LEBKUCHEN BARS

Soft, chewy, warmly spiced, and filled with the delicious flavors of honey, citrus, and almonds, these Lebkuchen Bars are a classic German-inspired holiday treat.

They have everything you love about gingerbread, but with a richer honey flavor, fragrant spices, and a tender texture. The simple glaze on top adds the perfect finishing touch.

 Ingredients

For the Lebkuchen Bars

• 3/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup finely chopped blanched almonds
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 cup finely chopped candied ginger

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons water, apple juice, or orange juice

 Instructions

1. Prepare the Honey Mixture

Add the honey and brown sugar to a medium saucepan.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved.

Remove from the heat and allow it to cool until lukewarm.

2. Add the Egg and Citrus

Transfer the cooled honey mixture to a large mixing bowl.

Beat in the egg, lemon zest, and orange zest until smooth and well combined.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients

Add the flour, baking soda, chopped almonds, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and finely chopped candied ginger.

Stir until everything is thoroughly combined.

The dough will be thick and sticky.

4. Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough overnight.

Chilling allows the flavors to develop and makes the dough easier to work with.

5. Prepare the Pan

The next day, preheat your oven to 350°F.

Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.

Lightly grease the parchment paper.

6. Shape the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface.

Roll the chilled dough into approximately a 9×13-inch rectangle.

Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared pan and gently fit it into the corners.

7. Bake

Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.

Be careful not to overbake, as you want the bars to remain soft and tender.

8. Make the Glaze

While the bars are baking, whisk the powdered sugar with the water, apple juice, or orange juice until smooth.

Add the liquid gradually until you reach a smooth, brushable glaze.

9. Glaze the Warm Bars

Remove the baked Lebkuchen from the oven.

While the bars are still warm, brush the glaze generously over the top.

Allow the glaze to soak in slightly, then add another thin layer if desired.

10. Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely.

Once cooled, cut them into small rectangles or squares and serve.

 Helpful Tips

• Don’t overbake the bars. A slightly soft center gives them their wonderful chewy texture.
• For even more citrus flavor, add extra orange zest.
• Almonds can be replaced with finely chopped hazelnuts.
• These bars actually become more flavorful after resting for a day or two.
• Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

 SERVING IDEA

Serve these delicious Lebkuchen Bars with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They’re especially wonderful during the holiday season and make a beautiful addition to Christmas cookie trays and dessert tables.

Soft, chewy, warmly spiced, and absolutely irresistible!