Baked Goods > Cookies > German

Spiced Lebkuchen with Orange Glaze Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest

Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
- Small saucepan

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the butter, honey, molasses, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add the eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.

6. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the centers are set.

8. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. To make the orange glaze, combine the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the glaze is smooth.

10. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let set for 10-15 minutes before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
- Makes approximately 24 cookies

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 17g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Almond flour can be substituted with hazelnut flour or all-purpose flour.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Molasses can be substituted with dark corn syrup or honey.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with granulated sugar or coconut sugar.

Variations:
- Add chopped nuts, raisins, or dried cranberries to the dough for added texture.
- Substitute the orange glaze with a lemon glaze or a chocolate glaze.

Tips and tricks:
- To prevent the dough from sticking to your hands, lightly dust your hands with flour before shaping the dough into balls.
- For a softer texture, store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread will keep the cookies moist.

Storage instructions:
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the cookies, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the cookies on a platter and dust with powdered sugar for a festive look.

Garnishes:
- Garnish with orange zest or chopped nuts.

Pairings:
- Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a cheese plate.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until the dough comes together.
- If the cookies are too hard, reduce the baking time by a few minutes.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients and wash your hands and utensils before handling food.

Food history:
- Lebkuchen is a traditional German Christmas cookie that dates back to the 13th century.

Flavor profiles:
- The spiced lebkuchen has a warm and comforting flavor with notes of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. The orange glaze adds a bright and citrusy flavor.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the spiced lebkuchen with orange glaze as a festive holiday treat or as a sweet snack any time of the year.

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Region: German

Taste: Spicy, Sweet, Citrusy, Aromatic, Nutty