When it comes to Christmas, the aroma of spices and sweets fills the air, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere that brings joy to our hearts. One traditional treat that always evokes the spirit of the season is German Lebkuchen. These soft and chewy gingerbread bars, also known as Lebkuchen, are a favorite holiday delight that’s been passed down through generations. With a perfect blend of spices and sweetness, these bars are a true taste of Christmas. Join us in the kitchen as we make Oma’s Easy Christmas Gingerbread Bars.
**German Lebkuchen Recipe – Oma’s Easy Christmas Gingerbread Bars**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup honey
– 1 cup molasses
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped almonds
– 1/2 cup mixed candied fruits (optional)
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 2-3 tablespoons milk
**Instructions:**
1. In a saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, molasses, brown sugar, butter, and orange zest. Stir occasionally until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well combined. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Gradually pour the warm honey mixture into the dry ingredients while mixing with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
3. Fold in the chopped almonds and mixed candied fruits, if using, until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
5. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula or your hands.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. While the gingerbread bars are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the confectioners’ sugar with enough milk to achieve a drizzling consistency.
8. Once the bars are baked, remove them from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a wire rack.
9. Drizzle the glaze over the warm gingerbread bars, allowing it to set before slicing into squares or bars.
10. Serve these delightful German Lebkuchen bars with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine for the perfect holiday treat that will surely bring smiles to all who taste them.
Enjoy creating these Oma’s Easy Christmas Gingerbread Bars with your loved ones and celebrate the magic of the holiday season with every bite!
