Easy Anise Cookies

There’s something undeniably festive about Italian cookies, especially ones that feature the warm, aromatic flavor of anise. Easy Anise Cookies are a classic treat with a tender texture, a hint of licorice-like spice, and a sweet glaze that makes them perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or simply a cozy afternoon tea.

These cookies are soft, flavorful, and delightfully simple to make, yet they carry a sophisticated taste that will impress anyone who tries them. Whether it’s for a Christmas table, an Italian holiday tradition, or just a sweet indulgence, these cookies offer the perfect balance of sweetness and unique flavor.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Anise Cookies

These cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re an experience. Here’s what makes them special:

• Tender and Soft Texture – Each cookie melts in your mouth while holding its shape beautifully.
• Distinct Anise Flavor – The licorice-like anise extract adds a unique and festive twist.
• Sweet Glazed Icing – The icing enhances the cookie’s flavor and makes them extra festive, especially when paired with sprinkles.
• Quick and Simple – With prep and bake time totaling just over an hour, they’re accessible even for beginner bakers.
• Perfect for Holidays – Ideal for Christmas or other festive occasions.
• Versatile Decoration Options – Dip in icing, sprinkle with colorful toppings, or leave plain for a more understated elegance.

Ingredients Breakdown

Having all ingredients measured and organized makes the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s the full list for this recipe.

For the Anise Cookies

• 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (104g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tbsp (30ml) milk (2% works perfectly)
• 1 tsp anise extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups (390g) all-purpose flour, measured accurately
• 2 tsp baking powder
• Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

For the Icing

• 1 1/2 cups (115g) powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy cream
• 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp anise extract

Tools & Equipment Needed

To make these cookies efficiently, gather the following tools:

• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl for icing
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cooling rack
• Whisk (for icing)
• Tablespoon or cookie scoop for portioning dough

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to ensure perfect cookies every time.

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Use a mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, until the mixture is light in color and fluffy. You’ll notice a visual change in texture, indicating readiness.

3. Add the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t worry if the batter looks thin or slightly curdled at this point—this is normal.

4. Mix in Milk and Extracts

Add:

• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp anise extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix until smooth. The batter may still appear thin, which is expected.

5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Add:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder

Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough. The dough should be soft but hold together enough to shape into balls.

6. Portion the Dough

Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to form balls of dough, approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons each. Place them on the prepared baking sheets with a little space in between, as the cookies will spread slightly.

7. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes, until the cookies just look done and the bottoms are not yet browned. The goal is a tender, lightly set cookie.

8. Cool

Remove cookies from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely before adding the icing.

9. Make the Icing

In a small mixing bowl, combine:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp anise extract

Whisk until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more powdered sugar (too thin) or more cream (too thick).

10. Decorate the Cookies

Dip the tops of each cookie into the icing, allowing excess to drip off. If desired, sprinkle with colorful or festive sprinkles. Allow icing to set completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Texture Tip: Slightly underbake for a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Extract Adjustments: Add a touch more anise extract if you prefer a stronger licorice flavor.
• Sprinkle Fun: Use holiday-themed sprinkles for Christmas or pastel sprinkles for Easter.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan Option: Substitute butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg for each regular egg.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Taste: Sweet, soft, and aromatic with a subtle anise/licorice note. The icing enhances the sweetness without overpowering the cookie.

Texture: Light and tender, with a smooth glaze on top.

Serving Suggestion: Perfect alongside coffee, tea, or a light dessert wine (optional). They also look stunning on a holiday cookie platter.

Nutritional Overview (Per Cookie, Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~150
Sugar	12 g
Fat	7 g
Carbohydrates	18 g
Protein	2 g
Sodium	~50 mg
Fiber	<1 g

Dietary Notes: Contains eggs, dairy, gluten, and sugar. Not vegan or gluten-free unless modifications are applied.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Cookie Dough: Can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Icing: Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge; whisk before using.
• Frozen Cookies: Bake cookies from frozen dough or freeze baked cookies for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I skip the anise extract?
Yes, but it is the defining flavor. Substitute with vanilla for a milder cookie.

2. How do I prevent icing from running off?
Ensure cookies are completely cooled before dipping. Adjust icing thickness as needed.

3. Can I make them smaller or larger?
Yes, but adjust baking time slightly. Smaller cookies will need less time, larger may need a few extra minutes.

4. How long will the cookies stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days. Sprinkles may bleed after 24 hours, so decorate closer to serving time for visual appeal.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just bake in batches to avoid overcrowding the oven.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep Ingredients	10 min
Cream Butter & Sugar	3 min
Mix Wet & Dry Ingredients	10 min
Portion Dough	5 min
Bake	10–15 min
Cool & Ice	15–20 min
Total	1 hour 10 min

Serving Suggestions

• Display on a decorative plate with iced tops facing up.
• Stack in a jar with parchment for gifting.
• Serve alongside coffee, tea, or a festive punch.

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Anise Cookies: Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips for extra richness.
2. Nutty Anise Cookies: Add 1/2 cup chopped almonds or pistachios.
3. Mini Iced Cookies: Make smaller bite-sized cookies for party platters.
4. Citrus Twist: Add 1 tsp finely grated orange zest to the dough for a citrus-anise flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight

Anise Extract

The star of this recipe, anise extract provides a licorice-like, aromatic flavor. Always use a high-quality extract for best results. A little goes a long way—too much can overwhelm the dough.

Unsalted Butter

Butter contributes to the tender texture and subtle richness. Room temperature butter ensures proper creaming with sugar and smooth incorporation of wet ingredients.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Always cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy for a lighter cookie.
• Measure flour accurately using a spoon and level method to prevent dense cookies.
• Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking.
• Allow cookies to cool completely before icing to prevent melting.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Unbaked Dough: Freeze in scoops up to 3 months; bake directly from frozen adding 1–2 minutes.
• Baked Cookies: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Freeze fully baked cookies for 1 month if needed.
• Icing: Store in the fridge for up to 1 week; whisk before using.

Expanded Conclusion

These Easy Anise Cookies are a delightful balance of soft, sweet, and aromatic flavors. Their tender texture, subtle licorice-like taste, and festive icing make them perfect for holiday celebrations or special occasions.

Baking these cookies is a joyful process—perfect for involving family or creating a warm, inviting aroma in your home. Try this recipe, customize with decorations or mix-ins, and share the results with friends and loved ones. They’re sure to become a treasured part of your festive cookie rotation!

Enjoy the cozy moments and sweet indulgence that come with each bite of these Italian-inspired treats.

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