Lebkuchen; The Medieval Spice Cookie
Lebkuchen, a beloved traditional German gingerbread, has remarkably and beautifully remained unchanged since the medieval era, preserving the essence of the time-honored recipes once enjoyed by nobility in their grand, opulent castles. Crafted primarily from a delightful blend of almonds, hazelnuts, and an assortment of other nuts, its dense texture and rich, complex flavors provide a wholesome, nutritious indulgence reminiscent of a classic energy bar. The simple yet exquisite combination of aromatic spices and golden honey, intertwined with the satisfying crunch of finely chopped nuts, encapsulates centuries of cherished culinary tradition, allowing modern palates to savor a sophisticated treat that mirrors the festive delights of the past. Each delectable bite offers a taste of history, nourished by the same high-quality ingredients that once graced the lavish tables of lords and ladies, providing a luxurious experience that transcends time.
How it all began
Greetings! I hope this finds you well.
My brother Eric, co-founder of Bakery from Germany, has been working passionately on his holiday bakery business for several years now. With a deep connection to his roots in Germany and Denmark, he’s always been the sibling with the strongest appreciation for our cultural heritage. My sister and I joke that we look like orphans in comparison—something I’ll save for a therapy session! 😊
Eric is an incredibly creative soul, with a unique gift for both food and travel. He’s teamed up with talented bakers in Germany to bring the magic of German Christmas cookies to those who can’t make it to the Christmas markets or spend the holidays with their families. This tradition of enjoying festive cookies has always been close to our hearts. Admittedly, it’s more of a cherished ritual than a “stuff-your-face” moment, but I can’t help returning to my childhood excitement when I think about these cookies!
Every Christmas, our mom would bring these beautifully ornate cookies home from Germany. Thirty years later, the very first bite takes me back to snowy winter days in Pennsylvania. I can still picture my dad chilling a bottle of white wine in the snow, while my mom carefully unveiled the cookies—off-limits until just the right moment. The star cookies (Eric would want me to use their proper German name, but little-sister privilege says otherwise!) were always my sister’s and my favorites, and they still sell out fast—fair warning!
Of course, holidays with family weren’t always picture-perfect, and at times they felt more like routine obligations. But Eric found a way to keep us all connected through his love of food and tradition. Now, looking back with thirty years of perspective (and a bit of nostalgia), I realize how magical and nourishing those moments were. It’s a legacy of love and a tribute to our heritage that Eric now shares with others.
When Eric sent me an update about his latest batch of holiday treats, I immediately thought of you. Our conversations and friendship made me feel like I should share this part of my family’s story with you—and maybe even earn some good family points along the way (trust me, I need them). I’m so proud of Eric’s hard work and the care he puts into his partnership with these bakers, and I think you’ll enjoy these treats as much as I do.
~Sarah xo 💖