Lebkuchen Bars – Soft, Spiced German Gingerbread Squares
Lebkuchen Bars are a festive German classic—soft, warmly spiced, and infused with honey, citrus, and cinnamon. These bars bring all the nostalgic flavors of traditional holiday gingerbread with a tender, chewy texture that improves over time. Perfect for Christmas cookie trays, gifting, or cozy winter baking!
Note: The dough requires 6–8 hours of chilling, so plan ahead for best results.
Ingredients
For the Lebkuchen Dough
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
For the Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Honey Mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, granulated sugar, and butter. Heat over medium temperature until the mixture begins to simmer. Stir continuously until all sugars dissolve. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Step 2 – Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
Step 3 – Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Once the honey mixture has cooled, add the egg, orange juice, zest, vanilla, and sliced almonds. Fold gently until incorporated.
Spoon this mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms (do not overmix).
Step 4 – Chill the Dough
Press plastic wrap directly on the surface of the dough to prevent drying. Refrigerate for 6–8 hours or overnight to allow flavors to develop and the dough to firm up.
Step 5 – Prepare for Baking
Remove dough from the fridge and let rest 30 minutes at room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease. Transfer the dough into the pan and use a greased spatula to press into an even layer.
Step 6 – Bake the Bars
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow bars to cool for 5–10 minutes before icing.
Step 7 – Prepare the Orange-Ginger Icing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Powdered sugar
- Orange juice
- Fresh ginger
- Vanilla
Mix until smooth and lump-free.
Step 8 – Ice and Cool
Spread the icing evenly over the warm bars. Allow them to cool completely so the icing can set.
Step 9 – Slice & Store
Once fully cooled, slice into squares. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. These bars taste even better after a day or two as the flavors deepen!
Tips for Perfect Lebkuchen Bars
- Chilling the dough is essential for texture and flavor.
- Use fresh orange zest for a bright, authentic finish.
- Don’t skip the icing—it gives that classic glossy Lebkuchen look.
- These bars last up to 1 week and taste better over time.
Enjoy these fragrant, soft, and festive Lebkuchen Bars with a warm drink for the perfect holiday treat!