Italian Anise Cookies

Italian Anise Cookies are a delightful treat that showcases the unique flavor of anise. These cookies have a slightly moist center, making them irresistible to anyone who tries them. Their sweet, aromatic taste is perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion throughout the year. With their beautiful glaze and festive nonpareils, these cookies not only taste great but also look amazing on any dessert table.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cookie Dough
• For the Glaze
• For Decoration
• How to Make Italian Anise Cookies
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Cream Butter
• Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
• Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
• Step 5: Add Baking Powder and Salt
• Step 6: Prepare Baking Sheets
• Step 7: Shape Cookie Dough
• Step 8: Bake Cookies
• Step 9: Cool Before Decorating
• How to Serve Italian Anise Cookies
• With Coffee or Tea
• As a Holiday Gift
• On a Cookie Platter
• With Fruit
• As Part of Dessert Charcuterie
• How to Perfect Italian Anise Cookies
• Best Side Dishes for Italian Anise Cookies
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Italian Anise Cookies
• Reheating Italian Anise Cookies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I substitute anise extract?
• How do I make Italian Anise Cookies gluten-free?
• What is the best way to decorate Italian Anise Cookies?
• How long do Italian Anise Cookies last?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The distinct taste of anise extract shines through in both the cookie and the glaze, offering a unique flavor experience.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, even novice bakers can whip these up without hassle.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Christmas or a casual get-together, Italian Anise Cookies are a delightful addition to your cookie tray.
• Moist Texture: When baked correctly, these cookies have a pleasant moist center, ensuring they stay soft and enjoyable.
• Customizable Toppings: You can use different colored nonpareils or even add your twist to the glaze for personal flair.

Tools and Preparation

To bake Italian Anise Cookies successfully, you will need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort by quickly combining ingredients to achieve a smooth dough.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Prevents cookies from sticking to the sheets, ensuring easy removal and clean-up.
• Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without becoming soggy from steam buildup.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• 1/2 cup softened butter (one stick)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp anise extract
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp anise extract (or 1/2 tsp if you prefer)
• 2 tbsp milk (or slightly more)

For Decoration

• 1 tbsp nonpareils (any color desired)

How to Make Italian Anise Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First, preheat your oven to 325F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter

In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter with sugar. Use your electric mixer to cream them together until well blended.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add in one teaspoon of anise extract, followed by milk, and then incorporate the eggs, one at a time while mixing continuously.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add about 1/2 cup of flour. Mix until just combined before adding more flour until all is incorporated.

Step 5: Add Baking Powder and Salt

Mix in the remaining flour along with baking powder and salt. Ensure everything is well combined.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Sheets

Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This helps prevent sticking.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Dough

Scoop approximately one and a half tablespoons of cookie dough per cookie. Place them on the sheets in three rows of four, leaving about two inches between each dough ball.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake at 325F for about 10-15 minutes. The tops should appear dry. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

Step 9: Cool Before Decorating

Allow cookies to cool for about 10 minutes on the sheets before transferring them to a cooling rack for full cooling. Afterward, you can decorate as desired!

How to Serve Italian Anise Cookies

Italian Anise Cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their unique flavor and soft texture make them versatile enough for any occasion, whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy family dessert.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a comforting experience.

As a Holiday Gift

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes to share with friends and family during the holiday season.

On a Cookie Platter

• Arrange Italian Anise Cookies on a beautiful cookie platter mixed with other holiday cookies for an inviting presentation.

With Fruit

• Serve these cookies with fresh fruit like berries or citrus slices for a refreshing contrast.

As Part of Dessert Charcuterie

• Include Italian Anise Cookies in a dessert charcuterie board with chocolates, nuts, and cheeses for an elegant touch.

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How to Perfect Italian Anise Cookies

To achieve the best results with your Italian Anise Cookies, consider these helpful tips that will enhance their flavor and texture.

• Properly measure ingredients: Accurate measurements ensure the right balance of flavors and textures, resulting in perfect cookies.

• Do not overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be lightly golden but not browned. Overbaking can lead to dryness.

• Chill dough if needed: If your dough is too soft, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain shape.

• Use fresh anise extract: Ensure your anise extract is fresh for the best flavor. Old extracts can lose potency over time.

• Decorate while warm: Apply the glaze while the cookies are still warm to allow it to soak in slightly and enhance sweetness.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Anise Cookies

Italian Anise Cookies pair well with several delightful side dishes that complement their unique flavor. Here’s a list of excellent options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a savory contrast against the sweet anise flavor.

3. Chocolate Fondue: Dip the cookies into warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent treat that enhances their taste.

4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries, then serve alongside cookies for a satisfying dessert option.

5. Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or pistachio ice cream pairs beautifully with Italian Anise Cookies, making for a classic combination.

6. Coffee Cake: Serve with slices of coffee cake at brunch gatherings to elevate your dessert table.

7. Milkshake: Blend up a creamy milkshake that features vanilla or almond flavors to go along with these cookies for a fun pairing.

8. Spiced Tea: A cup of spiced chai or herbal tea complements the anise notes in the cookies perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Italian Anise Cookies, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Not preheating your oven can result in uneven baking. Always ensure your oven is at the right temperature before baking.
• Not measuring accurately: Using too much or too little flour can affect the cookie’s texture. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Ignoring cooling time: Decorating cookies while they’re hot can cause the glaze to melt. Allow them to cool completely before decorating.
• Skipping the test for doneness: Not checking if cookies are fully baked can lead to underbaking. Use a toothpick; it should come out clean when they’re done.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Keep them at room temperature to maintain their soft texture.

Freezing Italian Anise Cookies

• Wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They will last up to three months in the freezer without losing flavor.

Reheating Italian Anise Cookies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 300°F, then warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat for a minute or two, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Italian Anise Cookies:

Can I substitute anise extract?

Yes, you can use fennel extract or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.

How do I make Italian Anise Cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking.

What is the best way to decorate Italian Anise Cookies?

A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk works well, and you can add colorful nonpareils for extra flair.

How long do Italian Anise Cookies last?

When stored correctly, these cookies will stay fresh for about one week at room temperature or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Italian Anise Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize them by adding different decorations or flavors. Whether you serve them during the holidays or enjoy them year-round, they are sure to bring joy and comfort.