Italian Cookies with Anise

Introduction

Italian Cookies with Anise are a delightful treat that brings a taste of Italy right into your kitchen. Their sweet flavor and unique anise aroma will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for sharing during the holidays or whenever sweet cravings hit, these cookies are easy to make and even more fun to eat!

Why Make This Recipe

These cookies are not just tasty; they are also a wonderful tradition in many Italian homes. Making Italian Cookies with Anise is a great way to bring family and friends together. Plus, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delightful recipe even on busy days. They’re great for birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy weekend at home.

How to Make Italian Cookies with Anise

Making these Italian Cookies with Anise is easy and fun! Just follow the simple steps below.

Ingredients:

0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
0.5 cup white sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon anise extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1.5 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons milk
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
0.5 teaspoon anise extract
0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a bowl, beat the softened butter and white sugar with an electric mixer until creamy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and anise extract, mixing everything together well.
In another bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Gradually stir this into the butter mixture until fully blended.
Take a ping pong-sized ball of dough and roll it between your hands to create a rope. Connect the ends to twist into a figure 8 shape. Place each cookie on an ungreased baking sheet. Repeat this with the rest of the dough.
Bake the cookies in batches in the preheated oven until the edges are golden, which should take about 10 minutes. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the icing, mix the milk into the confectioners’ sugar in a bowl, stirring slowly. Then, add the anise extract and vanilla extract.
Once the cookies are cool, dip them face-down into the icing and lay them on wax paper or a wire rack.

How to Serve Italian Cookies with Anise

These cookies can be served on a nice plate at gatherings, or simply enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea at home. They also make a lovely gift when put in a decorative box!

How to Store Italian Cookies with Anise

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week, but I bet they won’t last that long!

Tips to Make Italian Cookies with Anise

Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature for easier mixing.
Don’t overbake the cookies; keep an eye on them, as they bake quickly.
Experiment with the icing amount; some might like a thicker layer!

Variation

You can add some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for a fun twist. Another idea is to add different flavor extracts, like almond or lemon, to mix up the taste.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked dough or baked cookies. Just thaw before baking or serving.

2. What can I use instead of anise extract?
If you don’t have anise extract, you can use fennel seeds or another flavor extract like almond.

3. Are these cookies good for holidays?
Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for holidays like Christmas or family gatherings. They add a festive touch!