Springerle, the traditional German anise-flavored cookie, is a delightful treat that can easily be made plant-based. These beautifully embossed cookies are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. The subtle citrus notes combined with the aromatic anise create an exquisite balance that will please even the most skeptical dessert lovers.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground anise seeds (or 2 teaspoons anise extract)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- Pinch of salt
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
- Flour for dusting the rolling surface
Instructions:
Start by preparing your workspace and gathering all ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, ground anise, lemon zest, orange zest, and salt until well combined.
In a separate bowl, mix the melted coconut oil, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency.
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a springerle rolling pin or cookie stamps to create beautiful designs on the dough. If you don’t have a rolling pin, you can use cookie cutters for fun shapes.
Carefully cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Allow the cookies to rest for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape better during baking.
Once rested, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with extra powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Serve these delightful vegan springerle cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, and watch as your guests are enchanted by their unique flavor and beautiful designs. Enjoy the journey of sharing these treats with friends and family, and who knows? You might just convert a few skeptics along the way!