Are you ready to bring the delightful flavors of the holiday season into your cozy home? Say hello to a classic German Christmas treat that will fill your kitchen with the warm spices of the season – Lebkuchen Sterne, also known as Gingerbread Stars. These charming cookies are not just delicious but also a joy to make, perfect for festive gatherings or as heartfelt gifts for family and friends. Let’s dive into the magic of creating these delightful Lebkuchen Sterne!
**Lebkuchen Sterne Gingerbread Stars**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts
– 1/2 cup candied citrus peel, chopped
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the honey, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth dough forms. Fold in the chopped nuts and candied citrus peel until evenly incorporated.
4. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a disk. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the cookies, re-rolling the scraps as needed.
7. Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
8. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once the cookies are cool, dust them with confectioners’ sugar for a festive finish.
10. Store the Lebkuchen Sterne in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or package them beautifully for gifting to loved ones.
Enjoy the delightful aroma of warm spices and the sweet taste of these homemade Lebkuchen Sterne Gingerbread Stars. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy night in or a gathering with loved ones, these charming cookies are sure to bring joy and sweetness to your holiday season. Happy baking!
