Authentic German Lebkuchen

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 tablespoons grated orange rind
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup candied citron or orange peel

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease baking sheets.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the honey, molasses, eggs, oil, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice and orange rind.
3. Stir in the flour, walnuts, almonds, raisins and candied citron or orange peel.
4. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets.
5. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until firm to the touch.
6. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Interesting Facts

• Lebkuchen is a German word meaning “cake of life”.
• Lebkuchen is a traditional German holiday cookie and is often eaten at Christmas.
• Lebkuchen is similar to gingerbread and is often shaped into hearts or stars.