Ultimate Gluten Free Lebkuchen Recipe for the Holiday Season
Guide or Summary：IngredientsInstructionsGlazeStorageTips and VariationsLebkuchen, a traditional German gingerbread, is a beloved treat during the holiday se……
Guide or Summary：
Lebkuchen, a traditional German gingerbread, is a beloved treat during the holiday season. For those who are gluten intolerant or prefer to avoid gluten, finding a delicious and satisfying gluten free version can be a challenge. This ultimate gluten free lebkuchen recipe is designed to bring the same warmth, spice, and festive spirit to your table without compromising on taste or texture.
Ingredients
To make this gluten free lebkuchen recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups gluten-free flour blend (make sure it contains xanthan gum)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped candied citrus peel
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice.
3. Add the almond flour and brown sugar to the dry ingredients and mix well.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the honey, molasses, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and orange zest. Mix until well blended.
5. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
6. Fold in the chopped nuts and candied citrus peel until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Flatten each dough ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set.
10. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Glaze
To add a finishing touch to your gluten free lebkuchen, you can prepare a simple glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or water, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled lebkuchen cookies and allow it to set before serving or storing.
Storage
Store your gluten free lebkuchen in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. These cookies also freeze well; simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Tips and Variations
- For a more authentic flavor, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of Lebkuchengewürz, a traditional German spice blend, to the dough.
- If you prefer a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies by a minute or two.
- For a chocolate twist, dip the cooled lebkuchen in melted dark chocolate and allow it to set before serving.
This ultimate gluten free lebkuchen recipe ensures that everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions, can enjoy this festive treat. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or as a gift, these cookies are sure to bring joy and warmth to the season.