Anise Balls
Delight your senses with the timeless charm of Anise Balls, a classic cookie with a bold, aromatic twist! These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats are infused with the warm, licorice-like notes of ground anise seed or anise extract, making them an irresistible choice for fans of this unique spice. Rolled in a delicate coating of powdered sugar, these cookies boast a balance of soft, tender texture and sweet, spiced flavor. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a quick bake, this recipe is a dream for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or as a unique pairing with your afternoon tea or coffee. Simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, eggs, and butter come together to create a batch of 24 irresistible cookies that store beautifully for up to 5 days, making them perfect for make-ahead baking. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, these elegant Anise Balls are sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons ground anise seed or anise extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the ground anise seed or anise extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Scoop small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the anise balls in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar until evenly coated. For an extra layer, you can roll them a second time if desired.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Enjoy with coffee or tea!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
123 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.5 g | 6% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.7 g | 13% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 26 mg | 9% | |
| Sodium | 49 mg | 2% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.9 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.3 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.9 g | ||
| Protein | 1.7 g | 3% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 6 mg | 0% | |
| Iron | 0.5 mg | 3% | |
| Potassium | 18 mg | 0% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
