Lebkuchen Bars

Note: Dough needs to chill for 6–8 hours. Plan ahead!

 Ingredients

For the Bars

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

 How to Make Lebkuchen Bars

1. In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, granulated sugar, and butter.
   Bring the mixture just to a simmer over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves,
   then remove from heat.
2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger.
3. Once the honey mixture has cooled, add the egg, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla.
   Fold in the sliced almonds. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface.
   Refrigerate for 6–8 hours or overnight.
5. When ready to bake, let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease.
7. Transfer the dough to the dish. Using a greased spatula, press it into an even layer
   (dough will be sticky).
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. While the bars bake, prepare the icing. Whisk all icing ingredients in a bowl
   until smooth and lump-free.
10. Cool baked bars for 5–10 minutes, then spread icing over the warm surface.
11. Allow bars to fully cool and icing to set before slicing.
12. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
    They taste even better after a few days!