Gingerbread has been baked in Europe for centuries. Of all the countries in Europe, Germany is the one with the longest and strongest tradition of flat, shaped gingerbreads. In 17 th century Nuremberg the Christkindlmarkt was the big event each December featuring carved Christmas decorations, special sausages, and the famous Nuremberg Lebkuchen flavored with ginger. Nuremberg gingerbread was not baked in the home, but was the preserve of an exclusive Guild of master bakers, the Lebkuchler.

Nuremberg became known as the "gingerbread capital" of the world and as with any major trading center, many fine craftsmen were attracted to the town. Sculptors, painters, woodcarvers and goldsmiths all contributed to the most beautiful gingerbread cakes in Europe. Gifted craftsmen carved intricate wooden molds, artists assisted with decoration in frosting or gold paint. Incredibly fancy hearts, angels, wreaths and other festive shapes were sold at fairs, carnivals and markets.

Lebkuchen are made throughout Germany and large pieces of lebkuchen are used to build Hexenhaeusle or "witches' houses," from the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel , also called Lebkuchenhaeusel and Knusperhaeuschen "houses for nibbling at".