Italian Anise Cookies With Icing and Sprinkles
These delicate cake-like cookies are glazed with icing and topped with colorful candy sprinkles. They have a mild anise flavoring, which is very typical of Italian baked goods. My family always served these cookies at holidays, weddings, or special celebrations, but now that I know the recipe, I can enjoy them all year long!
These delicate cake-like cookies are glazed with icing and topped with colorful candy sprinkles. They have a mild anise flavoring, which is very typical of Italian baked goods. My family always served these cookies at holidays, weddings, or special celebrations, but now that I know the recipe, I can enjoy them all year long!
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- food coloring
- 2 -3 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons anise extract (or almond extract)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (may need up to 3 cups)
- 1/8 teaspoon anise extract
- decorative candy sprinkles
- Carbohydrate 12.6400100320644 g
- Cholesterol 38.1831250077734 mg
- Fat 3.18345875296474 g
- Fiber 0.324799994468689 g
- Protein 1.33418125003073 g
- Saturated Fat 1.75130225186366 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (42g)
- Sodium 731.71325202631 mg
- Sugar 12.3152100375957 g
- Trans Fat 0.311599000204645 g
- Calories 81 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- For cookies, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Add anise extract.
- Blend flour and baking powder.
- Start by adding about 1/3 of these dry ingredients to the butter/sugar in your mixer, then add 1 T. milk.
- Add another third of the flour and another 1 T. milk.
- Finally, mix in enough of the remaining flour until your dough is like a brownie batter (it should be softer than a drop cookie dough).
- Use a 1 T. cookie scooper to make simple round drop cookies - use wet fingers to pat any rough edges OR for an Easter-Egg look, roll 1 T. dough into an elongated ball.
- Bake cookies 10-12 minutes (they won't be brown but the insides will be soft and cake-like).
- For icing: mix sugar, milk, and extract to make a sugar glaze. HINT: When I make the icing, I make it thick but then I microwave it for 10 seconds so it is thin enough for dipping. Also, I like to divide the mixture in thirds, and then add ONE DROP of food coloring to each batch (pink, green, yellow).
- Hold cookie in your hand and turn upside down so you can dip the top half in the glaze; turn over and immediately top with sprinkles so they will stick.
- Allow icing to harden overnight; then store in air-tight containers or freeze.
A Taste of Tradition: My Italian Anise Cookie Recipe
As a busy working mom, finding time for baking can feel like a luxury. But sometimes, the simple act of creating something delicious from scratch is exactly what I need to unwind and connect with my family's heritage. This recipe for Italian anise cookies is one of those cherished traditions. It’s a recipe passed down through generations, a recipe that evokes memories of holidays, weddings, and family gatherings filled with laughter and love. These aren't your average cookies; they're small works of art, delicate and flavorful, carrying a warmth that only homemade treats can possess.
The aroma of these cookies baking is intoxicating. A blend of sweet butter, subtle anise, and the promise of sugary, colorful sprinkles fills my kitchen, transforming it into a haven of comforting scents. The delicate cake-like texture is unique; they're not crunchy like a typical cookie but possess a soft, almost melt-in-your-mouth quality. Each bite is a celebration of simplicity, a reminder that the most delightful things in life often come from the most straightforward recipes.
Making these cookies isn't just about baking; it's about creating memories. I often involve my children in the process. They love the simple act of scooping the dough, carefully placing the cookies on the baking sheets, and, most importantly, the final step – decorating! It's a chance to bond, laugh, and create a shared experience that will stay with us long after the last cookie is gone. The brightly colored icing and sprinkles add a touch of festivity, transforming these cookies into perfect treats for any occasion, big or small.
The best part? These cookies are incredibly versatile. They're equally delightful served alongside a steaming cup of coffee on a chilly morning or as a special dessert after a family dinner. Their delicate flavor isn’t overpowering; they complement many flavors and are a delicious treat to share with friends and family. So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, I encourage you to try this recipe. It’s more than just a collection of ingredients and steps; it's a recipe for creating lasting memories, one delicious cookie at a time.
Beyond the practical aspects of baking, the preparation and baking of these cookies have become a personal ritual for me. It's a time to escape the daily grind, a chance to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures of life. The rhythmic mixing, the gentle scent of warm anise, the satisfying act of placing each perfectly formed cookie onto the baking sheet - these are moments of peace and mindfulness.
And the best part? Sharing the final product. Watching my family’s faces light up as they take a bite of these cookies, their eyes widening in delight - that's the true reward. It's a tangible expression of love and care, a symbol of the connections that bind us together. These cookies are more than just a delicious treat; they're a testament to the power of shared experiences and the joy of simple pleasures.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on this delightful baking adventure. Create your own memories with these Italian anise cookies and share the sweet moments with those you love. You won’t regret it. Happy baking!
