Springerle Cookies

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5g) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground aniseed (optional)

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 20-25 minutes

Difficulty Level:

• 2 (Simple to Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and aniseed (if using).
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions and roll out each portion into a thin rectangle, about 1/8-inch thick.
9. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough.
10. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and refrigerate for 1 hour.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown.
12. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.

Nutritional Information (per cookie):

• Calories: 200
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 15g
• Protein: 3g

Dish Characteristics:

• Traditional German Christmas cookie
• Delicate and flavorful
• Slightly crispy exterior with a soft interior
• Aniseed flavor is optional, but adds a unique touch

User Comments:

• "These cookies were a perfect way to celebrate the holidays. They were simple to make and tasted amazing."
• "I love the combination of sweet and spicy in these cookies. They're my new favorite!"
• "These are a beautiful and festive cookie that is sure to impress your guests."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Do not overmix the dough, as this will make the cookies tough.
• Chilling the dough before rolling it out will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
• If you don't have cookie cutters, you can use a knife to cut out shapes from the dough.
• Springerle cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.