CHRISTMAS ANISE ICING COOKIES

These delightful, soft, and aromatic Italian anise cookies are a staple in many family kitchens, especially during the holiday season.

They have a subtly sweet flavor, enhanced with a touch of anise, and are topped with a delicate glaze and colorful nonpareils.

Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as part of a festive dessert table, these cookies bring back cherished family memories with every bite.

Why Nonna Loves These Cookies

• Timeless Family Recipe – Passed down through generations, these cookies bring nostalgia and warmth to every gathering.
• Perfectly Balanced Sweetness – Not overly sweet, allowing the anise glaze to shine.
• Soft & Pillowy Texture – A tender, cake-like cookie with a delicate bite.
• Festive & Fun – A must-have for holiday celebrations, decorated with vibrant sprinkles.
• Great for Gifting – These cookies store well and make a thoughtful homemade treat.

DOWNLOAD PDF OF CHRISTMAS ANISE COOKIES HERE:

ChristmasAniseCookies

⏳ Cooking Time

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: About 40 cookies

🛒 Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons anise extract

For the Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (whole or 2%)
• ¼ teaspoon anise extract
• 1 tablespoon colorful nonpareils (optional, for decorating)

🍪 How to Make Italian Anise Cookies

1️⃣ Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
2. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in anise extract for a fragrant flavor boost.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Cover the dough and chill for 30 minutes to make rolling easier.

2️⃣ Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them 1½ inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
3. Bake for 5 minutes, rotate the pans, then bake for another 5 minutes until the tops are cracked and the bottoms are lightly golden.
4. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

3️⃣ Make the Anise Icing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and anise extract until smooth.
2. Dip the tops of each cooled cookie into the icing, letting excess drip off.
3. Sprinkle with nonpareils before the icing sets.
4. Let cookies dry for at least 1 hour before storing.

📊 Nutritional Facts (Per Cookie)

🔎 Tips & Tricks for the Best Anise Cookies

✅ For a Stronger Anise Flavor: Add a pinch of ground anise or star anise to the dough.
✅ Soft & Fluffy Cookies: Be careful not to overmix the dough—this keeps them light.
✅ Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature.
✅ Make Ahead: You can bake the cookies a day in advance before decorating.
✅ Substitutions: Not a fan of anise? Try vanilla or almond extract for a different twist.

NONNA'S ICING ANISE COOKIES

These delightful, soft, and aromatic Italian anise cookies are a staple in many family kitchens, especially during the holiday season.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Christmas Italian Recipes, Italian Cookies

Cuisine Italian

Servings 40 cookies

Notes

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons anise extract

For the Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (whole or 2%)
• ¼ teaspoon anise extract
• 1 tablespoon colorful nonpareils (optional, for decorating)

---

🍪 How to Make Italian Anise Cookies

1️⃣ Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
2. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in anise extract for a fragrant flavor boost.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Cover the dough and chill for 30 minutes to make rolling easier.

2️⃣ Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them 1½ inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
3. Bake for 5 minutes, rotate the pans, then bake for another 5 minutes until the tops are cracked and the bottoms are lightly golden.
4. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

3️⃣ Make the Anise Icing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and anise extract until smooth.
2. Dip the tops of each cooled cookie into the icing, letting excess drip off.
3. Sprinkle with nonpareils before the icing sets.
4. Let cookies dry for at least 1 hour before storing.

Keyword anisette cookies, anise cookies,