Chocolate-Lebkuchen Recipe

Chocolate-Lebkuchen Recipe
Ingredients
For the Lebkuchen:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup molasses
1 large egg
1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (almonds or hazelnuts)
1/2 cup chopped candied fruit (such as citron or orange peel)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
For the Chocolate Glaze:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the brown sugar, honey, and molasses until well combined. Add the egg and beat until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
Stir in the chopped nuts, candied fruit, and lemon zest.
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
Bake the Lebkuchen:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare the Chocolate Glaze:

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and shortening.
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Glaze the Lebkuchen:

Dip the cooled Lebkuchen into the chocolate glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.
Place the glazed cookies on a wire rack set over a sheet of parchment paper to catch any drips.
Allow the glaze to set completely before storing the cookies in an airtight container.
Tips:
You can also drizzle the chocolate over the Lebkuchen if you prefer not to fully coat them.
For a more traditional touch, add a pinch of ground cardamom to the dough.
Lebkuchen often taste better after a few days, as the flavors meld and the cookies soften.