Magenbrot, German Special Occasion Cookies
Magenbrot, the beloved German Special Occasion cookies, embody the spirit of the holiday season with their soft, chewy texture and delightful blend of spices. These traditional treats are perfect for sharing with family and friends or for gifting in decorative boxes. The rich chocolate-gingerbread flavor, enhanced by a sweet glaze, makes Magenbrot an irresistible addition to any festive gathering. Easy to prepare and versatile enough to accommodate gluten-free diets, these cookies will fill your kitchen with warmth and joyful aromas this holiday season.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 44 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 80 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Ingredients
Scale
- ¼ cup water
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- ⅔ cup mixed candied citrus peel
- 1 cup ground hazelnuts
- 3¼ cups flour
- 6 tablespoons 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
- 1 cup icing sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- a small amount of water, if needed
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and honey; heat until melted (do not boil). Let cool slightly.
- In a stand mixer bowl, mix flour, candied peel, ground hazelnuts, cocoa powder, lemon zest, spices, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Pour in the cooled honey mixture; mix until combined. Add egg and milk; knead until you form a stiff dough.
- Shape dough into a ball; wrap in plastic wrap or place in a sealed container. Chill overnight or up to 3–4 days.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Cut chilled dough into wedges; roll into ropes approximately ¾-inch thick and flatten slightly.
- Bake for about 12–14 minutes until puffed but soft inside.
- Prepare glaze by mixing icing sugar, cocoa powder, lemon juice, and enough water for desired consistency.
- Glaze cookies while warm; allow to cool completely before cutting into diamond shapes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg