Delicate Italian Anise Cookies with Colorful Icing and Sprinkles
Indulge in the elegance of Italian baking with these delightful anise-flavored cookies. Soft and cake-like in texture, these cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Drenched in a sweet, glossy icing and adorned with vibrant candy sprinkles, they bring a festive touch to any gathering. Traditionally served during holidays and special occasions, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends, making them perfect for year-round enjoyment. Their subtle anise flavor, reminiscent of classic Italian desserts, will leave everyone asking for more!
40
Servings
105
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/2 cup (softened)
Sugar
1/2 cup
Eggs
3 large
Anise Extract (or Almond Extract)
2 teaspoons
All-Purpose Flour
2 1/2 cups ((may need up to 3 cups as needed))
Baking Powder
1 tablespoon
Milk
2-3 tablespoons
Confectioners' Sugar
2 cups
Milk (for icing)
3 tablespoons
Anise Extract (for icing)
1/8 teaspoon
Food Coloring
(for icing decoration)
Decorative Candy Sprinkles
(for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
3
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then incorporate the anise extract for flavor.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add about one-third of this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, followed by 1 tablespoon of milk. Repeat this process, alternating between the dry ingredients and milk, until you've blended in the remaining flour and created a batter that spreads easily but maintains a thick consistency, similar to brownie batter.
5
Using a tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. You can either shape the dough into round drop cookies or roll them into elongated balls for an Easter-egg appearance. Wet fingers can help smooth out any rough edges.
6
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. They will not brown significantly but should be soft and cake-like inside.
7
While the cookies are baking, prepare the icing. In a medium bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, 3 tablespoons of milk, and the 1/8 teaspoon of anise extract. Stir until smooth. For easier dipping, microwave the icing for about 10 seconds to achieve a thinner consistency.
8
Divide the icing into thirds and add a drop of food coloring to each batch to create different colors.
9
Once baked cookies have cooled, hold each cookie upside down and dip the top half into the glaze. Allow any excess to drip off, then immediately top with colorful sprinkles before the icing sets.
10
Let the cookies sit overnight to allow the icing to harden completely, then store them in an airtight container or freeze for longer preservation.
Nutrition Information
4.5g
Fat
15g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Italian Anise Cookies?
Italian Anise Cookies are delicate, soft, and cake-like treats flavored with anise, glazed with a sweet icing, and decorated with sprinkles.
What is the texture of these cookies?
These cookies have a soft and cake-like texture, rather than being crunchy.
How long should I cream the butter and sugar?
You should cream the softened butter and sugar together for about 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the cookies.
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 40 servings.
Can I substitute the anise extract?
Yes, you can use almond extract as a substitute if you prefer that flavor over anise.
How long do these cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes.
Should the cookies be brown when finished?
No, the cookies will not brown significantly; they should remain light and soft inside.
What are the ingredients for the icing?
The icing is made from confectioners' sugar, milk, and a small amount of anise extract.
How do I apply the icing to the cookies?
Once cooled, hold each cookie upside down and dip the top half into the prepared glaze.
How can I make the icing easier to dip?
You can microwave the icing for about 10 seconds to achieve a thinner, more dippable consistency.
How do I add color to the icing?
Divide the icing into batches and add a drop of food coloring to each to create various festive colors.
When should I add the sprinkles?
Add the decorative candy sprinkles immediately after dipping the cookies into the glaze, before the icing sets.
How long should the cookies sit after icing?
It is recommended to let the cookies sit overnight so the icing can harden completely.
What is the best way to store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container once the icing is dry, or freeze them for longer preservation.
What kind of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 1/2 to 3 cups of all-purpose flour.
How much butter is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of softened butter.
How many eggs are in the batter?
The recipe calls for 3 large eggs.
How many calories are in one cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 105 calories.
What is the fat content per cookie?
There are approximately 4.5g of fat per cookie.
How many carbohydrates are in each cookie?
Each cookie contains about 15g of carbohydrates.
Is there protein in these cookies?
Yes, there is approximately 1.5g of protein per cookie.
What consistency should the dough have?
The batter should spread easily but maintain a thick consistency similar to brownie batter.
How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper before portioning out the dough.
How do I shape the cookies?
You can use a tablespoon scoop for round drop cookies or roll them into elongated balls for an Easter-egg look.
How can I smooth the dough before baking?
Using wet fingers can help you smooth out any rough edges on the dough balls before they go into the oven.
How much anise extract is used in the dough?
The dough requires 2 teaspoons of anise extract.
How much baking powder is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of baking powder.
What type of sugar is used for the icing?
The icing uses 2 cups of confectioners' sugar.
What occasions are these cookies best for?
These cookies are traditionally served during holidays and special occasions but are perfect for year-round enjoyment.