Good Italian Anise Christmas Cookies Recipe
Soft, tender Italian anise-flavored Christmas cookies topped with a sweet glaze.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp anise extract
1/4 cup milk
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Glaze:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk
1 tsp anise extract
Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and anise extract.
5. Mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, until a soft dough forms.
6. Scoop small rounded tablespoons of dough and roll into balls.
7. Place on baking sheets and bake 9–11 minutes, until set but not browned.
8. Whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth.
9. Dip warm cookies into glaze and top with sprinkles.
10. Allow cookies to set before storing.
Notes
For stronger anise flavor, add an additional 1/2 teaspoon extract. These cookies stay soft for days and freeze beautifully.