Springerle

Springerle
Baked springerle, showing typical "foot"
TypeCookie
Place of originGermany
Associated cuisineSwabia, Bavaria, Bohemia, Switzerland, Austria, Alsace[1]
Main ingredientsFlour, sugar, egg, anise

Springerle (German: [ˈʃpʁɪŋɐlə] ⓘ) is a type of South German biscuit or cookie with an embossed design made by pressing a mold onto rolled dough and allowing the impression to dry before baking. This preserves the detail of the surface pattern. While historical molds show that springerle were baked for religious holidays and secular occasions throughout the year, they are now most commonly associated with the Christmas season.[1][2]

They are called anis-brödle in the Swabian dialect,[3] and Anisbrötli (anise bun) in Switzerland.[4] The name springerle, used in southern Germany, translates literally as "little jumper" or "little knight", but its exact origin is unknown. It may refer the popular motif of a jumping horse in the mold, or just to the rising or "springing up" of the dough as it bakes.[1]

The origin of the cookie can be traced back to at least the 14th century in southwestern Germany and surrounding areas, mostly in Swabia.[1][5] One of the oldest surviving molds, held at the Swiss National Museum in Zürich, dates from the 14th century.[6]

  1. ^ a b c d Darra Goldstein, ed. (Apr 2015). The Oxford Companion to Sugar and Sweets. Oxford University Press.
  2. ^ Hudgins, Sharon (2004-11-01). "Edible Art: Springerle Cookies". Gastronomica. 4 (4): 66–71. doi:10.1525/gfc.2004.4.4.66. ISSN 1529-3262.
  3. ^ "German Recipe: Springerle traditional holiday art in cookie form". Stuttgart Citizen. US Army Garrison Stuttgart Public Affairs Office. 4 December 2014. Retrieved 3 August 2022.
  4. ^ Rüther, Manuela (2010-12-16). "Weihnachtsgebäck: Springerle, edles Plätzchen und leckere Visitenkarte". DIE WELT (in German). Retrieved 2021-12-07.
  5. ^ Anikó, Samu-Kuschatka. "History of Springerle". andallthekingsmen.bizhosting.com. And All The King's Men. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
  6. ^ Cusick, Marie (December 24, 2011). "Medieval Christmas Cookies Still In Fashion". National Public Radio. Retrieved 2021-12-07.