Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle, beat the brown sugar, honey, and egg on medium for 2 minutes until smooth and glossy.
- Add cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, salt, cocoa powder, and almond flour. Mix on low to medium for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl halfway through.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Add softened butter and beat 3 to 4 minutes until lighter and fluffier.
- Mix in baking powder. In a small cup, stir baking soda with vinegar (it will fizz), then add it to the bowl along with Espresso Martini and lemon zest. Mix just until combined.
- Add flour and switch to the dough hook. Knead on low for 5 minutes until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Let dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Divide dough into 24 pieces, roll into balls, place about 2 inches apart, then gently flatten each ball slightly with your fingers.
- Bake 10 to 12 minutes until tops are lightly cracked and cookies still feel soft in the center.(See Notes below for cutout cookie baking times if you'd like to make fun shapes with cookie cutters instead).
- Cool on the baking sheet 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack and cool completely.
- Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice a little at a time until thick but pourable. Stir in zest if using. Spoon or dip cooled cookies, then let glaze set.
Notes
- These can also be topped with melted dark chocolate for a more traditional finish.
- The glaze can be tinted with food coloring for festive versions. Pink and white glazed Lebkuchen are very common in Germany.
Want to Make These as Cutout Cookies?
After the second chill, roll dough about 1/2 inch thick, cut shapes, and bake 8 to 10 minutes for small cutters, 10 to 12 minutes for larger shapes. Watch the edges. Cool completely before glazing. Note: when you make these in a cutout cookie style they do no need to be pressed down before baking, because they are already rolled out!Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These also freeze well unglazed for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
Related Recipes
- Check out all our German Recipes HERE!
- View the rest of our Christmas Recipes HERE!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.