Italian Grandmother Anise Cookies
Transport your taste buds straight to an Italian family kitchen with these delightful Italian Grandmother Anise Cookies. Bursting with nostalgic flavors of sweet anise and a touch of buttery richness, these soft, pillowy cookies are a timeless holiday favorite. Featuring a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture thanks to a perfectly balanced dough, they’re topped with a glossy anise glaze and a playful sprinkle of colorful decor for a festive finish. Simple to whip up with just 20 minutes of prep time, this nostalgic recipe is perfect for Christmas cookie platters, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want a taste of tradition. Whether you’re Italian or just love Italian desserts, these anise cookies will capture your heart—and your cravings!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs
- 0.25 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons anise extract
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk (for glaze)
- 0.5 teaspoons anise extract (for glaze)
- 1 handful sprinkles
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the anise extract and milk, ensuring everything is evenly incorporated.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a thick dough forms.
Using lightly floured hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
To prepare the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and anise extract in a small bowl until smooth.
Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.
Immediately top the glazed cookies with sprinkles before the glaze sets.
Allow the glaze to set completely before serving or storing. Enjoy your traditional Italian Grandmother Anise Cookies!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
109 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 3.4 g | 4% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.9 g | 10% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 28 mg | 9% | |
| Sodium | 69 mg | 3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 17.5 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.3 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.5 g | ||
| Protein | 1.9 g | 4% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 8 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 0.5 mg | 3% | |
| Potassium | 21 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.
