Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why These Holiday Cookies Are a Must-Bake
- Behind the Magic of Traditional German Spice
- Perfecting Your Holiday Cookie Tray
- The Charm of German Desserts in Every Bite
- Make-Ahead Tips for Easy Holiday Baking
- Final Thoughts from Betty Cooks
Key Takeaways
These German Lebkuchen cookies are the ultimate holiday cookies—sweet, spiced, and delightfully chewy. With a simple prep and short bake time, they’re ideal for Christmas cookie swaps, family gatherings, or cozy nights with a warm drink. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how quickly they disappear from the dessert table.
Why These Holiday Cookies Are a Must-Bake
If you’re anything like me, the holidays aren’t complete without the aroma of warm spices wafting through the house. These holiday cookies are exactly that kind of comfort. From the first bite, you’ll understand why they’ve been a staple in German baking traditions for centuries. The recipe from Betty Cooks is a nod to tradition with a modern twist—easy to follow and perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Behind the Magic of Traditional German Spice
It’s not just about sugar and flour—what makes these holiday cookies shine is the bold combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. These spices not only warm your kitchen but also your heart, and they evoke memories of festive evenings and bustling Christmas markets. This is the secret to making your baking unforgettable.
Perfecting Your Holiday Cookie Tray
Want to impress at the cookie exchange? These easy recipes will make you the hero of the dessert spread. Pair these holiday cookies with chocolate-dipped treats, sugar cookies, or a few sweet easy recipes to create a stunning platter that balances tradition and variety. Their rustic look and rich flavors make them a standout on any tray.
The Charm of German Desserts in Every Bite
Every bite of these cookies is packed with the essence of authentic German desserts. The candied fruit, chopped almonds, and deep spice make them both chewy and satisfying. It’s a recipe that reminds us baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be magical. If you’ve been looking for baking recipes that impress without stress, look no further.
Make-Ahead Tips for Easy Holiday Baking
One of my favorite things about these cookies? You can make the dough ahead of time and freeze it for a busy baking weekend. Or better yet—bake a batch early, and enjoy them for weeks. These Christmas cookies actually get better with age, as the spices deepen in flavor. That’s holiday baking at its best!
Final Thoughts from Betty Cooks
Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving some festive flavor, these holiday cookies bring joy in every bite. On Betty Cooks, we believe great food should be approachable, fun, and full of flavor—and this recipe checks all the boxes. Add them to your seasonal dessert list and watch them become a new favorite.
Holiday Cookies: Classic German Lebkuchen Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped almonds
- 1 cup chopped candied citron or mixed candied fruit
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Add cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Mix until well combined.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt gradually until a sticky dough forms.
- Fold in the chopped almonds and candied fruit.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until cookies are firm but not overly browned.
- Cool completely on wire racks. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
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