Classic Italian Anise Cookies Recipe That Brings Back Memories
These soft, cake-like Italian Anise Cookies are a beloved holiday tradition, known for their gentle anise flavor and sweet glaze. Perfect for Christmas, weddings, or family gatherings, they bring a comforting taste of old-world Italian baking with a hint of nostalgia.
Ingredients
- ½ cupunsalted butter, softened
- ½ cupgranulated sugar
- 3 largeeggs
- 2 teaspoonsanise extract
- 2 cupsall-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoonsbaking powder
- salt
- 1 cuppowdered sugar
- 2 tablespoonsmilk
- ½ teaspoonanise extract
- colored sprinkles (optional)
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in anise extract.
- 3
In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until a soft dough forms.
- 4
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions, roll into balls, and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- 5
Bake for 10–12 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden and tops remain pale. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- 6
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and anise extract until smooth.
- 7
Dip tops of cookies into glaze, let excess drip off, and add sprinkles immediately.
- 8
Place glazed cookies on a wire rack and allow glaze to harden for at least 30 minutes.