Easy Lebkuchen-Inspired Spice Cookies

• •1 cup all-purpose flour
• •0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• •1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• •0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
• •0.3 teaspoon ground cloves
• •0.3 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• •0.3 teaspoon salt
• •0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
• •0.5 cup granulated sugar
• •1 large egg
• •2 tablespoon unsulphured molasses
• •1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• •0.5 cup powdered sugar
• •1 tablespoon milk or lemon juice

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. 2

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

4. 4

   Beat in the large egg, unsulphured molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.

5. 5

   Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.

6. 6

   Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You should get about 12 cookies.

7. 7

   Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers still look soft. Do not overbake.

8. 8

   Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. 9

   While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk (or lemon juice) until smooth and pourable. Add more liquid a few drops at a time if needed to reach desired consistency.

10. 10

    Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the glaze over the tops. Let the glaze set before serving.

Chef's Tips

• 💡For an even richer flavor, you can use dark brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
• 💡Do not overmix the dough after adding the flour; this can lead to tough cookies.
• 💡For a more intense spice flavor, you can lightly toast your whole spices before grinding them, or increase the spice amounts slightly to your preference.
• 💡If you don't have molasses, you can substitute with an equal amount of honey, though the flavor will be slightly different.
• 💡Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.