Get ready to transport your taste buds to a winter wonderland with these irresistible Christmas Anise Cookies that will make your holiday baking truly extraordinary! Imagine a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a unique anise flavor that dances on your tongue, bringing warmth and nostalgia to your festive celebrations. These aren't just cookies - they're a cherished family recipe that promises to become the star of your holiday dessert table, creating memories with every single bite!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon anise extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 cup sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of sugar together using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until well incorporated. Mix in the anise extract and milk, blending until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Place the 1/4 cup of sugar for coating in a separate shallow bowl.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Roll each dough ball in the reserved sugar, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the sugar-coated cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The anise flavor will develop and become more pronounced over time.
Tips
- Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted - this is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture.
- Don't overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough instead of tender.
- Use fresh anise extract for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Roll the cookies in sugar just before baking to create a beautiful, sparkly exterior.
- Let the cookies cool completely to allow the anise flavor to fully develop and intensify.
- For the most consistent size, use a cookie scoop when portioning the dough.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain their soft texture and rich flavor.
- Pro baker's secret: These cookies actually taste even better the next day as the anise flavor becomes more pronounced!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
