How to Cook Chocolate Lebkuchen

"German Food | I try to keep my German cuisine as authentic as possible. This delicious lebkuchen recipe is a Christmas cooking routine."

How to Cook Chocolate Lebkuchen

Ingredients Cook Chocolate Lebkuchen:

• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• pinch of salt
• 1/3 cup cold butter, diced
• 3 tablespoons of water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Addition:

• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 2/3 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup almonds
• 1/3 cup hazelnuts
• 1/4 cup roasted cocoa
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1/4 teaspoon each of cloves, cardamom, and allspice
• 1/4 cup finely chopped candied lemon zest
• 1/4 cup finely chopped candied orange peel

Layer:

• 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup butter, diced

How to Make Chocolate Lebkuchen:

1. In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt; Chop the butter until the combination looks like coarse crumbs. Mix water and vanilla; add to the flour mixture little by little, stirring with a fork until the dough can be made into balls.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/16-in. thickness. Slice with 2-1/2-in flour. round cookie cutter. Place on a non-oiled baking sheet. Bake at 325° until cooked through, 8-10 minutes. Remove from pan to wire rack until cool.
3. For the topping, in a small bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat eggs and oil. Mix oats, flour, nuts, cocoa, baking powder, and spices; Gradually add to the cream mixture and mix until smooth. Fold in candied skin.
4. Drop 1 tbsp round topping onto each cake; gently press. Place 2 inches apart on an unsalted baking sheet. Bake at 325° until cooked through, 13-16 minutes. Remove from pan to wire rack until cool.
5. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and butter; stir well. Dip each cake in chocolate; let the excess drip. Put on wax paper; let it set. Put in an airtight container.