Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies (Soft Anise Cookies) Recipe

Introduction

Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies, also known as Soft Anise Cookies, bring a delightful aroma and tender texture to your holiday celebrations. These light, flavorful cookies are easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1½ sticks unsalted butter
• 1¼ cups granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup milk, room temperature
• 5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 6 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons anise extract (can substitute lemon or almond extract)

For the frosting:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• ½ pound confectioners’ sugar
• 6 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set this mixture aside.
2. Step 2: In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the anise extract.
4. Step 4: Alternately add portions of the milk and the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing thoroughly after each addition until fully combined.
5. Step 5: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until it is firm and not sticky, adding more flour if necessary.
6. Step 6: Break off handfuls of dough and roll each into a long pencil shape. Cut these into 5 or 6 inch pieces.
7. Step 7: Shape each piece into an “S” shape and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. These cookies will puff up during baking.
8. Step 8: Bake for approximately 8-10 minutes until just set. Remove the cookies to a cooling rack.
9. Step 9: To make the frosting, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large bowl. Add the confectioners’ sugar and stir in the milk gradually, mixing until smooth and your desired frosting consistency is reached.
10. Step 10: Frost the cooled cookies using a brush or spoon. Apply sprinkles immediately if desired, then set the cookies back on the rack to allow the frosting to set completely.

Tips & Variations

• For a different flavor twist, substitute the anise extract with lemon or almond extract.
• If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the amount of confectioners’ sugar or milk to adjust thickness and sweetness.
• Use sprinkles or colored sugar for a festive look that’s perfect for holiday celebrations.
• Make sure eggs and milk are at room temperature to help the dough come together smoothly.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They remain soft and flavorful when kept properly. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies (unfrosted) in a sealed container for up to three months and frost them once thawed. To reheat, warm gently in a low oven for a few minutes to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without anise extract?

Yes, you can substitute anise extract with lemon or almond extract for a different but equally delicious flavor.

Why do the cookies puff up during baking?

The baking powder causes the dough to rise and puff up in the oven, resulting in the soft, light texture these cookies are known for.

Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies (Soft Anise Cookies) Recipe

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4.6 from 145 reviews

Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies, also known as Soft Anise Cookies, are delicate, soft cookies flavored with anise extract for a subtle licorice taste. These festive cookies are easy to shape into charming ‘S’ curves, baked to a tender perfection, and topped with a sweet, creamy frosting made from butter, confectioners’ sugar, and milk. Perfect for the holiday season, they bring a classic Italian flavor to your cookie platter.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 5 dozen cookies depending on size 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough Ingredients

• 1½ sticks unsalted butter
• 1¼ cups granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup milk, room temperature
• 5 cups unbleached all purpose flour
• 6 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons anise extract (can substitute lemon or almond extract)

Frosting Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• ½ pound confectioners’ sugar
• 6 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later use.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs and flavoring: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the anise extract.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternate adding the milk and the sifted flour mixture into the egg mixture, mixing well after each addition until the dough comes together.
6. Knead dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently until it is firm but not sticky, adding extra flour if necessary to prevent sticking.
7. Shape cookies: Pinch off handfuls of dough and roll each into pencil-thick logs. Cut the logs into 5-6 inch pieces. Shape each piece into an ‘S’ shape and lay onto an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them appropriately as they will puff up during baking.
8. Bake cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until puffed and lightly golden.
9. Cool cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
10. Prepare frosting: In a large bowl, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Stir in ½ pound of confectioners’ sugar, then gradually add 6 tablespoons of milk, mixing until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency suitable for coating the cookies.
11. Frost cookies: Using a brush or spoon, apply the frosting to the cooled cookies. If desired, sprinkle decorations immediately to allow them to set on the frosting.
12. Set and store: Allow the frosted cookies to set completely on a rack. Once dry, store them in airtight containers to maintain freshness.

Notes

• For variation, you can substitute the anise extract with lemon or almond extract based on your flavor preference.
• Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature to help achieve a smooth batter and even baking.
• If the dough feels too sticky while kneading, add flour gradually until manageable but avoid making the dough too dry.
• These cookies puff up during baking, so shape them with enough spacing on the baking sheet to prevent sticking together.
• Frost cookies only after they have cooled completely to prevent melting or sliding of the frosting.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they keep well for up to 1 week.

Keywords: Italian Christmas cookies, soft anise cookies, holiday cookies, traditional Italian dessert, anise flavored cookies, frosted cookies