Catholic Recipe: Springerle IV or Anise Cookies

Springerle are traditional Christmas cookies from Bavaria and Austria. These are hard, white anise-flavored cookies shaped in special springerle wooden molds, usually square, with designs of birds, flowers, animals, stars, etc. stamped on the top.

DIRECTIONS

Beat eggs until light, fluffy. Add sugar, continuing to beat until thoroughly blended. Beat in butter, vanilla. Sift in flour, baking powder, salt; mix well. Turn out on well-floured board; knead 1 minute. Roll out 1/8 inch thick. Press out "springerle" designs and cut cookies apart. Place on well-greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with anise seeds. Cover. Reserve in refrigerator 24 hours.

Bake cookies for 8 minutes at 325° F.