Best Vegan Lebkuchen Recipe for Delicious Holiday Treats

Updated On: October 6, 2025

Lebkuchen, a traditional German gingerbread cookie, is a beloved treat during the holiday season. With its rich blend of spices, nuts, and sweet glaze, it evokes cozy memories of winter festivities and warm kitchens.

But what if you’re following a vegan lifestyle and want to enjoy this classic without compromising your values? Good news!

This best vegan lebkuchen recipe delivers all the authentic flavors and textures, minus any animal products. Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is approachable, delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Get ready for soft, chewy cookies bursting with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, sweetened naturally and topped with a shiny almond glaze. These lebkuchen are not only a treat but also a wonderful way to bring a bit of tradition and joy to your plant-based holiday table.

Let’s dive into why this recipe stands out and how you can make it your own!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan lebkuchen recipe is crafted to capture the essence of the original while ensuring it’s fully plant-based. You’ll love it because:

  • Authentic flavor profile: The perfect balance of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg ensures an irresistible taste.
  • Moist and chewy texture: Thanks to the use of almond meal and applesauce, these cookies stay soft and tender.
  • Simple vegan substitutions: No eggs or dairy here — just wholesome ingredients that keep things easy and healthy.
  • Perfect holiday gift: These lebkuchen cookies make beautiful homemade gifts or festive party treats.
  • Gluten-free adaptable: Easily swap the flour for a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1 cup almond meal (finely ground almonds)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (acts as egg replacer)
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2 tbsp almond milk (for glaze)
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped almonds (optional, for topping)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (medium and large)
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Cooling rack
  • Small bowl (for glaze)
  • Sifter (optional, for powdered sugar)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: whisk together flour, almond meal, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt until evenly mixed.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: stir together the applesauce, molasses, vanilla extract, and orange juice until smooth and well combined.
  4. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky but manageable.
  5. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers to form thick rounds.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
  7. While the cookies bake, prepare the glaze: sift powdered sugar into a small bowl, then whisk in almond milk a little at a time until you reach a thick but spreadable consistency.
  8. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
  9. Once the cookies are cooled slightly, spoon or brush the glaze over the tops of each cookie. Sprinkle with chopped almonds if desired.
  10. Let the glaze set completely at room temperature before serving or storing in an airtight container.

Tips & Variations

“For a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Adding a teaspoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water can improve texture as an egg substitute alternative.”

  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground cardamom or star anise for a unique twist on the traditional flavor.
  • Nut-free option: Replace almond meal with oat flour and omit almonds for topping if you have nut allergies.
  • Sweetener swap: Use maple syrup instead of molasses for a milder sweetness and different depth of flavor.
  • Glaze alternatives: Try a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a dark chocolate drizzle for a decadent finish.
  • Storage: Store lebkuchen in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer keeping.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Cookie (approx.)
Calories 120 kcal
Carbohydrates 22 g
Protein 3 g
Fat 3.5 g
Fiber 2 g
Sugar 10 g

Serving Suggestions

Vegan lebkuchen are wonderfully versatile. Serve them alongside a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.

They also make an excellent accompaniment to vegan hot chocolate or mulled wine during holiday gatherings.

For a festive dessert platter, pair lebkuchen with other vegan baked goods or fruits. You can even crumble them over vegan vanilla ice cream for a delightful crunch and spice combo.

If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy our Magic Dough Recipe or explore more holiday-inspired treats like the Marzipan Challah Recipe.

Conclusion

This vegan lebkuchen recipe is a true celebration of traditional flavors made accessible for everyone. It’s perfect for those who want to embrace plant-based cooking without missing out on the cherished tastes of the season.

The combination of spices, the chewy texture, and the sweet glaze make these cookies stand out as a festive staple.

Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and warm memories. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite spices or ingredients, making it truly your own.

Don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes on our site to keep your vegan baking adventures going strong!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Lebkuchen

Description: Deliciously spiced and soft German-style vegan lebkuchen perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are naturally sweetened and free from animal products.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup ground hazelnuts
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix almond flour, whole wheat flour, ground hazelnuts, baking powder, spices, and salt in a bowl.
  3. In another bowl, combine maple syrup, molasses, applesauce, and melted coconut oil.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
  5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Flatten each ball slightly with your palm.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are firm.
  8. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 110 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Carbs: 12g

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Marta K

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