For a more intense anise flavor, you can add a few drops of anise extract to the dough. If you don't have a Springerle rolling pin, you can use other textured objects to imprint designs on the cookies, such as the bottom of a glass or a patterned rolling pin. Be sure to let the cookies dry uncovered overnight, as this helps to create the characteristic 'foot' on the bottom of the cookie during baking. Springerle cookies are traditionally made with a hard, almost brittle texture. If you prefer a slightly softer cookie, you can reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
German Anise Christmas Cookies (Springerle)
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PREP TIME0 mins
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COOK TIME0 mins
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TOTAL TIME0 mins
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SERVING36 People
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VIEWS21
Transport yourself to a traditional German Christmas market with these delightful Springerle cookies. Crisp, subtly sweet, and imbued with the distinctive flavor of anise, these cookies are perfect for dunking in coffee or enjoying as a festive treat.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate25 g
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Cholesterol21 mg
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Fiber1 g
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Protein2 g
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Saturated Fat0 g
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Sodium22 mg
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Sugar12 g
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Fat1 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
Step
5 mins
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Set aside. (5 minutes)
02
Step
7 mins
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, whip the eggs and confectioners' sugar together until thick and pale, about 5-7 minutes.
03
Step
5 mins
Stir in the lemon zest and ground anise seed. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be quite stiff. (5 minutes)
04
Step
1 hrs
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the dough to become easier to handle. (1 hour)
05
Step
10 mins
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. (10 minutes)
06
Step
15 mins
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Traditionally, a Springerle rolling pin is used to imprint designs on the dough, but you can also cut the dough into desired shapes using cookie cutters or a knife. (15 minutes)
07
Step
10 mins
Place the cookies about 1/2 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with the crushed anise seed. (10 minutes)
08
Step
8 hrs
Allow the cookies to air dry, uncovered, at room temperature overnight. This step is crucial for developing the characteristic crisp texture of Springerle cookies. (8 hours)
09
Step
30 mins
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges and firm to the touch. (30 minutes)
10
StepTransfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. The flavor of Springerle cookies often improves with age.
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Sebastian Fay
Jun 26, 2025I've made these cookies for years, and they are always a hit at Christmas. The recipe is easy to follow, and the results are amazing.
Lance Rippin
May 15, 2025These cookies are absolutely delicious! The anise flavor is perfect, and they are so festive.
Cristina Kuvalis
Apr 26, 2025My grandmother used to make these cookies every year, and this recipe is just like hers. Thank you for sharing!
Abel Kozey
Apr 23, 2025The cookies were a little too hard for my taste, but I think I just need to adjust the baking time next time.