Ziegels Union Church, Breinigsville, held two springerle cookie events, underwritten by a Neighbors in Need grant from the United Church of Christ.

The first, held Oct. 29, was a presentation on the history and art of springerle, given by church member Mary Redline.

Redline learned about springerle cookies from her mother, who never made them, but who appreciated the artistry of their designs and the traditional anise flavor.

Redline has since experimented with making springerle for many years.

Springerle cookies are a molded cookie dating to 14th century southern Germany.

The designs are impressed on the dough and air dried overnight, before baking in a low temperature oven.

Original molds (often depicting religious themes) were created in wooden or clay; some of these are now museum pieces in Europe.

Today, many springerle bakers use replica molds in composite or resin to continue the tradition, though springerle now appear in flavors other than anise and for occasions other than Christmas.

On Nov. 8, the church hosted a hands-on workshop.

Participants saw a demonstration on how the dough is made.

Each participant then got a half batch of dough to roll out and press; the cookies went home with their makers to bake the next day.