Various embodiments provide a light emitting diode (LED) module, an LED lighting device comprising an LED module, and methods for manufacturing an LED module and/or an LED lighting device. In one embodiment, the LED lighting device comprises a housing comprising a metal shell and defining a central opening; and an LED module having one or more LEDs mounted about a periphery of a first surface of the LED module. The LED module is oriented and retained within the central opening of the housing such that the first surface faces out of the central opening. Furthermore, the LED module is secured to the housing via the metal shell.