Delicious and Traditional Springerle Cookies

Indulge in the rich flavors of traditional springerle cookies, a beloved German treat that is perfect for the holiday season. These anise-flavored cookies are delightfully crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, with beautiful imprints of various designs. With just a few simple ingredients, you can easily recreate these delightful cookies at home. Enjoy them on their own or pair them with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a truly delightful experience.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon anise extract
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until light and frothy.
2. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until well combined and slightly thickened.
3. Mix in the anise extract and lemon zest.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, stirring until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
6. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth.
7. Divide the dough into portions and roll each portion to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
8. Use springerle molds or cookie cutters to create intricate designs on the dough.
9. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
10. Cover the cookies with a clean kitchen towel and let them dry at room temperature for at least 8 hours or overnight.
11. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
12. Bake the cookies for about 12-15 minutes or until they are firm and slightly golden around the edges.
13. Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
14. Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.

Interesting Facts