Ingredients:

– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup almond meal
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup dark molasses
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup finely chopped candied orange peel
– 1/4 cup finely chopped candied ginger

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, almond meal, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract and continue mixing until well combined.

3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a smooth dough forms. Stir in the chopped candied orange peel and ginger, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

4. Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a disk. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.

5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and transfer them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each cookie.

7. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice in a small bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice if needed, aiming for a thick yet pourable glaze.

9. Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle them generously with the glaze and decorate with sprinkles or other desired decorations. Allow the glaze to set completely before enjoying these delightful treats.

Tips and Variations:

– For a nut-free version, simply omit the almond meal and replace it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour.
– If candied orange peel and ginger are hard to find, you can make your own by simmering thin strips of orange peel and peeled ginger in a simple syrup until they are tender and translucent. Then, finely chop them once cooled.
– To achieve a spicier kick, increase the amount of ground ginger or cloves according to your taste.
– For a softer texture, wrap the cookies tightly in an airtight container after they have cooled completely and let them rest for a day or two before indulging. This will allow the flavors to deepen and the cookies to become more tender.

Conclusion:

As the holiday season approaches, let the aroma of Spiced Lebkuchen Cookies fill your home and hearts with warmth. These delightful treats not only bring joy to your taste buds but also carry a rich heritage that connects us to the traditions of Nuremberg, Germany. So, gather your loved ones, put on some festive tunes, and create sweet memories with these fragrant and delicious cookies.