The Perfect Italian Anise Cookies Recipe for Sweet Moments

Sweet memories of childhood bakeries flood back with these delightful italian anise cookies that dance between crisp edges and soft centers.

Nonna’s kitchen always smelled magical when these treats emerged from the warm oven.

Delicate hints of anise weave through each tender bite, creating a nostalgic connection to traditional family recipes.

Powdered sugar cascades over the smooth surfaces, adding a gentle sweetness that melts on your tongue.

Little clouds of pure comfort await in every carefully crafted morsel.

Some cookie recipes feel ordinary, but these bring extraordinary joy with their simple yet profound flavor profile.

Recipe Takes on Italian Anise Cookies

• Gluten-Free Anise Cookies: Replace wheat flour with a blend of gluten-free rice flour and almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic cookie's delicate texture.
• Vegan Anise Treats: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of chicken eggs, and select plant-based milk to create a dairy-free and egg-free alternative that preserves the traditional anise flavor.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of regular sugar, reduce the glaze's powdered sugar, and incorporate whole wheat pastry flour for a healthier cookie that still delivers rich taste.
• Almond-Anise Variation: Add ground almonds to the dough, replace some milk with almond extract, and garnish with sliced almonds for a nutty enhancement that complements the classic anise profile.

FAQs

• What is anise extract, and where can I find it?

Anise extract is a concentrated flavoring made from anise seeds, with a distinctive licorice-like taste. You can find it in the baking aisle of most grocery stores, specialty food shops, or online retailers like Amazon.

• Can I substitute anise extract with another flavor?

While anise is traditional, you can swap it with vanilla extract for a milder taste. However, this will change the classic Italian cookie flavor profile significantly.

• How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping and baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading. Also, ensure your butter isn’t too soft when creaming.

• Are these cookies suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The recipe contains wheat flour, eggs, and dairy, so they aren’t gluten-free or vegan. For those with allergies, you’ll need to modify the ingredients or seek alternative recipes.

Festive Flair That Defines Italian Anise Cookies

• Effortless Baking Delight: These Italian anise cookies require minimal culinary skills, making them perfect for bakers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
• Festive Family Favorite: Packed with nostalgic flavors and simple preparation, these cookies bring generations together during holiday gatherings and special celebrations.
• Quick and Versatile Treat: Ready in a short time with basic pantry ingredients, these cookies offer a delightful dessert option for impromptu gatherings or unexpected guests.
• Decorate with Creativity: The simple glaze and sprinkle topping allow for personalized touch, making each batch unique and fun for children and adults to customize together.

Anise Cookies (Italian Christmas) Ingredients

• Butter: Rich and creamy base for soft cookie texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie structure.
• Eggs: Binding agent for the cookie dough.
• Flour: Primary dry ingredient for cookie base.

• Anise Extract: Provides signature licorice-like flavor.
• Milk: Adds moisture to the cookie dough.

• Baking Powder, Salt: Helps cookies rise and enhances overall flavor.

• Powdered Sugar, Anise Extract, Milk: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze for topping.

• Sprinkles: Adds festive color and visual appeal.

How to Make Italian Anise Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 325°F, getting ready for some delicious cookie magic.

Step 2: Blend Butter And Sugar

Grab a large mixing bowl and whip the butter and sugar together until they become smooth and creamy, creating a fluffy base for your cookies.

Step 3: Add Flavor And Liquid

Pour in the anise extract, then gently mix in the eggs and milk, stirring until everything blends beautifully.

Step 4: Create The Cookie Dough

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Mix until a soft, pillowy dough comes together.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Sheets

Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Roll the dough into charming little balls, each about the size of a tablespoon and a half. Space them generously, about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Pop the sheets into the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Look for dry tops and use the toothpick test – it should come out clean. Let the cookies rest and cool down for 10 minutes.

Step 7: Whip Up The Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Anise extract
• Milk

Stir until the glaze is silky smooth, adjusting thickness as you like.

Step 8: Decorate And Serve

Dunk the cooled cookie tops into the glaze, giving a little twist for an even coating. Sprinkle with festive decorations and let the glaze set before serving these delightful treats.

Cookie Tips for Getting Italian Anise Just Right

• Master Flavor Balance: Use pure anise extract for an authentic, bold licorice-like taste without overwhelming sweetness.
• Texture Perfection: Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies soft and tender, stopping when ingredients are just combined.
• Smart Storage Strategy: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Glaze Control: Add milk or powdered sugar gradually when making the glaze to achieve the ideal thick yet drizzleable consistency that sets smoothly.
• Temperature Trick: Let cookies cool completely before glazing to prevent the topping from sliding off and ensure a clean, professional-looking finish.

Italian Anise Cookies Storing and Serving Instructions

• Store glazed cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap unglazed cookies tightly in plastic wrap, place in freezer bags, and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing.
• Keep glazed cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 5-10 seconds or place in a preheated 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore their soft texture.

Cookies to Go with Italian Anise Treats

• Pair with Sweet Wine: Moscato d'Asti's light, effervescent sweetness perfectly complements the anise cookies' delicate flavor and soft texture.
• Serve with Espresso: Rich, bold Italian espresso cuts through the cookie's sweetness and enhances the subtle anise notes, creating a classic after-dinner treat.
• Match with Almond Liqueur: Disaronno or similar amaretto provides a complementary nutty undertone that beautifully amplifies the cookie's delicate anise essence.
• Enjoy with Herbal Tea: Chamomile or mint tea offers a gentle, soothing counterpoint to the cookie's sweet glaze and aromatic anise flavor.

Italian Anise Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful Italian Anise Cookies bring classic Mediterranean sweetness to your holiday table, dancing with delicate licorice notes and powdered sugar charm. Crisp yet tender, these traditional treats connect generations through simple ingredients and cherished family memories.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2.75 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 0.75 cup sugar
• 0.5 cup (1 stick) softened butter
• 0.25 cup milk

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon nonpareils
• 1 teaspoon anise extract

Finishing Ingredients:

• 2.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.25 teaspoon salt

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon anise extract (or 0.5 teaspoon for milder flavor)

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Instructions

1. Prepare your culinary workspace by heating the oven to a precise 325°F, ensuring an ideal baking environment.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, transform butter and sugar into a velvety, harmonious blend through vigorous creaming.
3. Infuse the mixture with aromatic anise extract, then gently incorporate eggs and milk until the composition becomes uniformly smooth.
4. Gradually introduce flour, baking powder, and salt, delicately folding until a tender, pliable dough emerges.
5. Equip baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking, then artfully craft dough into petite orbs, positioning them with purposeful spacing.
6. Nestle the cookie-laden sheets into the preheated oven, allowing them to bake for 10-15 minutes until the surface appears matte and a probing toothpick reveals a clean interior.
7. After removing from the oven, permit cookies to rest and cool, allowing their texture to stabilize.
8. Craft a luxurious glaze by whisking powdered sugar, anise extract, and milk until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
9. Once cookies have reached room temperature, elegantly immerse their tops into the glaze, executing a gentle twist for even coverage.
10. Embellish with a delicate sprinkle of decorative toppings, then allow the glaze to set completely before presenting these delectable treats.

Notes

• Switch out anise extract for almond or vanilla if you’re not a fan of licorice-like flavors.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and create a more uniform cookie texture.
• Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same soft, delicate crumb.
• Reduce sugar content by 25% if you prefer less sweetness, keeping the cookie’s delightful tender structure intact.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg