Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Magenbrot, German Christmas Cookies

Magenbrot, German Special Occasion Cookies

Magenbrot, the traditional German Special Occasion Cookies, are a delightful way to celebrate the festive season. These chewy, spiced cookies are rich in flavors from cocoa and a medley of spices, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home. With a straightforward preparation process that requires no intricate shaping, you can easily roll the dough into logs, bake them to soft perfection, and finish with a delectable glaze. This recipe yields around 80 cookies, ideal for sharing or gifting during the holidays. Enjoy these aromatic treats with hot beverages or as part of a dessert spread to add warmth and cheer to your festivities.

  • Total Time: 44 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 80 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • ¼ cup (60ml) water
  • ¾ cup (150gms) sugar
  • ½ cup (170gms) honey
  • ⅔ cup (100gms) mixed candied citrus peel
  • 1 cup (100gms) toasted, ground hazelnuts
  • 3¼ cups (450gms) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 6 tablespoons (40gms) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • zest of one lemon
  • 2 tablespoons German Lebkuchen spice mix
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ cup (120ml) milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup (120gms) icing sugar/powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • a small amount of water, if needed

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan, heat water, sugar, and honey until dissolved; cool slightly.
  2. In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, chopped candied peel, ground hazelnuts, cocoa powder, lemon zest, spices, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the warm honey mixture along with egg and milk; mix until a stiff dough forms.
  4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap; chill overnight.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease cookie sheets.
  6. Divide chilled dough into 8 wedges; roll each into ropes about ¾ inch thick.
  7. Bake for 12–14 minutes until puffed but still soft.
  8. Prepare the glaze while cookies bake; brush cooled logs with glaze once out of the oven.
  9. Slice diagonally into diamond-shaped cookies once fully cooled.
  • Author: Emmeline
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: German

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie (15g)
  • Calories: 60
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 25mg
  • Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: Ensure your spices are fresh for optimal flavor. The dough benefits from an overnight chill to deepen flavors and improve handling. These cookies can be frozen for up to three months if stored properly.

save me