Grandmother's Lebkuchen Cookies Recipe

These extraordinary Lebkuchen cookies, a cherished family recipe, will transport you to a Christmas wonderland! A gift from my boyfriend's grandmother, these large, scalloped bar cookies boast a unique, intensely licorice flavor thanks to the anise oil. Don't let the strong anise flavor intimidate you – one bite and you'll be hooked! This recipe makes a generous batch, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). The long chilling time allows for deeper flavor development, resulting in an unforgettable Christmas cookie.

Prep Time 72 mins

Cook Time 4380 mins

Calories 231 kcal

Protein 5g

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Grandmother's Lebkuchen Cookies

1 cup molasses
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 cup shortening
1 teaspoon anise oil
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons water
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons softened butter
2-3 tablespoons milk

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How to Make Grandmother's Lebkuchen Cookies

Cream together 1 cup molasses, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1 large egg, and 1 cup shortening until light and fluffy.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 4 cups all-purpose flour. Set aside.
Add 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, 1 teaspoon anise oil, and 2 tablespoons vinegar to the creamed mixture. Mix thoroughly.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1/2 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water. Mix until just combined.
Stir in 1 cup finely chopped walnuts.
Refrigerate the dough for at least 72 hours (3 days). The longer it chills, the better the flavor!
The dough will be firm. Keep unused dough refrigerated.
Keep your rolling pin and work surface well-floured.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
Cut cookies into large bar shapes using a scalloped cookie cutter.
Lightly grease your baking sheets.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned.
Let cool completely on a wire rack before icing.
Ice with a simple confectioners' sugar icing: Whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons softened butter, and 2-3 tablespoons milk until smooth and spreadable.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

6 g

Sugar

76g

Fat

Carbs

13g

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion For Large Groups Rolled Cookies Desserts Eggs Dairy German 1 Day Or More Easy European Holiday Event Cookies And Brownies Christmas Number Of Servings

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Grandmother's Lebkuchen Cookies?

Grandmother's Lebkuchen Cookies takes about 4452 minutes from start to finish — roughly 72 minutes to prepare and 4380 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Grandmother's Lebkuchen Cookies?

Grandmother's Lebkuchen Cookies has approximately 231 calories per serving, with about 5 g protein, 13 g carbohydrates and 10 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Grandmother's Lebkuchen Cookies?

The key ingredients for Grandmother's Lebkuchen Cookies are Molasses, Brown Sugar, Egg, Shortening, Anise Oil, Cinnamon. See the full list with measurements above.