Zesty Citrus Anise Cookies
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Zesty Citrus Anise Cookies, a traditional Italian treat that brings a burst of sunshine to your dessert table. These small, light, and airy cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving a sweet snack. Infused with your choice of delightful anise or refreshing lemon extract and complemented by the natural sweetness of orange juice, these cookies offer a unique twist on classic flavors. The optional glaze, infused with orange juice and butter, adds a luxurious touch, while vibrant candy sprinkles create a festive look. Enjoy the versatile nature of this recipe – experiment with flavors to find your perfect match!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
3 cups (sifted)
sugar
3/4 cup (granulated)
baking powder
3 teaspoons (none)
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Crisco
1/2 cup (softened)
eggs
2 large (beaten)
extract (lemon or anise)
1 teaspoon (none)
orange juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed)
butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
confectioners' sugar
4 cups (sifted)
milk
2 tablespoons (none)
orange juice (glaze)
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
extract (lemon or anise for glaze)
1 teaspoon (none)
candy sprinkles
to taste (for decoration)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream the Crisco and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3
Add the eggs to the mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4
Stir in your preferred extract (anise or lemon) along with the orange juice until fully combined.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, baking soda, and flour.
6
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, combining until just blended. Do not overmix.
7
Scoop teaspoonfuls of the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, placing them fairly close together, as they do not spread much during baking.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 5-6 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as these cookies are meant to be dry and crumbly.
9
While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the confectioners' sugar, milk, orange juice, and your choice of extract. Whisk until smooth and heated through, adjusting thickness with additional confectioners' sugar if necessary.
10
Once the cookies are cool, dip them into the glaze or use a spoon to apply it on top. Immediately sprinkle with candy sprinkles before the glaze sets.
11
Allow the cookies to sit until the glaze hardens, then enjoy your delightful creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Citrus Anise Cookies?
They are a traditional Italian treat that are small, light, and airy, infused with anise or lemon extract and orange juice.
What flavor extracts can be used in this recipe?
You can use either anise extract or lemon extract depending on your flavor preference.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (230°C).
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 14 specific ingredients, including the components for the glaze.
What type of shortening is used for the dough?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of softened Crisco.
How should the Crisco and sugar be prepared?
They should be creamed together in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
How should eggs be added to the dough?
Eggs should be added one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
What kind of juice is used in the cookie dough?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Should the flour be sifted?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 3 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
What leavening agents are used in these cookies?
The recipe uses both 3 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
How should the dry ingredients be added to the wet mixture?
Dry ingredients should be added gradually and combined until just blended.
Is it okay to overmix the dough?
No, you should avoid overmixing once the dry and wet ingredients are combined.
What size should the cookie dough portions be?
You should scoop the dough by teaspoonfuls onto the baking sheet.
Do these cookies spread during baking?
No, they do not spread much, so you can place them fairly close together on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
How long do the cookies take to bake?
They bake very quickly, taking only 5-6 minutes.
How do I know when the cookies are finished baking?
The edges should be just lightly golden; be careful not to overbake them.
What is the texture of these cookies?
These cookies are meant to be dry and crumbly.
What ingredients are needed for the glaze?
The glaze requires butter, confectioners' sugar, milk, orange juice, and extract.
How is the glaze prepared?
Melt butter in a saucepan, add sugar, milk, juice, and extract, then whisk until smooth and heated through.
How do I adjust the thickness of the glaze?
You can adjust the thickness by adding additional confectioners' sugar if necessary.
When should I glaze the cookies?
Wait until the cookies are completely cool before dipping them into the glaze or applying it with a spoon.
How are the sprinkles applied?
Immediately sprinkle the candy sprinkles onto the glaze before it has a chance to set.
Can I use different extracts for the glaze?
Yes, you can use your choice of lemon or anise extract in the glaze to match or complement the cookies.
Are these cookies suitable for holidays?
Yes, they are tagged as holiday treats and the festive sprinkles make them perfect for celebrations.
What categories do these cookies fall into?
They are categorized as cookies, Italian desserts, citrus cookies, and tea cookies.
How much confectioners' sugar is needed for the glaze?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of sifted confectioners' sugar.
What should I do after applying the glaze?
Allow the cookies to sit until the glaze hardens completely before serving.
Is the orange juice in the glaze fresh?
Yes, the recipe specifies using freshly squeezed orange juice for the glaze.
Can I use a different citrus juice?
While the recipe specifies orange juice, it notes that you can experiment with flavors to find your perfect match.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include cookies, italian desserts, citrus cookies, anise cookies, lemon cookies, easy cookies, holiday treats, and tea cookies.