Lebkuchen

par

Step 4: Chill the Dough

  1. Cover the dough with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours — or overnight for the best flavor. This resting time allows the spices to bloom and the dough to firm up, making it easier to handle.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Using your hands, roll the chilled dough into 1½-inch balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet, as they will spread slightly during baking.
  3. Flatten each dough ball gently with your fingers or the back of a spoon. The goal is to create slightly domed, uniform cookies.
  4. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops look set but still soft. Do not overbake — Lebkuchen should stay tender in the center.
  5. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make and Apply the Glaze

  1. While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and water or lemon juice until smooth. The lemon juice adds a bright tang that pairs beautifully with the warm spices.
  2. Using a pastry brush or spoon, spread the glaze over the cooled cookies in a thin, even layer. For a shinier finish, you can apply two coats, allowing the first to set slightly before adding the second.
  3. Let the glaze dry completely before storing or serving. The glaze will harden into a thin, sweet shell that locks in the cookies’ moisture.

Storage and Serving Tips

  • Storage: Once completely cooled and glazed, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Their flavor deepens as they sit, making them even better after a few days.
  • Make ahead: The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking, or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Serving suggestion: Serve these cookies with hot coffee, tea, or mulled wine for a cozy, festive treat.

Soft, spicy, and coated with a delicate glaze, Lebkuchen are the heart of traditional German holiday baking. With their rich aroma of cinnamon and clove, each bite feels like a celebration of warmth and nostalgia — a timeless cookie that’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen, too. 🍪🇩🇪✨

Laisser un commentaire