Grandma Norma’s Lebkuchen (German Christmas Cookies)

I had never heard of Lebkuchen until I joined Josh’s family, now it’s one of my all time favorite Christmas cookies! They have a gingerbread flavor, but chewy and have the best cinnamon icing.

This recipe is from Josh’s Grandma Norma, when we called to ask if we would post it, she told us it’s traditional German Lebkuchen and it was HER Grandmother’s recipe.

The dough is very stiff, I have no idea how Grandma Norma used to mix this by hand (she must be a lot stronger than me). It makes A TON (7-8 dozen), so I would suggest freezing half the dough unless you have lots of people to share with!

Grandma Norma’s Lebkuchen (German Christmas Cookies)

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• Author: sandymargritz
• Total Time: 72 hours 12 minutes
• Yield: 7-8 Dozen

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Description

Similar to gingerbread, this chewy ginger cookie is one of our Christmas favorites! 

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Ingredients

Cookies:

2/3 Cup Crisco

2 Cups White Sugar

1 & 1/3 Cup Honey

2 Large Eggs- beaten

2/3 Cup Cold Water

2 tsp Baking Soda

1/2 tsp Salt

2 tsp Cinnamon

2 tsp Clove

7 & 1/2 Cups Flour

Slivered Almonds

Icing:

1-2 Cups Powdered Sugar

1/4 tsp Salt

1 tsp Cinnamon

1 tsp Vanilla

Boiling Water (a few tablespoons)

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Notes

Combine Honey, Crisco & Sugar in large heavy saucepan over low heat.Keep stirring as it warms up. 

When hot, let it boil for 5 minutes. 

Stir Baking Soda into the Cold Water. 

Pour hot mixture into large mixing bowl. 

Slowly pour soda water mixture into hot mixture and stir well. 

Slowly add beaten Eggs.

Then add Flour, Salt & Spices. 

*This is a very stiff dough!

Cover and put in refrigerator for 3 days.

Roll dough on lightly floured surface, should be fairly thick. Use Diamond Shaped Cookie Cutter to cut out dough. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. 

While baking, mix up all ingredients for icing. Start should be runny but thick enough to stick on the cookie. Add the boiling water slowly so it’s not too runny. 

Place almond sliver in center of cookie and ice when cookies are still a little warm – some will drip off. 

• Prep Time: 3 Days
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Cookies
• Cuisine: German