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Plate of traditional German gingerbread cookies decorated with icing.
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Gingerbread (German Spice Cookies)

These classic cookies are tender, fragrant, and just the right amount of sweet—perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons at home.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time27 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: German
Keyword: Cookies, Holiday
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 100kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Whisk

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 0.5 teaspoon allspice
  • 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 0.75 cup honey
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg

Add-ins

  • 0.25 cup chopped almonds or hazelnuts
  • 0.25 cup chopped candied orange or lemon peel

Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons water or lemon juice

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or nonstick mats.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the honey and brown sugar. Warm gently until the mixture is smooth and slightly runny.
  • Pour the warm honey mixture into the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
  • Add the egg, and mix until a soft dough forms.
  • Fold in the chopped almonds or hazelnuts and the candied orange or lemon peel.
  • Roll small spoonfuls of dough into balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten the tops.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cookies are lightly golden and slightly firm around the edges.
  • While cookies bake, prepare the glaze: whisk the powdered sugar with enough water or lemon juice to make a smooth, pourable icing.
  • Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes, then brush or drizzle with the glaze. Let the glaze set before serving.

Notes

For the best flavor, use freshly ground spices. Don’t overbake! These cookies stay perfectly chewy when pulled from the oven just golden.

Nutrition

Calories: 100kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 50mg | Potassium: 30mg | Sugar: 8g