Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon anise extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Special equipment needed:
- Springerle rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Cookie sheet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 300°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the anise extract and orange zest to the egg mixture and mix well.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, mixing until a stiff dough forms.
6. Roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/2 inch using a Springerle rolling pin.
7. Cut the dough into desired shapes and place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
8. Let the cookies dry for at least 12 hours, or overnight.
9. Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes.
11. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 300°F
Serving size:
Makes about 3 dozen cookies
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Total fat: 1g
Saturated fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 25mg
Total carbohydrates: 26g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugars: 14g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Orange zest can be substituted with lemon zest or lime zest.
- Anise extract can be substituted with vanilla extract or almond extract.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to the dough.
- Use different shaped cookie cutters to make the cookies more festive.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the dough is rolled out to a consistent thickness to ensure even baking.
- Let the cookies dry for at least 12 hours to prevent them from spreading during baking.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Storage instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
The cookies can be reheated in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes to crisp them up.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter and dust them with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Garnishes:
Garnish the cookies with a small piece of candied orange peel or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
Pairings:
Serve the cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
The cookies can be served as a dessert or snack on their own.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it reaches the right consistency.
- If the cookies spread too much during baking, let them dry for a longer period of time before baking.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all equipment thoroughly before starting to prevent any contamination.
Food history:
Springerle cookies originated in Germany in the 14th century and were traditionally made during the Christmas season.
Flavor profiles:
The cookies have a sweet and slightly spicy flavor from the anise extract and a bright citrus flavor from the orange zest.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the cookies on a platter with other holiday treats, such as gingerbread or fruitcake.
Related Categories
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Region: German
Taste: Sweet, Citrusy, Anise, Aromatic, Crunchy, Anise-Flavored