This is a classic German Christmas biscuit.
You may find the biscuits easier to decorate if the green glace cherries are roughly chopped.
This is a wonderful recipe. The cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. I would like to offer a hint, lightly flour your hands when working the dough into ropes, it makes it so much easier and chilling the dough slightly if it gets too soft does the trick. Try these cookies, the orange zest makes them wonderful! - 19 Dec 2000 (Review from Allrecipes US | Canada)
Great recipe. It takes time, but these cookies are very impressive on a plate. Personally I think it's essential to use fresh orange peel and I also like to add a little cinnamon and ground clove to spice it up a little. - 10 Dec 2006 (Review from Allrecipes US | Canada)
I waited for them to turn a bit golden, they did not, took them out they were hard and bland. Waste of ingredients. I was so excited to make cookies for my German family too! - 22 Dec 2007 (Review from Allrecipes US | Canada)