GERMAN CHRISTMAS COOKIES

Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Yields: 12–14 Cookies

Comment:
Germans have long been famous for their gingerbreads and spice cakes. These cookies, sometimes called Lebkuchen, are used as a sweet holiday treat and as decorations. German Christmas trees are made special by hanging cookies cut into various holiday shapes between branches.

Ingredients for Cookies:
½ cup honey
½ cup molasses
¾ cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp grated lemon zest
2¾ cup flour
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp nutmeg
½ cup citron
¾ cup chopped nuts

Method:
In a small heavy-bottomed saucepot, bring honey and molasses to a low boil over medium-high heat while whisking constantly. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Pour into an electric mixer. Blend in sugar, lemon juice and zest on medium speed until sugar dissolves. Blend in egg. In a mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking soda and spices. Add flour to running mixer then stir in citron and nuts. Once well mixed, place dough in refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 400°F. Divide dough into 4 pieces. One piece at a time, remove from refrigerator and roll ¼-inch thick. Cut into rectangles (1½ " x 2½") or cut into shapes using cookie cutters. Place on a greased cookie sheet, 1 inch apart, and bake 10–12 minutes.

Ingredients for Icing:
1 cup sugar
½ cup water
¼ cup powdered sugar
food coloring, optional

Method:
In a small saucepot, bring sugar and water to a boil until it reaches thread stage (230°F). Remove from heat then stir in powdered sugar. Coat top of cookies with hot icing. Return pot to heat and add a little water if mixture becomes too thick. For decorative cookies, add a few drops of food coloring to the hot icing and blend well.