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Lebkuchen Diamonds
Submitted by Barbara Grunes
Lebkuchen is a German honey cookie that is traditionally served at Christmas. But you can cut the dough in heart shapes for Valentine's Day, or use an oval cutter for Easter egg-shaped cookies.
Ingredients
At a glance
Rolled and cutout cookies
Holiday cookies
Christmas cookies
Makes
40 to 44 cookies
  • 1 cup clover or orange blossom honey
  • 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 cup minced candied orange peel
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, finely chopped
  • Orange Buttercream
  • 1/2 cup chopped candied orange peel, for garnish (optional)
Steps
In a small, heavy saucepan over medium heat, bring honey to a boil. Remove from heat. Blend in sugar. If mixture is still hot, let cool to warm. Mix in beaten egg, orange juice, flour, baking powder, candied peel, spices, and nuts. Scrape mixture into a deep mixing bowl and mix well. Dough will be soft and sticky. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes, or until dough is stiff.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a cookie sheet.

Remove dough to a lightly floured board or pastry cloth and roll out to 1/2-inch thickness. Gently transfer dough to cookie sheet.

Bake in the center of the oven for 20 minutes, or until firm to the touch and golden. Let cool on the cookie sheet. Cut cooled lebkuchen into 1-inch diamonds.

While lebkuchen is cooling, prepare frosting. Frost cooled cookies, and decorate with orange peel if desired.
Additional tips
Store: an airtight container or wrapped in aluminum foil
Freeze: Yes
Mail: Yes
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