Dessert

Gluten Free Lebkuchen Recipe

Name: Gluten Free Lebkuchen Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 100g dark brown sugar; 120g runny honey; 50g unsalted butter; 1 large egg; 250g plain gluten free flour; 3 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp xanthan gum; 3 tsp mixed spice; 40g ground almonds; 300g icing sugar; 4 tbsp boiling water

ByLily Monroe February 23, 2026February 23, 2026

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Lebkuchen is a classic German gingerbread cookie, perfect for the holiday season or any cozy day. This gluten free version keeps all the traditional warm spices and rich flavors while being friendly for those avoiding gluten.

The image shows a star-shaped white bowl filled with round cookies covered in a smooth white glaze, with one cookie on top broken in half displaying a golden brown crumbly inside layer. Around the bowl, there are seven more cookies evenly spread on a white marbled surface dusted lightly with powdered sugar. In the background, two shiny gold Christmas ornaments and a string of small glowing yellow lights add a festive touch with a blurred textured wooden backdrop. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

100g dark brown sugar
120g runny honey
50g unsalted butter
250g plain gluten free flour
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp xanthan gum
3 tsp mixed spice
40g ground almonds
1 large egg
300g icing sugar
4 tbsp boiling water

Instructions

Step 1: Add the dark brown sugar, honey, and butter to a large saucepan and place over low heat. Stir occasionally until the butter melts and the mixture becomes a smooth liquid. Do not let it boil. Remove from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten free flour, baking powder, xanthan gum, mixed spice, and ground almonds. Stir well to mix evenly.
Step 3: Once the sugar and honey mixture has cooled but is still warm, pour it into the flour mixture. Stir until a sticky dough begins to form.
Step 4: Lightly beat the egg in a small bowl, then add it to the dough mixture. Stir thoroughly until the dough is thick, sticky, and free of flour clumps.
Step 5: Chill the dough by wrapping it in clingfilm or covering the bowl and placing it in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours, ideally overnight to develop the flavors.
Step 6: Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan 160°C) or Gas Mark 4. Remove the chilled dough from the fridge.
Step 7: Break off small pieces of dough about an inch in size and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking tray with plenty of space between each, working quickly to keep the dough cool.
Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies form small golden domes. Let them cool completely on the tray before removing.
Step 9: To make the glaze, mix the icing sugar with boiling water, adding 1 tablespoon at a time to reach a thick consistency. Dip the cooled cookies into the glaze and place them on a rack to set completely.

Tips & Variations

If using self-raising gluten free flour, reduce the baking powder to 1 teaspoon to avoid excess rising.
For extra almond flavor, try adding a few drops of almond extract to the dough.
Keep leftover dough cold while shaping cookies to maintain the best texture.

Storage

Store the glazed lebkuchen in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks. Reheat slightly in a warm oven if you prefer them soft again.

How to Serve

The image shows a group of round cookies with a smooth, light beige icing layer covering each one. One cookie is cut in half and placed on top, revealing a thick inner layer of crumbly, golden brown cookie dough with a fine, grainy texture. The cookies rest on a white marbled surface with golden festive balls and small blurred string lights in the background, giving a cozy holiday feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without xanthan gum?

Xanthan gum helps bind gluten free dough and improves texture. If unavailable, try adding 1 teaspoon of cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a substitute, but the texture might be slightly different.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

Honey provides both sweetness and moisture essential for lebkuchen. You can substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly.