugar syrup. However, it is not unusual for the gingerbread to be left unglazed and served with a dusting of powdered sugar instead.

In conclusion, Lebkuchen is a delightful treat that is rich in tradition and history. While it is especially popular in Germany during Christmas, it can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Although making Lebkuchen may seem daunting for beginners, the end result is well worth the effort. Let’s get started with our recipe and enjoy this delicious delicacy!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup chopped candied orange peel
  • 1/4 cup chopped candied lemon peel
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the honey, molasses, brown sugar, butter, and eggs until well combined.
  3. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a stiff dough forms.
  4. Fold in the candied orange and lemon peel.
  5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  6. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness.
  7. Cut the dough into desired shapes using cookie cutters or a knife.
  8. Place the cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between them.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
  10. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Dust the cookies with powdered sugar.

Enjoy your delicious German Lebkuchen!