5.0 from 24 votes
Anise Cookies
Anise cookies are classic Italian Christmas cookies! My version can be baked right away (no chilling required!) and is topped with a simple icing.
Prep Time
20 mins
Total Time
32 mins
Servings: 42 servings
Calories: 79 kcal
Course:
Dessert , Baked Goods
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs room temperature preferred
- 2 teaspoons anise extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Icing
- 1 cups powdered sugar
- 1 - 2 Tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons corn syrup optional
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon anise extract
- nonpareils for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line several baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine butter and sugar and cream together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, anise extract, and vanilla extract and use mixer on low-speed to stir well.
- In a separate, medium sized mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually (in 3-4 parts) add dry mixture into butter mixture, stirring until completely combined after each addition.
- Scoop dough into 1 Tablespoon-sized scoop, round dough by rolling gently between your palms, and place on baking sheet, spacing cookies at least 2” (5cm) apart.
- Bake cookies in 350F (175C) oven for 8-9 minutes. The bottoms of the cookies should be very lightly browned but the tops should still be pale. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for several minutes before transferring to cooling rack to cool completely.
Cup of Yum
Icing
- To prepare the glaze/icing, whisk together sugar, milk, corn syrup, and extracts until smooth. Frosting should have a ribbon consistency, if it is too thick add more milk, a small bit at a time.
- Drizzle icing over completely cooled cookies. If desired, sprinkle with nonpareils before icing hardens. Allow frosting to set before enjoying.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- These cookies freeze well and will keep (iced or not) in an airtight container for several months.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1serving
Calories
79kcal
(4%)
Carbohydrates
13g
(4%)
Protein
1g
(2%)
Fat
3g
(5%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.2g
Monounsaturated Fat
1g
Trans Fat
0.1g
Cholesterol
18mg
(6%)
Sodium
49mg
(2%)
Potassium
15mg
(0%)
Fiber
0.2g
(1%)
Sugar
6g
(12%)
Vitamin A
85IU
(2%)
Calcium
32mg
(3%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 42servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 79
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 79kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 3g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 18mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 49mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 15mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 0.2g | 1% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 85IU | 2% |
| Calcium | 32mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.