Description
Soft, chewy Italian anise cookies with a crackly sugar crust and a delicate almond glaze. These cookies require no chilling time and are perfect for holidays or everyday snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons anise extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (for glaze)
- Slivered almonds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the anise extract, almond extract, and vanilla until just combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients on low speed, mixing only until the flour disappears.
- Optionally, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to make rolling easier and prevent spreading.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll dough into 1.5 tablespoon balls and place on prepared sheets, 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are just starting to turn golden but centers still look soft.
- While cookies bake, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, and ½ teaspoon almond extract until smooth.
- Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Drizzle glaze over warm cookies and sprinkle with slivered almonds while glaze is wet.
Notes
Do not overbake; cookies continue to cook on the hot pan. Ensure butter is softened but not melted. Use pure anise extract for best flavor. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 60
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Protein: 1
Keywords: Italian anise cookies, almond glaze, soft cookies, holiday baking, anise extract, easy cookies, no chill cookies