Berliner Brot (German Christmas Cookie)

1 . Stage

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9 1/2 x 13-inch baking sheet or line with parchment paper.

2 . Stage

Cream together sugar and butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer. Add eggs, 1 at a time, and mix until just blended.

3 . Stage

Mix together flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, baking powder, and cloves in a separate bowl.

4 . Stage

Add flour mixture to the wet mixture, and mix until just blended. Add hazelnuts and mix again until just blended. The mixture should have the consistency of a smooth dough.

5 . Stage

Transfer dough onto the prepared baking sheet and smooth with a rolling pin into all the corners.

6 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until cookie sheet has set, about 20 minutes. Cut into squares while still warm.

7 . Stage

Combine powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl and brush icing over the cooling bars.