If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings a unique flavor twist to traditional cookies, the Anise Cookies with Powdered Sugar Glaze Recipe will sweep you off your feet. These soft, slightly crisp cookies explode with the aromatic and sweet licorice-like flavor of anise, perfectly balanced by a luscious powdered sugar glaze. Whether for a cozy afternoon snack or a charming addition to your holiday cookie platter, this recipe is a gem that you’ll want to keep close and share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these Anise Cookies with Powdered Sugar Glaze Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that thoughtfully blend to offer fantastic texture, flavor, and that irresistible shine from the glaze. Each component plays its part in crafting these memorable bites.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Provides richness and tender crumb to the cookies.
- ½ cup shortening: Ensures a delicate texture and keeps the cookies soft.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
- 4 eggs (room temperature): Binds ingredients and contributes to the cookie’s structure.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough and controls texture.
- 5 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle lift.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors subtly.
- 2 teaspoons anise extract: The star flavor, delivering that signature licorice-like punch.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: For the sweet, glossy glaze coating.
- 2 Tablespoons milk (or cream): Blends the powdered sugar into a smooth, dippable glaze.
How to Make Anise Cookies with Powdered Sugar Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Melt and Mix Fats
Start by melting the butter and shortening in the microwave in short 15-second bursts. Take care to avoid overheating, as fats can quickly become hazardous if not handled gently. Once melted, transfer this creamy mixture to your mixing bowl to form the cookie base.
Step 2: Incorporate Eggs
With the mixer set at medium speed, add the eggs one at a time. Mixing thoroughly after each addition ensures a smooth, homogenous dough that will yield beautifully tender cookies. This step is key for consistency and the right texture.
Step 3: Sweeten and Flavor
Next, mix in the granulated sugar and anise extract. The sugar brings balance, while the anise extract is what truly transforms this cookie into a unique delicacy with its fragrant, sweet aroma.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents and salt for perfect cookie texture and taste.
Step 5: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet one, blending on medium speed just until the flour disappears. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender instead of tough.
Step 6: Prep and Preheat
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This preparation ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out about ½ tablespoon of dough and roll it gently into smooth balls. Place them spaced about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet to allow for expansion without sticking together.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 7 to 9 minutes until you notice golden edges but the tops remain pale and soft. After removing from the oven, let the cookies finish cooking on the hot sheet to achieve a delightful texture contrast.
Step 9: Prepare the Powdered Sugar Glaze
Once the cookies are fully cooled, whisk powdered sugar with milk a tablespoon at a time until you achieve a smooth, slightly runny glaze. This coating adds sweetness and a shiny, inviting finish.
Step 10: Glaze and Decorate
Dip each cookie halfway into the glaze and allow excess to drip off before placing it back on the wire rack. Feel free to sprinkle your favorite nonpareils or decorations while the glaze is still wet for an extra festive touch. Let them dry fully before storing.
How to Serve Anise Cookies with Powdered Sugar Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the visual appeal by garnishing with colorful nonpareils, a sprinkle of ground anise seeds, or even edible gold dust for a touch of elegance. These small details make serving these cookies extra special and inviting.
Side Dishes
Complement the anise flavor with hot tea, coffee, or a light dessert wine. The aromatic bite of the cookies pairs beautifully with a warm cup of chai or an espresso, making it a comforting combination for any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Anise Cookies with Powdered Sugar Glaze Recipe on a tiered serving tray for an impressive display. Wrapping them individually in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon makes a thoughtful gift or party favor that friends will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The glaze helps retain moisture, so they stay deliciously soft and flavorful between bites.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either before glazing or after they’ve been decorated. For unglazed dough balls, freeze on a tray before transferring to a sealed bag. Glazed cookies freeze best on a parchment-lined tray to protect the coating. Thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
If you prefer warm cookies, gently reheat them in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent softening the glaze excessively or making the cookies too soft.
FAQs
Can I substitute anise extract with something else?
If you don’t have anise extract on hand, star anise powder or fennel seeds lightly crushed can create a similar licorice flavor. However, the intensity might vary, so adjust according to your taste preferences.
Is shortening necessary or can I use all butter?
Using shortening helps keep the cookies soft and tender, but you can substitute all butter for a richer flavor. Just note the texture might turn slightly more crumbly and rich.
How thick should the powdered sugar glaze be?
The glaze should be smooth and slightly runny—not too thick to drip unevenly, but thick enough to stay on the cookie’s surface once dipped. Add milk or powdered sugar as needed to get the perfect consistency.
Can I add other spices to this recipe?
Absolutely! A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom can add warmth and complexity. Just be careful not to overpower the delicate anise flavor that defines this cookie.
What’s the best way to ensure cookies don’t stick to the baking sheet?
Using parchment paper is your best bet for easy release and simple cleanup. Alternatively, a silicone baking mat also works wonderfully to prevent sticking without affecting texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the combination of aromatic anise and sweet powdered sugar glaze that makes these cookies special. The Anise Cookies with Powdered Sugar Glaze Recipe is a perfect example of a simple recipe delivering extraordinary flavor and charm. I encourage you to whip up a batch today—you’ll find they quickly become a beloved favorite for every season and occasion.
Print
Anise Cookies with Powdered Sugar Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 72 cookies
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Anise Cookies are light, buttery, and lightly spiced with a fragrant anise extract glaze. Perfectly soft with a delicate crisp edge, they’re rolled into small balls, baked until just golden at the edges, and finished with a sweet anise-flavored glaze that adds a glossy, flavorful touch. Ideal for festive occasions or a comforting sweet treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ½ cup shortening
- 4 eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons anise extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (or cream)
Dry Ingredients
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 5 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Heat Fats: Melt the butter and shortening in the microwave in 15 second increments, taking care not to overheat to avoid splattering or explosion.
- Combine Fats: Pour the melted butter and shortening into a mixing bowl to prepare for mixing.
- Add Eggs: On medium mixer speed, add the eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Add Sugar and Flavor: Mix in the granulated sugar and anise extract evenly into the wet ingredients.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Mixture: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture at medium mixer speed, mixing just until no flour is visible; avoid over mixing for tender cookies.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to reach the optimal baking temperature.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and cleanup.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop ½ tablespoon of dough and roll it into a smooth ball with your hands. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Arrange Cookies: Repeat rolling and placing dough balls, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 7-9 minutes or until edges just start to turn golden brown, while the tops remain light. Remove from oven and allow to continue baking on the hot sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Glaze: Once cookies are cool, whisk powdered sugar and milk one tablespoon at a time in a small bowl until glaze is smooth and just runny enough to dip the cookies.
- Glaze Cookies: Dip each cookie halfway into the glaze, allow excess to drip off, then place on wire rack. Garnish with nonpareils as desired.
- Dry and Store: Let the glaze dry completely before storing cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for easier mixing and better texture.
- Do not over mix the dough once the flour is added to ensure tender cookies.
- If you don’t have anise extract, you can substitute with a combination of anise seeds ground finely, or fennel extract for a similar flavor.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before glazing to avoid melting the glaze.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
