Peppered Lebkuchen

Preparation

1. To make cookie dough: Whisk together flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, ginger, mace, baking soda, salt and pepper in a bowl until thoroughly combined.
2. Blend honey, brown sugar, egg and 1 1/2 teaspoons each lemon and orange zests in a large mixing bowl. Add the dry ingredients and stir to make a smooth, somewhat soft and sticky dough. Transfer the dough onto wax paper or plastic wrap and shape into a flat, 1/2-inch-thick disk. Wrap and refrigerate overnight.
3. To make glaze: Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, 1/2 teaspoon each lemon and orange zests, lemon and orange juices in a small bowl until smooth. Cover and set aside.
4. To bake cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 2 large baking sheets with cooking spray. Working with half of the dough at a time, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a large rectangle slightly less than 1/4 inch thick. Trim the edges with a pastry wheel or pizza cutter and cut into 1 1/4-by-2-inch rectangles. Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake the cookies, one sheet at a time, until the edges are lightly colored and the cookies are firm, 8 to 10 minutes. Immediately transfer to a rack. Brush the tops of the warm cookies with the reserved glaze. Let stand until the glaze sets, about 1 hour.

Tips & Notes

• Make Ahead Tip: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

Nutrition