Flour: All purpose flour is recommended. Cake flour differs in protein content and some bakers prefer to use 50% cake and 50% all purpose flour.
Sugar: Confectioners' sugar contains 3-5% corn starch and its use is recommended.  For those who do not want corn starch in the recipe itself... 10X and 12X superfine sugar could  be used instead.
Recipes for Use With Wooden Molds ~  "America's Cookie Mold Carver" Gene Wilson
23 Dec 05, Kathy C. writes:

"In the 1970, my parents hosted a German exchange student from Ansbach.  After returning to Germany, he sent mom some painted Springerle cookies that she proudly hung on our Christmas tree. ...but something strange was happening, the Springerle cookies were disappearing one by one until they were all gone!  It was only after Christmas, when moving furniture and packing the decorations, that mom discovered - under the couch - the ribbons from which the cookies had hung on the  tree.  It had been our dog  who was enjoying those  delicious Christmas snacks!" 
Gift Idea: A mold and some springerle cookies shaped with it might inspire
a loved one to adopt this memorable baking tradition!
3/1/07: "I received the first batch of cookie presses yesterday.  I had some glass stamps that always stuck.  These did not.  I was very impressed by the fact that I did not have to season them or anything.  With the very first dusting of powdered sugar, they did not stick.  You are an artist and craftsman of
the highest order."  Darlene H., NC
This page was last updated: December 18, 2009

Ah, the Cookie Christmases of Childhood

A Christmas tradition: our springerle cakes...
What a nice impression this quaint cookie makes!
Dainty and white, embossed "picture pillows,"
An anise-hartshorn aroma billows...
As our sweet German recipe slowly bakes.

Grandma's recipe may still be the best...
With oil of anise - or with orange zest!
Springerle doughs are quite simple mixtures,
Their crowning glory is in their PICTURES!

Shaping springerle cookies - as we should,
We "imprint" the dough with a mold of wood.
Their beautiful designs are truly a delight
Baked in the oven - after drying overnight.
Ah, the "Cookie Christmases" of childhood.

                   - a rhyme by Gene Wilson, 2007

Our booth at the Belleville Woodcarvers Show, First Full Weekend in Novermber