1/2cupgolden raisins, chopped and soaked in 1/3 cup brandy, optional
32Oblaten baking wafers, 3-inch size
Ingredients for Lebkuchengewurz Spice:
5 1/2tablespoonsground cinnamon
1 1/2tablespoonsground cloves
1teaspoonallspice
1/2teaspoonground nutmeg
1teaspoonground coriander
1teaspoonground cardamom
1teaspoonground ginger
Combine all ingredients together.
Store in an air-tight container.
Vanilla Glaze:
1/2cupsugar
1/4cupwater
1/2teaspoonvanilla
1 to 2tablespoonsbrandy
1/2cuppowdered sugar
Chocolate Glaze:
1/2cupsugar
1/4cupwater
2tablespoonslight corn syrup
4ozsemi-sweet chocolate chip
Instructions
Cream butter, sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Mix in flour, spices, cocoa powder and baking powder, alternating with milk. Fold in ground almonds and lemon peel. Stir in liqueur or brandy. Stir in raisins, if using.
Line baking sheet with Oblaten or draw 3-inch diameter circles on parchment paper using a cup or biscuit cutter as a template. Drop about 3 tablespoons cookie dough into the center of each circle. If you are using "Oblaten" drop the dough onto the wafer and smooth to the edges or when baking sheet is full, use the back of a spoon to fill out the circle. Slightly mounding the dough towards the center.
Bake at 375° for 15 to 20 minutes. Turn down oven to 350° if cookies are browning to fast. Let cool for a few minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool. While cookies are still warm, make glaze.
Vanilla Glaze:
Place sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, boil for 1 to 2 minutes. Add vanilla and brandy. Sift powdered sugar over the hot sugar syrup and stir. Using a pastry brush, brush warm glaze over warm cookies. Let dry completely.
Store in an airtight container or freeze cookies
Chocolate Glaze:
Place chocolate chips in a medium bowl. Heat sugar, corn syrup, and water in a 1-quart saucepan over medium high heat. Stir constantly until sugar dissolves. Pour mixture over chocolate chips. Let sit for 1 minute. Stir until glaze is shiny and chocolate is melted. Brush glaze over Lebkuchen. Dry glazed cookies until set