Anise Cookies

Anise Cookies – a recipe that brings a touch of magic to every corner of the home. These cookies, with their unmistakable anise flavor, are not just a dessert, but also a sweet memory that envelops us in a festive atmosphere. Preparing them becomes a true pleasure, and the result is hard to match. I invite you to discover this captivating recipe together.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 8 hours (preferably overnight)
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total: 8 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 30 cookies

A little history of the recipe

This recipe for anise cookies has its origins in cooking traditions from various cultures. Anise, with its distinctive flavor, has been used for centuries in pastries and beverages, serving not only as a flavoring agent but also offering digestive benefits. Anise cookies are often associated with celebrations, bringing a sense of warmth and conviviality. So, let’s be carried away by this tradition and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!

Ingredients

For the cookies:
- 500 g butter at room temperature (82% fat butter is recommended for perfect texture)
- 380 g sugar
- 3 eggs (at room temperature)
- Grated zest of one lemon (optional, orange zest can add an interesting note)
- 750 g flour (sifted, to avoid lumps)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (or 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1 teaspoon baking soda)
- 1 tablespoon anise powder (optional flavoring, but recommended to enhance taste)

For Royal icing:
- 2 egg whites (fresh, at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 350 g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon anise powder (optional)
- Food coloring (to add a splash of color to the decoration)

Steps for preparation

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, add the soft butter and sugar. Mix well until you obtain a creamy and homogeneous mixture. This step is essential for fluffy and delicious cookies.

2. Adding the eggs:
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the grated lemon zest and continue mixing until everything is well combined.

3. Including the dry ingredients:
In another bowl, sift the flour, anise powder, and leavening agents. Now, gradually add this mixture to the butter and egg mixture. Mix gently with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a homogeneous and slightly sticky dough.

4. Chilling the dough:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or ideally overnight. This will help the dough firm up and become easier to shape.

5. Shaping the cookies:
After the dough has chilled, take it out of the refrigerator and let it soften for 10-15 minutes. Divide the dough into 3 parts (if you want to follow Aura's tips) and roll each portion on a floured surface. Cut out the desired shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes or until they become slightly golden. It's important to keep an eye on them, as each oven may bake differently. When you smell a sweet aroma throughout the house, it’s time to take them out!

Decorating the cookies

1. Preparing the Royal icing:
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until you achieve a stiff foam. Add the lemon juice and cornstarch, continuing to mix. Gradually add the powdered sugar and, if desired, the anise powder.

2. Coloring the icing:
Divide the icing into several bowls, depending on how many colors you want to use, and add the desired food coloring. Make sure to cover the icing with plastic wrap when not in use to prevent it from drying out.

3. Decorating the cookies:
Use a fine-tipped piping bag or a bamboo stick to draw designs on the cookies. You can also decorate them with melted chocolate or spread a simple meringue on top, sprinkling colorful candies over it.

Practical tips

- Choosing ingredients: Use quality butter with a high fat content to achieve tender and tasty cookies.
- Storing the cookies: These cookies keep very well in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. You can also freeze them, making sure to wrap them well to prevent drying out.
- Variations: You can try adding ground nuts or chocolate to the cookie dough for a different flavor.

Delicious combinations

These anise cookies can be served alongside fragrant tea or fine coffee. You can also pair them with a sweet wine or a fruit liqueur for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Nutritional benefits

Although these cookies are a dessert, the ingredients used, such as anise, also have digestive benefits and can add extra flavor and health to the dish.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I replace butter with margarine? While it is possible, the taste and texture will be different. Butter provides a richer flavor.
- What can I use instead of anise? You can experiment with other spices, such as cinnamon or cardamom.
- How long can I keep the cookies? They stay fresh for several days in an airtight container but can be frozen for a longer period.

These anise cookies are more than just a simple dessert; they bring together traditions, flavors, and moments of joy. So, put on your chef's attire and get ready to enjoy a wonderful culinary experience! Happy cooking!

 Ingredients: Ingredients for cookies: 500 g butter at room temperature (I used 82% butter) 380 g sugar 3 eggs zest of one lemon (I also added orange zest) 750 g flour two baking powders (I used one baking powder and a teaspoon of baking soda) one tablespoon of anise powder (anise was my choice) Ingredients for Royal icing: two egg whites 2 tablespoons of lemon juice 2 tablespoons of cornstarch 350 g powdered sugar one teaspoon of anise powder (optional) food coloring