Back
Springerle
These cookies are enjoyable as much for their visual appeal as their taste. In some German households, they are given as Christmas cards. Makes about 3 1/2 dozen.
4 Tbs.
aniseed
2 medium eggs
1 cup sugar
Finely grated peel of 1 large lemon
3/4 tsp. vanilla extract
2 drops lemon extract
2 3/4 cups (or more) flour
Assorted food colorings (optional)
1 Tbs. aniseed (optional)
Lightly
grease 2 baking sheets; sprinkle each evenly with 2 Tbs. aniseed.
lay sheet of waxed paper on work surface and flour lightly. Dust
Springerle rolling pin or cookie molds with flour. Beat eggs in
medium bowl of electric mixer at medium speed until thickened and
very light. Gradually add sugar, lemon peel and extracts and beat
until mixture forms slowly dissolving ribbon when beaters are
lifted, about 4 to 5 minutes. reduce mixer speed to low and blend
in 2 cups flour 1/2 cup at a time. Mix in remaining 3/4 cup flour
by hand. If necessary, knead in 2 to 3 Tbs. more flour until
dough is cohesive and fairly firm. Knead dough in bowl 5 minutes.
Divide in half. Wrap 1 half in plastic.
Working quickly to keep dough from drying, roll remaining half of
dough out on floured waxed paper to thickness of 1/4 inch. Firmly
roll or press Springerle pin or molds into dough to imprint
designs. Cut designs apart using pastry wheel or knife. Arrange
cookies on prepared baking sheets. (Briefly knead dough trimmings
and reroll; if dough seems too dry, dampen hands slightly before
kneading.) Repeat rolling and cutting with remainder of dough.
Let cookies stand uncovered at room temperature to dry for at
least 12 hours, preferably 24.
Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Bake Springerle until nearly firm
but not colored, about 25 minutes. Cool on racks 4 hours. If
desired, dilute food coloring with water and apply light wash of
color on raised areas of design; let stand until completely dry,
about 1 hour. Store cookies in airtight container for up to 3
weeks; do not freeze. Sprinkle an additional Tbs. of aniseed into
storage container if richer anise flavor is desired.