Hello, Good News! Welcome to our blog, where we share with you the best recipes, tips, and tricks for baking delicious cookies. Today, we are going to show you how to make lep cookies, a traditional German treat that is perfect for the holiday season.
Lep cookies, also known as lebkuchen or pfefferkuchen, are soft and cake-like ginger cookies that are sweetened with honey and molasses and spiced with nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. They are usually studded with nuts and dried fruits and glazed with a simple lemon icing or melted chocolate. Lep cookies have a long history in Germany, dating back to the 13th century, when they were invented by monks in Franconia. They are especially popular in Nuremberg, where they are protected by a designation of origin and have to meet certain quality standards.
Why You Should Try Lep Cookies
If you love gingerbread cookies, you will love lep cookies. They have a similar flavor profile, but they are softer and more moist than the typical gingerbread cookies. They also have a rich and complex taste from the honey, molasses, nuts, and fruits. Lep cookies are not only delicious, but also nutritious. They are packed with protein and fiber from the nuts and fruits, and they contain natural sweeteners that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lep cookies are also fun to make and customize. You can use different kinds of nuts and fruits, such as walnuts, almonds, pecans, raisins, cranberries, figs, dates, or candied citrus peel. You can also cut them into different shapes and sizes, or use cookie cutters to make festive designs. You can also choose between a lemon glaze or a chocolate coating for the topping, or even drizzle both for a contrast of flavors.
How to Store Lep Cookies
One of the best things about lep cookies is that they get better with time. Unlike most cookies that tend to dry out or lose their flavor after a few days, lep cookies actually improve in texture and taste as they age. This is because the honey and molasses keep them moist and soft, while the spices infuse them with more flavor.
To store lep cookies, you need to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for at least a week before eating them. This will allow them to “ripen” and develop their full potential. You can also freeze them for up to a year and thaw them before serving. Some people even prefer to eat them frozen for a chewy and refreshing treat.
How to Serve Lep Cookies
Lep cookies are great for any occasion, but especially for the holiday season. They make wonderful gifts for your friends and family, as they are easy to pack and transport. You can also serve them at your Christmas party or dinner, as they pair well with hot drinks like tea, coffee, or mulled wine. You can also enjoy them as a snack or dessert anytime you crave something sweet and spicy.
To serve lep cookies, you can simply arrange them on a platter or in a cookie jar. You can also decorate them with some powdered sugar or sprinkles for extra flair. You can also cut them into smaller pieces and dip them in chocolate fondue or whipped cream for a decadent treat.
How to Make Lep Cookies: Step by Step Guide
Making lep cookies is not difficult, but it does require some planning ahead. You need to prepare the dough at least a day before baking it, as it needs to chill in the refrigerator overnight. You also need to let the baked cookies sit in an airtight container for at least a week before eating them. Here is a step by step guide on how to make lep cookies:
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 pound melted lard or vegetable shortening
- 2 cups molasses
- 2 cups strong brewed coffee
- 1 1/2 tablespoons baking soda
- 1/2 cup whiskey (optional)
- 1/2 pound walnuts, ground
- 1 pound raisins, ground
- 1/2 tablespoon nutmeg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons each of cloves, cinnamon, salt, and allspice
- Flour, enough to make a stiff dough (about 10 cups)
Directions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, lard, molasses, and coffee until well combined.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the whiskey, if using, or some water. Stir into the molasses mixture.
- In another bowl, toss the walnuts and raisins with some flour to coat them. Stir into the molasses mixture.
- Add the nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, salt, and allspice and mix well.
- Gradually add enough flour to make a stiff dough that is not sticky. You may need more or less flour depending on the humidity and the type of flour you use.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into four equal portions and shape them into logs. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or up to a week.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or spray them with cooking spray.
- Unwrap one log of dough and slice it into 1/4 inch thick slices. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them.
- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned on the edges.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely.
- Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for at least a week before eating them.
Tips and Variations
- You can use butter instead of lard or shortening for a richer flavor, but you may need to adjust the amount of flour accordingly.
- You can use any kind of nuts and dried fruits you like, such as almonds, pecans, dates, figs, cranberries, or candied citrus peel. You can also omit them if you prefer plain lep cookies.
- You can roll out the dough and cut it into shapes with cookie cutters instead of slicing it into rounds. You may need to bake them for a shorter time depending on their size and thickness.
- You can glaze the cookies with a simple lemon icing made with powdered sugar and lemon juice, or dip them in melted chocolate for a different topping. You can also drizzle both for a contrast of flavors.
Lep Cookies Nutrition Facts
Lep cookies are not only tasty, but also nutritious. They are high in protein and fiber from the nuts and fruits, and they contain natural sweeteners that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Here is a breakdown of the nutrition facts for one lep cookie (based on a recipe that makes 48 cookies):
| Nutrient |
Amount |
% Daily Value |
| Calories |
230 |
12% |
| Fat |
9 g |
14% |
| Saturated Fat |
3 g |
15% |
| Cholesterol |
5 mg |
2% |
| Sodium |
100 mg |
4% |
| Carbohydrates |
36 g |
12% |
| Fiber |
2 g |
8% |
| Sugars |
21 g |
– |
| Protein |
3 g |
6% |
| Vitamin A |
– |
– |
| Vitamin C |
– |
– |
| Calcium |
40 mg |
4% |
| Iron |
1.8 mg |
10% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Lep Cookies FAQ
What are lep cookies?
Lep cookies are traditional German cake-like ginger cookies that are sweetened with honey and molasses and spiced with nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. They are usually studdedwith nuts and dried fruits and glazed with a simple lemon icing or melted chocolate. Lep cookies have a long history in Germany, dating back to the 13th century, when they were invented by monks in Franconia.
How do you pronounce lep cookies?
Lep cookies are pronounced as “leb-koo-ken” in German, with a short “e” sound and a hard “k” sound. The word lep comes from the Latin word “libum”, which means “flat cake”. The word cookie comes from the Dutch word “koekje”, which means “little cake”.
What is the difference between lep cookies and gingerbread cookies?
Lep cookies and gingerbread cookies are both spiced cookies that originated in Europe and are popular during the holiday season. However, they have some differences in their ingredients, texture, and shape. Lep cookies are made with honey and molasses, which give them a darker color and a richer flavor. They also contain nuts and dried fruits, which add more texture and nutrition. Lep cookies are soft and cake-like, while gingerbread cookies are crisp and crunchy. Lep cookies are usually sliced into rounds or cut into simple shapes, while gingerbread cookies are often rolled out and cut into elaborate shapes or figures.
How long do lep cookies last?
Lep cookies last for a long time, as they are preserved by the honey and molasses. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month, or in the freezer for up to a year. However, they taste best after they have been aged for at least a week, as this allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
How do you make lep cookies vegan?
To make lep cookies vegan, you can substitute the lard or shortening with vegan butter or coconut oil. You can also use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey, and use flax eggs or chia eggs instead of regular eggs. You can also omit the whiskey or use a non-alcoholic alternative.
How do you make lep cookies gluten-free?
To make lep cookies gluten-free, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour or a blend of gluten-free flours such as almond flour, oat flour, rice flour, or buckwheat flour. You may need to adjust the amount of flour depending on the type and brand you use. You can also use xanthan gum or psyllium husk to help bind the dough together.
Can you make lep cookies without molasses?
Molasses is an essential ingredient for lep cookies, as it gives them their distinctive flavor and color. However, if you don’t have molasses or don’t like it, you can use other dark syrups such as treacle, sorghum syrup, date syrup, or pomegranate molasses. You can also use brown sugar or dark muscovado sugar instead of white sugar to add more depth and richness.
Can you make lep cookies without nuts?
Nuts are a common addition to lep cookies, as they add crunch and protein. However, if you have a nut allergy or don’t like nuts, you can omit them from the recipe or replace them with other ingredients such as seeds (sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds), coconut flakes, chocolate chips, or candied ginger.
What are some variations of lep cookies?
Lep cookies are very versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences and creativity. You can use different kinds of spices such as cardamom, ginger, anise, or vanilla to change the flavor profile. You can also use different kinds of nuts and fruits such as pistachios, macadamia nuts, apricots, cherries, or pineapple to add more variety and color. You can also experiment with different toppings such as orange glaze, caramel sauce, cream cheese frosting, or sprinkles to make them more festive and fun.
Where can you buy lep cookies?
Lep cookies are widely available in Germany during the holiday season, especially in Nuremberg where they are considered a specialty. You can find them in bakeries, markets, supermarkets, or online shops that sell German products. You can also order them from Amazon or other online retailers that ship internationally. However, nothing beats making your own lep cookies at home with fresh ingredients and your own personal touch.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this article on how to make lep cookies: a traditional German treat that is perfect for the holiday season. Lep cookies are soft and cake-like ginger cookies that are sweetened with honey and molasses and spiced with nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. They are usually studded with nuts and dried fruits and glazed with a simple lemon icing or melted chocolate. Lep cookies have a long history in Germany, dating back to the 13th century, when they were invented by monks in Franconia. They are especially popular in Nuremberg, where they are protected by a designation of origin and have to meet certain quality standards.
Lep cookies are not only delicious, but also nutritious. They are high in protein and fiber from the nuts and fruits, and they contain natural sweeteners that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Lep cookies are also fun to make and customize. You can use different kinds of nuts and fruits, such as walnuts, almonds, pecans, raisins, cranberries, figs, dates, or candied citrus peel. You can also cut them into different shapes and sizes, or use cookie cutters to make festive designs. You can also choose between a lemon glaze or a chocolate coating for the topping, or even drizzle both for a contrast of flavors.
If you want to try lep cookies for yourself, you can follow our step by step guide on how to make them. You will need some basic ingredients such as brown sugar, lard or shortening, molasses, coffee, baking soda, whiskey (optional), walnuts, raisins, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, salt, allspice, and flour. You will also need some time and patience, as you will need to chill the dough overnight and age the cookies for at least a week before eating them. However, the result will be worth it: you will have a batch of soft and moist lep cookies that will melt in your mouth and fill your senses with warmth and joy.
Thank you for reading this article on how to make lep cookies: a traditional German treat. If you liked this article, please check out our other articles on how to make other types of cookies from around the world. You will find recipes for macarons, biscotti, alfajores, fortune cookies, and more. Happy baking!