Springerle VII

My great-grandmother Schneider always baked these German cookies for the Christmas holidays. These cookies have a distinctive flavor that comes from anise oil. A springerle rolling pin is best, but one can use cookie presses. They are best if made about two weeks in advance and then stored in an airtight container before eating.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 54 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 pound confectioners' sugar
• 4 eggs, separated
• ¼ teaspoon anise oil

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

In a large bowl, whip egg whites until stiff. Beat in the yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the confectioners' sugar, baking powder and anise oil. Mix in the flour 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each, until dough is fairly stiff. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/2 inch thickness. Flour a springerle rolling pin and carefully roll it over the dough, leaving the imprints. Cut cookies along the lines of the design and place them 1 inch apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Let cookies stand overnight in a cool place to dry.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Bake cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned.