Springerle, a traditional German Christmas cookie, is renowned for its intricate anise flavor and beautifully embossed designs. These delicate treats are made from a unique dough that is rolled thin and then stamped with intricate wooden molds before being baked to a crisp, light texture. While the classic Springerle recipe is a beloved holiday staple, there are also variations that incorporate different flavors and ingredients, such as chocolate, nuts, and spices, making them a versatile and delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you prefer the classic Springerle or are looking to explore new flavor combinations, this article provides a comprehensive guide to making these exquisite cookies, with detailed recipes for each variation. From gathering the necessary ingredients and preparing the dough to stamping and baking the cookies, you'll find all the information you need to create these delectable treats in your own kitchen. So, let's embark on a culinary journey and discover the art of making Springerle, a true testament to the beauty and artistry of traditional baking.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
SPRINGERLE V
This is the best tasting, easiest prepared springerle recipe I have baked over the past 35+ years. I use a springerle board for ease, vs. the rolling pin. My friends still love to receive these as gifts each Christmas.
Provided by Shirley
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European German
Yield 60
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a large bowl, beat eggs until light with an electric mixer on high speed. Reduce speed and add the anise extract and confectioners' sugar. Continue beating at medium speed until well combined. Sift together the flour and baking powder; stir into the egg mixture, dough will be quite stiff.
- Roll out dough to 3/8 inch thickness. Imprint with a springerle board and cut apart. Place cookies onto a cookie sheet and let rest uncovered overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake cookies for 7 to 10 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 66.8 calories, Carbohydrate 14.4 g, Cholesterol 12.4 mg, Fat 0.4 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 1.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 21.2 mg, Sugar 7.5 g
TRADITIONAL SPRINGERLE
We have made these very traditional German cookies every year since I was a child. My mother remembers her grandmother making them with this recipe that has been in our family for generations. The molds can be hard to find, but check specialty cookware stores and antique shops.
Provided by PREGOCOOK
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European German
Time 8h35m
Yield 48
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Lightly grease 4 cookie sheets. Sprinkle with anise seeds. Set aside until needed.
- Mix the flour and baking powder together in a bowl until well blended. Place the eggs, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl; beat until light and frothy, 5 to 8 minutes. Slowly stir in the flour mixture until a thick dough forms.
- Working with handfuls of dough, roll out the dough onto a lightly floured surface until 1/4 inch thick. Lightly sift confectioners' sugar over the dough. Place springerle molds onto the dough; press down hard and evenly until the mold's design registers in the dough. Remove the mold. Use a small knife to cut around each cookie, and place on prepared cookie sheets. Repeat, until all dough has been used. Cover the cookies with a lightweight cotton cloth, and allow to dry 8 hours, or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).
- Bake cookies in preheated oven until tops are pale brown and set, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool on a rack. Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 74.8 calories, Carbohydrate 16.1 g, Cholesterol 15.5 mg, Fat 0.5 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 1.5 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 16.2 mg, Sugar 9 g
SPRINGERLE COOKIES
Use these intricately molded cookies to dramatize the sides of a layer cake; for additional wow factor, apply a tinted glaze.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Cookie Recipes
Yield Makes 4 to 5 dozen
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Dissolve baking powder in milk in a small bowl. Whisk eggs with a mixer on high speed until very thick and pale, about 10 minutes. With machine running, slowly add sugar, beating until smooth and creamy. Add butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating after each addition. Beat in milk mixture, salt, anise extract, and lemon zest until just combined.
- Reduce speed to medium-low. Add 6 cups flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Remove bowl from mixer, and stir in remaining 3 cups flour, 1 cup at a time, until flour is incorporated and dough is stiff.
- Transfer dough to a floured surface, and knead until dough is smooth and not sticky, adding more flour if necessary. Divide dough into 4 pieces, and wrap in plastic wrap.
- Dust surface and springerle mold with confectioners' sugar. Roll out 1 disk of dough at a time to a 1/4- to 3/8-inch thickness (deeper molds will need thicker dough). Cut a piece of dough about the size of the mold. Press mold firmly into dough, flip over, and gently roll over dough with rolling pin. Flip over, and press onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a knife, trim excess dough from sides of mold. Gently coax dough out of mold with fingertips and onto baking sheet. Repeat, spacing cookies 1 inch apart, and placing same-size cookies on same sheet. Let stand, uncovered, for 24 hours.
- Preheat oven to 220 degrees. Bake cookies, 1 sheet at a time, until completely dry, about 1 hour. (They should not color; reduce oven temperature to 200 degrees if cookies start to color.) Let cookies cool on sheets on wire racks. Cookies will keep, unglazed and covered, for up to 2 to 3 weeks.
- Make the glaze: Mix lemon extract and a pinch of luster or petal dust in a small bowl, adding more dust as needed to get desired color. (You will need only a little dust; the mixture should remain runny). Using a very fine paintbrush, brush the tinted extract onto the flat portion of each cookie around the relief. Using a clean, damp paintbrush, remove smudges. Mix additional extract and luster or petal dust in 1/2 teaspoon increments as needed.
Tips:
- Chilling the dough before rolling and cutting helps prevent sticking and ensures clean, defined shapes.
- When rolling the dough, use even pressure to achieve a consistent thickness throughout.
- Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter to cut the dough into desired shapes.
- Transfer the cut cookies to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
- Use egg wash to give the cookies a golden brown color and shiny glaze.
- Bake the cookies in a preheated oven until the edges are just beginning to brown.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing them in an airtight container.
Conclusion:
Springerle cookies are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for any occasion. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make these beautiful cookies at home. Just be sure to follow the tips above to ensure success. Once you've mastered the basics, you can experiment with different flavors and decorations to create your own unique Springerle cookies.
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