Springerle mold

A very intricate cookie mold, originally carved from wood and now also made by casting a resin and wood composite. These molds are used to make the Swiss and German Christmas cookies called springerle, which are beautifully molded, anise-flavored cookies that have been closely associated with Christmas festivities in Europe for centuries. The molds are firmly pressed into the rolled dough, then lifted off to reveal the pattern. Springerle dough is formulated so that it does not change shape during baking (it is also baked at a very low temperature for the same reason), so even the tiniest details of the impression remain visible. Some of the very old and elaborately carved springerle molds are now on display in museums. Horses and other animals were popular ancient design themes, and other classic motifs include hunting scenes, baskets of fruit or flowers, which were symbols of prosperity, and biblical images. Many of these original molds are still passed down from generation to generation in Swiss and German families.