Lebkuchen are traditional German gingerbread cookies, often enjoyed during the holiday season. They are spiced, nutty, and sweet, with a soft and chewy texture.

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
• 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup finely chopped candied citrus peel (optional)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons water or lemon juice 

Instructions:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt. Set aside.
     
     
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   • In another bowl, mix together the sugar, honey, molasses, eggs, melted butter, and lemon zest until well combined.
     
     
3. Combine Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
   • Stir in the chopped walnuts and candied citrus peel (if using).
     
     
4. Cover and Chill:
   • Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
     
     
5. Preheat and Prepare:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
     
     
6. Form Cookies:
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
   • Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
     
     
7. Bake:
   • Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Be careful not to overbake, as the cookies should remain soft.
     
     
8. Cool, then Glaze:
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and water (or lemon juice) until smooth.
   • Brush the glaze over the cooled cookies and let them set for a few minutes until the glaze hardens.

Store the Lebkuchen in an airtight container. They often taste even better after a few days, as the flavors meld together. These German holiday cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family, and they make a delightful addition to your festive car picnic basket!