Hey friends!
The holiday season is right around the corner, and you know what that means—cookie time!
Today, I’m excited to share a special recipe: Christmas cookies with anise.
These little treats are sweet, a bit spicy, and oh-so-delicious!
They’ll fill your kitchen with the best holiday aromas.
Perfect for sharing with family or just enjoying by yourself!
Let’s dive into this festive baking adventure!
| Preparation Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Total Time | 30-45 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup room temperature butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon anise essence
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 3/4 cups plain flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sprinkles
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon anise essence (or 1/2 teaspoon if you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons milk (or a bit more if needed)
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients and Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Make sure all your ingredients are ready and measured out to streamline the baking process.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and sugar.
Mix until well combined and creamy.
Add one teaspoon of anise extract, then incorporate the milk and eggs one at a time while mixing.
Ensure each ingredient is fully mixed in before adding the next.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add about 1/2 cup of flour at a time to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined after each addition.
Once all the flour is added, mix in the baking powder and salt until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Form Cookie Dough Balls
Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Using about 1.5 tablespoons of cookie dough, form balls and place them on the cookie sheets in three rows of four, ensuring they are spaced two inches apart.
Each sheet should hold twelve cookies.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes.
The tops should not look wet when the cookies are done.
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a cookie; it should come out clean.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Decorate the Cookies
In a small mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, and the remaining teaspoon of anise extract.
Stir until the mixture is smooth.
If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, starting with 1/2 teaspoon, and adjust as needed.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving.
