Mary Mazzie's Anise Cookies

Delight in the nostalgic flavors of "Mary Mazzie's Anise Cookies," a traditional Italian treat perfect for holidays or any special occasion. These light, pillowy cookies are infused with the warm, aromatic essence of anise, creating a delightfully unique flavor that’s both comforting and unforgettable. Topped with a glossy anise glaze and optional festive sprinkles, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a soft, slightly sticky dough that bakes into perfection in under 12 minutes, these cookies are a breeze to make for gatherings or as a sweet gift. Whether you’re savoring them with a cup of coffee or serving them at a festive table, these cookies are sure to impress with their tender texture and old-world charm.

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:12 mins

Total Time:32 mins

Servings: 36

Ingredients

• 3 cups All-purpose flour
• 2.5 teaspoons Baking powder
• 0.25 teaspoons Salt
• 0.75 cups Granulated sugar
• 0.5 cups Unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 Eggs
• 0.5 cups Milk
• 1.5 teaspoons Anise extract
• 1.5 cups Powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons Milk (for glaze)
• 0.5 teaspoons Anise extract (for glaze)
• 0 Colored sprinkles (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 5

Mix in the milk and anise extract until fully incorporated.

Step 6

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky but manageable.

Step 7

Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.

Step 9

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10

To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (3 tablespoons), and anise extract (0.5 teaspoons) in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 11

Once the cookies have cooled completely, dip the tops of each cookie into the glaze, letting any excess drip off. Place the cookies back on the wire rack, glaze-side up.

Step 12

If desired, sprinkle the glazed cookies with colored sprinkles before the glaze sets.

Step 13

Allow the glaze to harden for at least 30 minutes before serving. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1140.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3774.0

Total Fat 117.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 67.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 829.6mg	0%
Sodium 896.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 622.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.8g	0%
Total Sugars 344.0g
Protein 62.6g	0%

Vitamin D 253.0IU	0%
Calcium 368.5mg	0%
Iron 19.5mg	0%
Potassium 879.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.8%

Protein: 6.6%

Carbs: 65.6%