Soft Italian Anise Cookies (Print-Friendly Version)
Soft Italian anise cookies with icing and nonpareils, ideal for holidays and celebrations.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Cookies
01 -
113.5 g unsalted butter, at room temperature
02 -
100 g white sugar
03 -
3 large eggs
04 -
2 teaspoons anise extract
05 -
281.25 g all-purpose flour
06 -
9 g (2 1⁄4 teaspoons) baking powder
→ Icing
07 -
4 tablespoons milk
08 -
4 whole star anise
09 -
240 g powdered sugar
10 -
Nonpareils sprinkles, as needed
# How to Make It:
01 -
In a medium bowl, combine flour and baking powder. Whisk to blend evenly. In a separate small bowl, weigh the sugar and set aside. In a cup, add the milk and whole star anise to infuse.
02 -
Using a mixer set to medium speed, cream the softened butter for one minute. Add the sugar and beat for three minutes more. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix an additional minute until fully incorporated.
03 -
Mix in the anise extract. Lightly beat each egg in a small bowl to check for shells, then add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly before each addition. Scrape down the sides and bottom between additions to ensure an even mixture.
04 -
With the mixer on low speed, add half of the flour mixture to the batter and mix for 15 seconds. Add the remaining flour, then use a spatula to scrape down sides and bottom to ensure thorough mixing.
05 -
Preheat oven to 175°C. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly flour hands. Using a medium cookie scoop, portion dough and roll into balls, 3–3.5 cm across. Arrange nine dough balls per tray, evenly spaced.
06 -
Place trays in the preheated oven and bake for 9–11 minutes until set but not browned. Remove cookies and transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
07 -
In a mixing bowl, strain the infused milk to remove star anise, then whisk together the milk and powdered sugar until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding additional powdered sugar for thickness or a few drops of milk for a thinner glaze.
08 -
Dip the tops of cooled cookies in the icing. Place cookies back on the rack and immediately add nonpareils sprinkles to the wet icing. Allow the icing to set before serving.
# Extra Information:
01 -
Infusing milk with star anise deepens the aroma and flavor of the icing.
02 -
Rolling dough with floured hands prevents sticking and ensures uniformity.