Name: Lebkuchen
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 2 3/4 hr
Yield: Makes about 32 cookies
Ingredients: 3/4 cup hazelnuts (3 1/2 oz); 3/4 cup sliced almonds (2 1/2 oz); 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup packed dark brown sugar; 3/4 cup mild honey; 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup finely chopped fine-quality mixed candied fruit such as citron, orange, and lemon*; 4 (11 1/2- by 8 1/4-inch) sheets edible rice paper, cut with scissors into 32 (2 1/2-inch) rounds; 2 cups confectioners sugar; 3 tablespoons water

Spice Cookies

Rice paper is traditionally used in this recipe, but is not essential. You can bake these cookies on buttered baking sheets instead.

Cooks' note:

• These cookies improve with age but icing will darken. If making ahead, do not ice until day of serving. Cookies keep, layered between sheets of wax paper, in an airtight container 1 month.