Anise Cookies

anise cookies

These anise cookies are very special to me.  They remind me of cookies I would make with my mother growing up.  She must have used anise in her Christmas cookie cutouts since that distinct anise flavor that are in these were in those cookies too.  We used to make our cookies in late November and freeze them.  As we got closer to Christmas we would spend the day frosting the cookies.  As a child it was so much fun frosting the cookies that were in shapes of Santa, Christmas trees and snowflakes.  I look forward to passing on those holiday baking traditions with my kids as well.

These darling Italian anise cookies are the last featured cookie for this seasons Christmas Cookie Countdown series.  If you plan on doing last minute baking this weekend before the big day, these are simple to make and a perfect addition your holiday cookie tray.  They are slightly sweet and buttery with just the right amount of anise.  They are topped with a simple anise glaze to layer the anise flavor and sprinkled with nonpareils.  If you are looking for a classic Italian Anise Cookie you will love these and love how easy these are make too!

anise cookies

anise cookies

Cream butter and sugar.  While mixing add in eggs and anise extract. 

anise cookies

Stir in flour mixture. 

anise cookies

Drop tablespoon size balls on parchment lined baking sheets.  Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes. 

anise cookies

Dip top of cookies into glaze and sprinkle with nonpareils. 

anise cookies

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Anise Cookies

  • Author: Jenn
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 3 dozen

Ingredients

  • 2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 3/4 cup butter (room temperature)
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons anise extract

Anise Glaze

  • 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon anise extract
  • 3 tablespoon milk
  • Nonpareils or sprinkles for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl combine flour and baking powder and set aside.
  4. Using an electric mixer cream butter and sugar.
  5. Stir in eggs, one at a time then anise extract.
  6. Gradually blend in flour mixture until combined.
  7. Drop tablespoon size balls on prepared baking sheets.
  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes until bottoms are golden brown.
  9. Place on wire rack to cool.
  10. Anise Glaze
  11. In a small bowl stir together confectioners sugar, anise extract and milk until creamy. Dip tops of cookies in glaze. Sprinkle with nonpareils before glaze dries.
  12. Store in an airtight container.

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37 Comments

  1. I make eggnog bread this time of year and I also make cheesecake bars. My husband make his anise biscotti. This would be great to scrape down the bowl .

  2. Love that you’re keeping the tradition alive by making these cookies. They’re absolutely gorgeous! And thanks for the awesome giveaway – I’d love to make some gingerbread cookies with this awesome beaterblade 🙂

  3. I sure would love a BeaterBlade! I just finished my holiday baking using a rubber spatula between steps to scrape down the mixing bowl. But would love to have one for the next time. I would make cookies of course-chocolate covered cherry cookies are the family fave.

  4. I just got a new rose-shaped Bundt pan, so I’m planning to make a chocolate Bundt cake using my KitchenAid mixer, and a Beater Blade would make it so much easier!

  5. Made this for Christmas. Turned out great. Just like my Nonni used to bake. Perfect texture and not hard to bite into.

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