Zick Family Anise Christmas Ornaments
This delightful recipe, passed down from Gail's grandmother Zick who emigrated from Germany in her youth, represents more than a cookie; it's a cherished Christmas tradition in our family. Each biteful, infused with the warm, fragrant essence of anise, brings back nostalgic memories of joyful holiday gatherings. These cookies are not only perfect for decorating the Christmas tree but also make heartwarming gifts for friends and family. Celebrate the season by baking these timeless treasures, and create new memories as you share them with loved ones. With a rich history that's nearly as old as Christmas traditions themselves, these cookies will ensure that the legacy of Grandma Zick lives on in every home they grace.
N/A
Servings
20
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
soft butter
1 cup (softened)
sugar
2 cups (granulated)
large eggs
3 (beaten)
sour cream
1 cup (plain)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (dry)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (dry)
anise extract
1 teaspoon (liquid)
all-purpose flour
8 cups (sifted)
large egg white
1 (for icing)
confectioners' sugar
1-2 cups (for icing)
lemon
1 (juice only)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, cream the soft butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
3
Mix in the sour cream and anise extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4
In a separate bowl, sift together the baking soda, baking powder, and flour to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
5
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough comes together.
6
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
7
Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
8
Roll out the dough to a thin layer on a floured surface and use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
9
Remember to cut a small hole at the top of each cookie for hanging.
10
Place the cookies on lined baking sheets and bake for about 7-10 minutes, or until they are just slightly golden at the edges.
11
Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
12
For the icing, whip the egg white in a clean bowl until it forms stiff peaks.
13
Gradually add powdered sugar and lemon juice, adjusting the amount to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
14
Decorate the cooled cookies with the icing as desired and let them dry thoroughly.
15
Once dry, thread dental floss through the holes for hanging, making sure they are securely placed out of the reach of curious children and pets.
Nutrition Information
0.89g
Fat
3g
Carbs
0.23g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zick Family Anise Christmas Ornaments?
They are traditional German-style Christmas cookies infused with anise extract, often used as edible ornaments for holiday decorating.
Who created this recipe?
The recipe was passed down from Gail's grandmother, Grandma Zick, who emigrated from Germany.
What is the primary flavor of these cookies?
The cookies have a warm, fragrant essence of anise.
How long should the dough be refrigerated?
The dough needs to be refrigerated for at least 8 hours, or ideally overnight, to firm up and allow flavors to meld.
At what temperature should the cookies be baked?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 11 specific ingredients including the components for the icing.
What type of butter should be used?
The recipe requires 1 cup of soft, softened butter.
How much flour is needed?
The recipe uses 8 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
What is the first step in making the dough?
The first step is to cream the soft butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
Why is a hole cut in the top of the cookies?
A small hole is cut at the top of each cookie to allow for threading and hanging as ornaments.
How long do the cookies bake?
The cookies bake for approximately 7 to 10 minutes.
How do you know when the cookies are done?
They are done when they are just slightly golden at the edges.
What are the ingredients for the icing?
The icing consists of one large egg white, 1-2 cups of confectioners' sugar, and the juice of one lemon.
How do you prepare the egg white for the icing?
Whip the egg white in a clean bowl until it forms stiff peaks before adding other ingredients.
How many calories are in one cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 20 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is approximately 0.89g of fat per cookie.
How many carbohydrates are in each ornament?
Each cookie contains 3g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of these cookies?
Each cookie contains 0.23g of protein.
What is used to hang the cookies?
Dental floss is recommended for threading through the holes to hang the cookies securely.
What kind of sour cream is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of plain sour cream.
Should the dry ingredients be sifted?
Yes, the baking soda, baking powder, and flour should be sifted together to ensure even distribution.
Is there any lemon in this recipe?
Yes, the juice of one lemon is used in the icing for flavor and consistency.
Can these cookies be used as gifts?
Yes, they are described as heartwarming gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.
What type of sugar is used in the dough?
The dough uses 2 cups of granulated sugar.
How many eggs are in the dough?
The dough requires 3 large eggs, which should be beaten and added one at a time.
What safety precaution is mentioned for hanging cookies?
They should be placed out of the reach of curious children and pets.
How should the cookies be cooled?
They should be removed from the oven and allowed to cool completely on a wire rack.
How thick should the dough be rolled?
The dough should be rolled out to a thin layer on a floured surface.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include christmas cookies, holiday baking, family recipe, and german cookies.
Why is the dough chilled overnight?
Chilling allows the anise flavors to meld and ensures the dough is firm enough to roll and cut.