There’s something truly enchanting about the aroma of anise cookies baking in the oven. With their soft, pillowy texture and signature licorice-like flavor, these classic treats have held a special place in Italian-American kitchens for generations. If you’re looking for a nostalgic yet easy dessert, this anise cookie recipe delivers both comfort and tradition in every bite.
Also known as Italian Anisette Cookies, these delicate sweets are a holiday favorite but are just as perfect for year-round enjoyment. Whether paired with your morning coffee, shared at a festive gathering, or gifted on a cookie platter, they always make a memorable impression.
The best part? This anise cookie recipe is simple to follow and uses just a few basic ingredients, making it ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. If you love lightly sweetened cookies with a uniquely fragrant twist, these are a must-try!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Anise Cookie Recipe
These homemade anise cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a tradition. Whether you grew up with them or are trying them for the first time, here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
✔️ Soft, Pillowy Texture – These cookies are light, airy, and melt in your mouth, thanks to a unique dough preparation.
✔️ Classic Italian Flavor – The anise extract gives them that signature licorice-like taste, but you can easily swap it for vanilla or lemon extract if you prefer a milder version.
✔️ Easy to Make – No complicated techniques here! With basic pantry ingredients, you’ll have a batch ready in under 30 minutes.
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – Traditionally made for Christmas and Easter, these cookies are also great for weddings, birthdays, or everyday treats.
✔️ A Nostalgic Family Favorite – If you grew up in an Italian-American household, these cookies probably bring back warm childhood memories. Now, you can pass down the tradition to the next generation!
Key Ingredients for Anise Cookies Recipe
To create the perfect anise cookies, you’ll need a few simple pantry staples. Here’s what makes these cookies soft, flavorful, and irresistibly good:
🥄 Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure for the cookies.
- 5 teaspoons baking powder – Gives the cookies their signature light and fluffy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
🍯 Sweeteners & Flavoring
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons anise extract – The key ingredient for that classic licorice flavor. (Can be swapped with vanilla or lemon extract.)
🧈 Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (or margarine) – Adds richness and tenderness to the cookies.
- ¼ cup shortening – Helps create a light, soft texture.
- 4 large eggs – Acts as a binder and gives the cookies their signature pillowy texture.
🍰 For the Glaze
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar) – Creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
- 3 tablespoons milk – Helps achieve the perfect consistency for dipping.
🌟 Pro Tip: If you’re not a fan of anise, you can replace the extract with 1 teaspoon vanilla + 1 teaspoon almond extract for a different, but equally delicious, flavor!
How to Make Anise Cookies (Step-by-Step Instructions)
These soft and pillowy anise cookies come together quickly with just a few simple steps. Follow this guide to ensure perfect results every time!
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
🔹 Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
🔹 Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
Step 2: Melt Butter & Mix with Sugar
🔹 In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and shortening together.
🔹 In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with sugar and mix well.
Step 3: Add Eggs & Anise Extract
🔹 Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated.
🔹 Stir in the anise extract for that signature licorice flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
🔹 In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
🔹 Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. (The dough should be soft but not too sticky—if needed, add a little more flour.)
Step 5: Shape & Bake
🔹 Roll the dough into small balls (about ½ tablespoon each) and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
🔹 Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden, but the tops remain light.
Step 6: Cool Completely
🔹 Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before glazing.
Step 7: Make the Glaze
🔹 In a small bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth.
🔹 The glaze should be thick but pourable—adjust with a little more sugar or milk if needed.
Step 8: Dip & Decorate
🔹 Dip the tops of each cookie into the glaze, letting any excess drip off.
🔹 While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle with colored jimmies or nonpareils for a festive touch!
🌟 Pro Tip: Work in small batches (about 5 cookies at a time) when dipping and decorating, so the glaze doesn’t harden before you add the sprinkles.
Pro Tips for Perfect Anise Cookies
To make sure your anise cookies turn out soft, flavorful, and bakery-quality every time, follow these expert tips:
✅ Use Room Temperature Ingredients
- Let your eggs sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. This helps them blend more evenly into the dough for a smoother texture.
✅ Don’t Overmix the Dough
- Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of light and fluffy.
✅ Adjust the Anise Flavor to Your Taste
- If you love a stronger licorice taste, add an extra ½ teaspoon of anise extract.
- For a milder version, replace half the anise extract with vanilla or almond extract.
✅ Be Careful with the Flour
- The dough should be soft but not too sticky. If it’s too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it holds its shape.
✅ Watch the Baking Time
- The cookies should stay light on top but slightly golden on the bottom.
- Check them at 8 minutes, as ovens vary. Overbaking will make them dry!
✅ Let the Glaze Set Properly
- Place cookies on a wire rack with wax paper underneath for easy cleanup.
- Allow at least 30 minutes for the glaze to fully set before stacking or storing.
Variations & Substitutions for Anise Cookies
One of the best things about anise cookies is how versatile they are! Here are some fun ways to customize this classic recipe to fit your taste:
1️⃣ Swap the Anise Flavor
👉 Vanilla & Almond – Use 1 teaspoon vanilla + 1 teaspoon almond extract for a nutty, sweet twist.
👉 Lemon – Replace anise with 2 teaspoons lemon extract for a bright citrus flavor.
👉 Rum – Try 1 teaspoon rum extract for a subtle, warm spice.
2️⃣ Make Chocolate Anise Cookies
👉 Reduce the flour by ½ cup and add ½ cup cocoa powder for a chocolatey version.
👉 Use white chocolate chips instead of sprinkles for extra richness.
3️⃣ Add Some Crunch
👉 Chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans can be mixed into the dough for a nutty bite.
👉 Lightly toast the nuts for extra flavor before adding them to the batter.
4️⃣ Try a Dairy-Free Version
👉 Replace butter and milk with plant-based alternatives, like coconut oil and almond milk.
👉 The flavor will be slightly different, but the texture will still be soft and delicious.
5️⃣ Turn Them Into Anise Biscotti
👉 Shape the dough into a log, bake until firm, then slice into biscotti-style cookies.
👉 Double-bake them for that crunchy, dunkable texture perfect for coffee or tea.
Storage & Freezing Tips for Anise Cookies
To keep your anise cookies fresh and delicious, follow these simple storage and freezing guidelines:
Storing at Room Temperature
- Place cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Store at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their soft texture.
Freezing Anise Cookies
Freezing Baked Cookies:
- Once completely cooled, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
- Store for up to 3 months.
- To serve, thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Freezing Cookie Dough:
- Roll the dough into balls and flash freeze them on a baking sheet for 1 hour.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.
- Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
A Timeless Italian Anise Cookie Recipe
These homemade anise cookies are a true Italian classic, loved for their soft texture, delicate sweetness, and signature licorice flavor. Whether you’re baking them for Christmas, Easter, or simply as an everyday treat, they bring a touch of nostalgia and warmth to any occasion.
With simple ingredients and easy variations, you can customize this recipe to suit your taste—whether you stick with traditional anise, try lemon, vanilla, or even a chocolate version. Plus, they store and freeze well, so you can always have a batch ready to enjoy!
Now it’s your turn! Bake a batch, pour a cup of coffee, and enjoy these delightful Italian cookies. ❤️
If you try this Anise Cookie Recipe, let me know how it turned out! Share your thoughts, variations, or tips in the comments. Happy baking! 🍪✨
Would you be able to find more sweet inspiration? Check out some of our other delicious cookie recipes like chocolate chip cookies, strawberry cookies, cheesecake cookies, this irresistible coconut cookies recipe, or our festive peppermint cookies recipe. There’s a cookie for every craving!
Italian Anise Cookies (Anisette Cookies)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or baking spray
- Wire rack
- Small bowl for glaze
Materials
- Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 5 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Sweeteners & Flavoring:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons anise extract or vanilla/lemon as substitute
- Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter or margarine
- ¼ cup shortening
- 4 large eggs
- For the Glaze:
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or grease lightly.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and shortening together.
- In a large bowl, combine melted fats with granulated sugar and mix well.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in anise extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry mixture to wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Roll dough into small balls (about ½ tablespoon each) and place on prepared sheets.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden. Tops should remain pale.
- Cool cookies completely on wire rack.
- For glaze, whisk confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth and pourable.
- Dip tops of cookies into glaze and decorate with sprinkles if desired. Let glaze set fully.
Notes
FAQ :
What does anise taste like in cookies?
Anise gives cookies a sweet, mildly spicy flavor similar to black licorice, with a slightly herbal and aromatic note. It’s bold but not overpowering when balanced well.
What are Italian anise cookies called?
Italian anise cookies are often called anisette cookies or Italian anise cookies. In Italy, they may be referred to as biscotti all’anice. They’re soft, cake-like cookies typically glazed with icing.
Why are my anise cookies flat?
Flat anise cookies may result from too little leavening (baking powder or soda), overmixing the dough, or overly warm dough when baking. Ensure ingredients are fresh and dough is properly chilled.
What is the most popular cookie in Italy?
Biscotti (also known as cantucci) are among the most popular cookies in Italy. These crunchy, almond-studded cookies are traditionally dipped in sweet wine like Vin Santo.
Is anise healthy for you?
Yes, in moderation. Anise contains antioxidants and compounds that may aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and relieve symptoms like cough or indigestion. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice.
Are licorice and anise the same?
No, but they taste similar. Licorice comes from the licorice root, while anise is a seed from the anise plant. Both have a similar sweet, licorice-like flavor, but they are botanically unrelated.