These traditional German cookies are an old-fashioned or Old-World style spice cookie with a strong honey flavor, a complementary hint of ginger, and a tender texture. Tasting like a honey gingerbread cookie, they’re perfectly soft, chewy, light, and moist. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, these buttery honey cookies make the perfect sweet treat to accompany a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate – or for anytime! Traditional honey-based spice cookies like these are popular as a holiday treat in Germany around Christmas.
Makes about 3½ dozen cookies
Ingredients
German Honey Cookies
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup salted butter (use good quality butter, like a European butter)
1 cup honey
2 large eggs
1½ tsp pure vanilla extract
1½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground nutmeg
4¼ cups all-purpose flour
Directions
German Honey Cookies
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats; set aside.
In a saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and honey over low heat until melted and combined, whisking constantly. Set aside and allow to cool.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla, baking soda, ginger, and nutmeg. Slowly whisk the egg mixture into the cooled honey mixture. Gradually stir in the flour with a spoon until just mixed.
Refrigerate the dough for one hour.
Drop the dough by teaspoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets 2-inches apart.
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let the cookies sit on the pan for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.