Classic Italian Anise Twist Cookies
Inspired by my grandmother's beloved cookie recipe, this delightful treat captures the essence of family gatherings and cherished memories. Although I never got to meet her, my mom has lovingly passed down her secret for these unique anise-scented cookies. Traditionally baked in massive batches for our annual family reunions, I’ve adapted her recipe to yield 48 scrumptious cookies perfect for sharing with friends and loved ones. These cookies, with their warm and fragrant anise flavor, can be enjoyed both frosted and unfrosted, allowing for a delightful customization. Whether you choose to decorate them with a sweet icing or leave them plain, these cookies are sure to become a treasured staple in your dessert repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flour
4 cups (Unbleached and all-purpose)
Granulated Sugar
1 1/2 cups (None)
Baking Powder
1 tablespoon (Heaping)
Large Eggs
5 (Beaten)
Vegetable Oil
1/2 cup (None)
Anise Extract
4-5 teaspoons (To taste)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Milk
1/4 cup (None)
Powdered Sugar
2 cups (For icing)
Candy Sprinkles
To taste (For decoration)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this cookie recipe?
The recipe is for Classic Italian Anise Twist Cookies.
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
This recipe is adapted to yield 48 scrumptious cookies.
What is the primary flavor of these cookies?
The primary flavor is anise, provided by 4-5 teaspoons of anise extract.
Who inspired this cookie recipe?
The recipe was inspired by the author's grandmother and passed down by their mother.
Is this a traditional family recipe?
Yes, it is a traditional recipe often baked in massive batches for annual family reunions.
Can these cookies be served without frosting?
Yes, these cookies can be enjoyed both frosted and unfrosted according to your preference.
What type of flour should be used?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of unbleached, all-purpose flour.
How much granulated sugar is needed?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar.
How much baking powder is required?
The recipe requires 1 heaping tablespoon of baking powder.
How many eggs are used in the dough?
The recipe uses 5 large eggs, which should be beaten.
What kind of oil is used for these cookies?
1/2 cup of vegetable oil is used in the recipe.
How much anise extract is recommended?
The recipe suggests 4-5 teaspoons of anise extract, adjusted to taste.
Does the recipe include butter?
Yes, it includes 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
What is the purpose of the powdered sugar?
The 2 cups of powdered sugar are used specifically for making the icing.
How can I decorate these Italian cookies?
You can decorate them with candy sprinkles to taste.
What amount of milk is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of milk.
Are these cookies considered a holiday treat?
Yes, they are tagged as holiday treats and are common at family reunions.
Is the anise flavor very strong?
The cookies are described as having a warm and fragrant anise flavor that can be adjusted to taste.
What is the texture or category of this dish?
They are categorized as baked goods, specifically Italian dessert cookies.
Was the original recipe different from this one?
The original recipe was for massive batches; this version is scaled down for 48 cookies.
Can I customize these cookies?
Yes, they allow for customization through frosting choice and decoration with sprinkles.
Is the flour supposed to be bleached?
No, the recipe specifies unbleached all-purpose flour.
Should the butter be cold or melted?
The butter should be melted before being added to the recipe.
Are the eggs added whole?
The eggs should be beaten before being incorporated into the mixture.
What is a good occasion for these cookies?
They are perfect for family gatherings, reunions, or as a staple dessert repertoire.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include Italian cookies, anise flavor, dessert, family recipe, and traditional baking.
How much icing does the recipe make?
The recipe uses 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1/4 cup of milk to create the icing.
Is the baking powder measurement exact?
The recipe specifies a 'heaping' tablespoon, suggesting a generous measurement.
Are these cookies hard or soft?
While not explicitly stated, traditional Italian anise twist cookies are typically a firm, slightly soft-baked treat.
Does the author have a personal connection to this recipe?
Yes, it captures the essence of their family gatherings and cherished memories of their grandmother.