Springerle Shortbread

Recipe by Frank Tegethoff

If you're used to springerle cookies that are as challenging to roll out as lifting your own body weight, this recipe is your answer to sore arms! Thanks to Frank Tegethoff, one of our talented test bakers, for coming up with this easier springerle recipe.

Prep
15 mins
Bake
10 to 12 mins
Total
2 hrs 25 mins
Yield
3 to 4 dozen small cookies
Springerle Shortbread

Instructions

Prevent your screen from going dark as you follow along.
  1. Beat together the butter, sugars, and salt until light and creamy. Beat in the egg and vanilla, and fold in the flour.

  2. Divide the dough in half, shape both halves into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

  3. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease (or line with parchment) two baking sheets.

  4. Working with one disk at a time, flour your work surface and roll the dough 1/4" thick.

  5. To shape cookies using a springerle pin: Brush a very light coating of flour onto the dough and your springerle pin. Slowly roll the springerle pin over the dough, pressing down hard enough to leave a good impression. Cut the cookies apart on the lines.

  6. To shape cookies using a springerle mold: Brush a very light coating of flour onto the dough and your springerle mold. Press the mold firmly into the dough, then remove and cut around the design with a knife or a fluted pastry wheel.

  7. Transfer the cut cookies to the prepared baking sheets. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges. Remove them from the oven, and cool right on the pan.

  8. Store shortbread, well wrapped, for up to a week; freeze for longer storage. The flavor improves as the shortbread ages.

Tips from our Bakers

  • For more traditionally flavored springerle, add 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon anise oil, to taste.
  • To make a gingerbread-spiced version of this springerle, substitute 1 tablespoon of molasses for the 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar, and add 2 tablespoons gingerbread spice (or 2 1/2 teaspoons ginger, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon cloves, 1/2 teaspoon allspice) to the flour before folding it into the dough.