Springerle are German anise-flavored cookies that go back at over 700 years in their tradition as special gifts during the holidays and other celebrations.

My childhood holiday memories bring back the smells of anise lingering in our small Midwestern home, complimenting the aroma of our usual white pine Christmas tree.

These delicious delicately flavored anise cookies embossed with a variety of wood carve rolling pin mold designs helped make the holidays a special occasion with family and friends. The name Springerle translates from German as ‘little jumpers’ because of their behavior of rising or ‘jumping up’ while they’re baking.

The Springerle recipe that I’m using callls for...