Lebkuchen Bars

These traditional German lebkuchen are deliciously spiced with warming spices and topped with an orange ginger glaze. The spicy flavor develops over time, improving daily.

Prep time: PT90M

Cook time: PT30M

Total time: PT1560M

Rating

5 stars (6 reviews)

Keywords

bar cookie, bar cookies, German Christmas cookies, spice cookies

Ingredients

½ cup honey
½ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon baking soda
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 large egg
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest (finely grated (I used a microplane.))
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup sliced unblanched almonds (optional )
1/3 cup candied orange peel (finely chopped, optional )
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons orange juice
¼ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Cuisine

German

Steps

In a large saucepan over medium low heat, make a sugar syrup by stirring together honey, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and butter. (Note: Though these ingredients don’t call for a large saucepan, you will eventually mix in the dry ingredients as well.)Continue stirring until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 15 minutes.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger.
Add the egg, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla, and (if using) almonds and orange peel to the cooled honey-sugar mixture. Stir to combine.
Add the flour mixture and stir to combine, forming a sticky dough.
The lebkuchen dough may be left in the saucepan for refrigeration or transferred to a large bowl. Place one piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the dough and another piece over the top of the saucepan/bowl. Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
When ready to bake: Heat oven to 350˚F. Butter and flour a 9”x 9” baking pan.
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and allow the dough to come to room temperature (about 30 minutes).
Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan.
Bake for 20-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the Lebkuchen is baking, in a medium bowl, mix together the glaze ingredients until smooth.
Remove the pan of bars from the oven and place on a wire rack.
Using a pastry brush or spatula, spread the glaze evenly over the warm bars.
Let the Lebkuchen cool completely and the glaze set before cutting into bars and storing.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month. These bars may be eaten immediately but the flavor improves over time and are best when eaten at least 1-2 weeks after baking.

Nutitrion

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 217 kcal
Carbohydrates: 43 g
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 17 mg
Sodium: 66 mg
Sugar: 32 g

Reviews

Rosanna Keough on 2026-02-21 (5 stars):
Hi- my daughter is highly allergic to oranges or anything containing orange juice or orange rind. She is not allergic to lemons... can I substitute the oranges with lemons?
Sally on 2025-12-23 (5 stars):
the dough was very sticky, stuck to my greased spatula, stuck all over the wrap I covered it with overnight in the fridge. but oh my gosh what a great ECHT lebkuchen it made!! Reminded so much of my days in Germany! Loved it!
Sally on 2025-12-23 (5 stars):
Not overly sweet at all! no salt needed. I would add more ginger. But amazing lebkuchen! Just like you find in Germany! Chewy, flavorful and delicious! Next time I make them I'm adding the candied orange peel that I will make myself.
Sandy on 2021-08-21 (5 stars):
I make these for my son-in-law who is from Germany and he absolutely loves them.
Marfa on 2020-11-18 (5 stars):
Thank you for posting this recipe! I have been searching forever for exactly it. My old boyfriend's German mother would send him these in care packages and they were so unique in flavor and texture and very delicious. Can't wait to make them! Thanks again!!