Description
These traditional German spice cookies are a beautiful blend of dark molasses, floral honey, and a warming seven-spice medley. Finished with a bright lemon glaze, they offer a soft, chewy texture that matures and improves in flavor over time.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dark molasses
- 1/2 cup pure honey
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground white pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cold milk
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 large egg
- 3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the molasses, honey, and granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, white pepper, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, and salt; let cool until just warm.
- Stir the cold milk, baking soda, and egg into the spice mixture until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, stirring with a sturdy spoon and then kneading by hand until a smooth dough forms.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll small pieces of dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about one inch apart.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the bottoms are lightly browned, being careful not to overbake.
- While the cookies are hot, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and water, then brush the glaze generously over the cookies and let them cool on a wire rack.
Notes
To achieve the perfect crackled appearance, ensure the cookies are still steaming hot when you apply the glaze. Storing these cookies with a slice of apple in an airtight container for 24 hours can help soften the texture if they become too firm, though they naturally develop a deeper spice profile after resting for a few days.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German