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Magenbrot (A Soft & Spicy German Christmas Cookie)

Magenbrot: Soft & Spicy German Cookies for Holiday Cheer

Magenbrot is a soft and spicy German Christmas cookie, rich in chocolate and spices, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 44 minutes
Servings: 20 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: German
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cups Water Provides moisture to activate the dough; no substitutes recommended.
  • 1 cups Sugar Sweetens and contributes to texture; consider coconut sugar for a unique flavor.
  • 1/2 cups Honey Adds sweetness and helps maintain a soft texture; maple syrup works as a vegan alternative.
  • 1/2 cups Mixed Candied Citrus Peel Introduces bright citrus flavors; fresh citrus zest is a great substitute.
  • 1/2 cups Toasted Ground Hazelnuts Adds nuttiness and rich texture; walnuts or almonds can be used instead.
  • 2 cups Flour The main structural component; opt for all-purpose or a gluten-free blend for dietary needs.
  • 1/4 cups Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Provides deep chocolate flavor; avoid sweetened cocoa for the best results.
  • 1 tablespoons Lemon Zest Enhances freshness and complexity; orange zest can also be used.
  • 2 teaspoons Lebkuchen Spice Mix Essential for traditional flavor; pumpkin or apple pie spice can be used as substitutes.
  • 1 teaspoons Cinnamon Adds warmth to the cookie; no substitutions needed here.
  • 1 teaspoons Fine Sea Salt Balances sweetness; essential for flavor.
  • 1 teaspoons Baking Soda Critical for the cookies’ rise; don’t omit either one.
  • 1 teaspoons Baking Powder Critical for the cookies’ rise; don’t omit either one.
  • 1/4 cups Milk Adds moisture; use plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 large Egg Binds ingredients and improves texture; flax egg or applesauce can be used for vegan baking.
For the Glaze
  • 1 cups Icing Sugar Creates a sweet, glossy glaze; opt for sugar-free if needed.
  • 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Adds flavor depth; avoid sweetened varieties for best results.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Balances the glaze's sweetness; vinegar can replace it if necessary.
  • 1 cups Water Adjusts the consistency of the glaze; use sparingly as needed.

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Stand Mixer
  • baking sheets
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Pastry Brush

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a saucepan, heat 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of honey over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, then remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
  2. In a large stand mixer bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of chopped mixed candied citrus peel, 1/2 cup of toasted ground hazelnuts, 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, 2 teaspoons of Lebkuchen spice mix, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of fine sea salt. Mix on low speed until evenly distributed.
  3. Once the honey mixture has cooled, add it to the dry ingredients alongside 1 egg and 1/4 cup of milk. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are well incorporated, then increase the speed to knead the dough for about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Form the dough into a ball and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
  5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Divide the dough into manageable portions and roll each into 11-inch logs. Flatten them slightly before placing them on lined baking sheets.
  6. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the centers remain soft to the touch. Let the cookies cool slightly on the sheets before glazing.
  7. While the Magenbrot cookies are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing 1 cup of icing sugar, 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice in a small bowl.
  8. Once the cookies have cooled for a few minutes, generously brush the warm Magenbrot with the glaze using a pastry brush.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 8gCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to maintain their softness for up to 2 weeks. Chill if needed in warm climates. Freeze for longer storage.

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