Nürnberger Lebkuchen

Lebkuchen

Lebkuchen, Honigkuchen or Pfefferkuchen are honey-sweetened German cakes, moulded cookies or bar cookies that have become part of Germany's Christmas traditions. They originated in Nurmberg Germany when the Monks had access to the spices in the eleventh century.  

Ingredients:
1 cup vegetable shortening
1 cup sugar
4 egg yolks
4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 cup honey

Directions:

Cream shortening, sugar, and egg yolks together.  Sift flour and baking powder with spices two or three times.  Add honey to creamed mixture and stir: then gradually add the flour mixture.

Let the dough stand overnight uncovered or chill in the refrigerator, and then rollin out on a floured board to about 1/8" thick.  Cut into squares or other shapes.  *Place on greased cookie sheets.  I am suggesting parchment paper.  Bake 350 - 375*F for 10 minutes or until delicately browned.  

When cool mix two beaten eff whites with a little confectioners sugar to thicken and frost.  Yields 100 cookies.

I received this recipe from my German friend Clara Cramer.