Vistawide World Languages & Cultures
German

Back to German Christmas Foods
| Share

German Christmas recipesSpringerle

The -le diminutive ending reveals the Swabian origin of these cookies. The dough rises substantially during baking, hence the name Springerle, meaning "little jumpers". The cookies are either formed using a special rolling pin with forms and scenes carved into it or they are baked in artistically carved wooden forms, giving the cookies their signature imprints. The cookies keep for a long time and they mellow with age.

Ingredients

4 eggs
4 drops anise oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup anise seed

Preparation

Beat eggs in large bowl until light. Add in anise oil and mix. Cream in sugar and butter until mixture is light and fluffy. Add dry ingredients and combine. Knead dough until smooth, adding more flour if needed. Cover dough and allow to chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Roll chilled dough on a lightly floured board until 1/4 inch thick. Then form designs using a Springerle rolling pin or use the Springerle wooden molds. Cut forms into separate cookies, place on a cookie sheet, and allow them to stand overnight, uncovered in a cool, dry place.

Bake the cookies at 350° F for 15 to 20 minutes, being careful not to let the cookies become browned. Cool completely and store in an airtight container for at least 1 week before eating to allow the anise flavor to mellow.

Cookies and cooking utensils

Springerle cookies and rolling pins

Lemon Bee Springerle
Tin of 6 Springerle cookies
with honeybee theme.
More info - Buy

Wedgewood-inspired Springerle
Tin of 6 Springerle cookies
hand-decorated in wedgewood
blue and white.
More info - Buy


Pottery Cookie Stamp Set
Set of three 2.25-inch cookie
stamps in bear, maple leaf, and
daisy designs.
More info - Buy

Bethany 10-inch wooden
Springerle rolling pin.
Simple block design
includes 20 patterns.
More info - Buy

10-inch wooden Springerle
rolling pin
. 20 patterns.
Qualifies for free shipping.
More info - Buy

Book: Baker's Field Guide
to Christmas Cookies

Includes recipes for springerle
and other German cookies.
More info - Buy


Buy or browse more Springerle and other German Christmas cookies



RETURN TO: German Christmas foods & recipes | German Christmas traditions |
German language and culture | Vistawide World Languages & Cultures home

Vistawide - All About Learning Languages & Knowing Cultures

All content on this site is copyrighted. © 2004- VISTAWIDE.COM
Contact - About us