How are German Gingerbread Cookies different from regular gingerbread?

German Gingerbread Cookies, also known as Lebkuchen , are much softer and more cake-like than traditional crisp gingerbread cutouts. They use a complex spice blend and are finished with an egg wash or glaze, giving them a glossy, bakery-style finish. The dough is cooked before baking, which also contributes to their unique texture.

Can I make German Gingerbread Cookies without alcohol?

Absolutely. While traditional recipes use vodka, brandy, or rum to enhance flavor and soften the dough, you can replace the alcohol with fruit juice (like apple or orange) or even a bit of brewed tea. These alternatives still keep the dough moist and flavorful without the use of alcohol.

How long do German Gingerbread Cookies stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, German Gingerbread Cookies stay soft and fresh for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them in sealed containers for up to 3 months. The egg wash or sugar glaze helps retain their moisture and texture over time.

German Gingerbread Cookies – Best Holiday Recipe

Name: German Gingerbread Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 1 ⅔ cups brown sugar; ⅔ cup milk; ½ cup water; ½ cup butter; 3 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon gingerbread spice mix (or a mix of ground cinnamon, ginger, and cloves); ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ teaspoon baking soda; 1 egg white; 2 ½ tablespoons liquor (brandy, rum, or vodka); Nuts and seeds (for decoration, optional); 2 egg yolks (for egg wash); 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

Description

Soft, spiced, and glazed German Gingerbread Cookies (Lebkuchen) made from a traditional recipe using a cooked dough, warm spices, and a glossy egg wash finish. Perfect for the holidays and full of nostalgic flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ⅔ cups brown sugar
⅔ cup milk
½ cup water
½ cup butter
3 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon gingerbread spice mix (or a mix of ground cinnamon, ginger, and cloves)
½ teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon baking soda
1 egg white
2 ½ tablespoons liquor (brandy, rum, or vodka)
Nuts and seeds (for decoration, optional)
2 egg yolks (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a saucepan, heat brown sugar, milk, water, and butter over medium heat until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Remove from heat just as the mixture begins to boil.
Stir in the flour, gingerbread spice mix, and salt. Mix well with a wooden spoon until combined.
Return the pot to the stove and continue stirring and heating until the dough thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Remove the dough from heat and allow it to cool until it is no longer hot but still pliable.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg white until stiff peaks form.
Once dough is cool, stir in the beaten egg white, baking soda, and liquor until fully incorporated.
Divide the dough into 4 parts and roll each between parchment paper to about 1/4 inch thick. Chill the rolled dough in the fridge or freezer until firm.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare baking sheets.
Roll chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thick, cut into desired shapes, and place on baking sheets. Decorate with nuts or seeds if desired.
Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until tops are opaque and bottoms are lightly golden.
Whisk together egg yolks and water for egg wash.
Brush hot cookies immediately with a thin layer of egg wash for a glossy finish.
Cool completely on a wire rack and store in an airtight container.

Notes

To avoid cooking the egg white, make sure the dough is only warm, not hot.
You can substitute the egg wash with a powdered sugar glaze (¾ cup powdered sugar + 1.5 tablespoons water).
Use flour-dusted cookie cutters to prevent sticking.
Cookies can be frozen in airtight containers for long-term storage.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: German

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 102
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 55mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 12mg