A traditional German Cookie, and we make it the traditional way with a special rolling pin and hartshorn.  These have been made in Bavaria and Austria for centuries. They  are white, anise-flavored cookies,  usually rectangular or circular in shape, they have a picture or design stamped on the top of each.
A brief History:   The name Springerle comes from an old German dialect and means “little knight” or “jumping horse.” Historians trace these cookies back to the Julfest, a midwinter celebration of pagan Germanic tribes. Julfest ceremonies included the sacrificing of animals to the gods, in hope that such offerings would bring a mild winter and an early spring. Poor people who could not afford to kill any of their animals gave token sacrifices in the form of animal-shaped breads and cookies.

Available November to December

http://www.godecookery.com/cookies/history.html