Introduction
Italian Anise Cookies are a classic Italian treat that are perfect for any occasion. These cookies are made with anise extract, which gives them a unique flavor that is both sweet and spicy. They are light and crunchy, and are often served with coffee or tea. They are also a popular choice for holiday baking, as they are easy to make and can be decorated with colorful sprinkles or icing. Whether you are looking for a delicious snack or a special treat for a special occasion, Italian Anise Cookies are sure to please.
Deliziosi Biscotti all’Anice di Jessica Gavin
I biscotti all’anice di Jessica Gavin sono una ricetta tradizionale italiana che è stata rivisitata con un tocco moderno. Questi biscotti sono morbidi, fragranti e ricchi di sapore. La ricetta prevede l’utilizzo di anice stellato, farina, zucchero, burro, uova, sale e un pizzico di limone. Il risultato finale è un biscotto dolce e aromatico che è perfetto per accompagnare una tazza di caffè o una tazza di tè.
Ingredienti
- 1/2 tazza di anice stellato
- 2 tazze di farina
- 1/2 tazza di zucchero
- 1/2 tazza di burro
- 2 uova
- 1/2 cucchiaino di sale
- 1 pizzico di scorza di limone
Istruzioni
- Preriscaldare il forno a 350°F (175°C).
- In una ciotola, mescolare insieme l’anice stellato, la farina, lo zucchero, il burro, le uova, il sale e la scorza di limone.
- Formare delle palline con l’impasto e disporle su una teglia rivestita di carta da forno.
- Infornare per 15-20 minuti, fino a quando i biscotti non saranno dorati.
- Lasciare raffreddare i biscotti su una gratella prima di servirli.
I biscotti all’anice di Jessica Gavin sono una ricetta semplice e deliziosa che piacerà a tutti. Sono perfetti da servire come dessert o come spuntino durante una festa. Sono anche un’ottima aggiunta a una tavola di dolci per una festa di compleanno o una festa di Natale.
These colorful Italian anise cookies have a buttery, tender texture that melts in your mouth! Coated in a lemon glaze and colorful sprinkles for a festive treat to share.
Table of Contents
Are you looking to add something different to your holiday cookie tray? This Italian anise cookie recipe is crisp, with a cakey and crumbly center. The combination of tangy citrus and light licorice flavor is a refreshing treat.
Jason’s Italian family calls them Angeletti (or anisette cookies). They are often served at celebrations like weddings and holidays, but you can enjoy them year around with a cup of coffee or tea. These domed cookies are dipped in a lemony glaze and topped with rainbow sprinkles. You can switch up the color to match the seasons for fun and a festive cookie.
Mix the dry ingredients
The cookie’s base combines granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. The moderate protein level helps the cookies remain thick, with a texture similar to a scone but drier. The sugar adds a hint of sweetness, complementing the tangy glaze.
To add lift to the cookies so they aren’t too dense, baking powder is used as an effective leveling agent. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances anise flavoring and lemon zest.
Mix the butter and shortening
Two types of chilled fats are added to the flour mixture; unsalted butter and vegetable shortening. The butter adds a sweet cream taste, while the shortening makes the exteriors crisp because it doesn’t contain water. It has a higher melting point, which prevents spread, keeping the cookies tall and domed-shaped. The fats are broken into the dry ingredients using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
This is similar to making pie crusts or biscuits. Using cold fats ensures that the cookies stay round, with a crumbly texture. Add the eggs, mixing until a dough forms. The fat from the yolks provides richness, while the whites help to emulsify and bind the ingredients together. The moisture from the eggs gives the cookies a cakier consistency in the centers.
Flavor the cookie dough
Anise extract gives anisette cookies their unique flavor. If you’ve never had it, it’s extracted from the spice star anise using the leaves and anise seeds. It has a strong licorice flavor and aroma from a compound called anethole or anise camphor. You only need 1 teaspoon in the dough.
A little goes a long way! Lemon zest lightly flavors the dough with citrus oils to complement the anise. If you don’t like the taste of licorice, use vanilla or almond extract instead in the cookie and glaze.
Portion and shape
Italian cookies with anise are meant to be enjoyed in a few bites. Portion them into 1-tablespoon sizes, then roll them into a ball. They will puff slightly as they bake. Space them about 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake the cookies
Bake them at 375ºF (191ºC). They are ready when you see the surface crackle and bottoms lightly brown. This is from the steam being released from the moisture in the dough and from the baking soda reacting to create bubbles. Cool on the warm pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Glaze and garnish
The cookies taste delicious, like little scone bites. However, a lemon and anise glaze really makes the flavor pop. It’s a simple combination of powdered sugar, lemon juice, and ¼ teaspoon of anise extract. I use this same combination to make my sugar cookie icing.
I also like adding light corn syrup to the glaze for a shinier and smoother finish. Dip the cookies less than halfway. The glaze will drip down a little, and it dries quickly. Immediately add the round sprinkles on top. It takes about 30 minutes to set fully, so factor in that time before serving.
More molded cookies
Frequently asked questions
They are traditional Italian cookies, often made for special occasions. They are like tiny biscuits with a crisp exterior, dipped in a glaze and topped with colorful sprinkles. They are also called Italian wedding cookies, Italian Christmas cookies, anisette cookies, and Angeletti.
They have a distinct licorice flavor and sweet aroma. It’s very strong, so do not add too much to the dough, or it will overwhelm the cookie taste.
Use almond or vanilla extract for a sweeter taste. If you like the taste of peppermint, add in ½ teaspoon for a cooling and minty note.
How to make a smoother icing
Adding 2 teaspoons of light corn syrup makes the glaze shinier and less grainy as it dries. This is due to the inverted sugar preventing the sucrose’s crystallization in the confectioner’s sugar. Optional but worth adding if you have some in your pantry.
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Preheat the Oven – Set the oven rack to the upper-middle and lower-middle positions. Preheat to 375ºF (191ºC). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined, about 30 seconds.
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Mix in the Fats – Scatter the butter and shortening on the flour mixer. Mix on low speed (setting 2) until they break into very small pieces and look sandy, about 3 minutes.
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Add the Wet Ingredients – Add the eggs, 1 teaspoon of anise extract, vanilla, and lemon zest. Mix on low speed (setting 2) until a dough forms, about 30 to 40 seconds.
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Portion the Dough – Portion the cookie dough into 1 tablespoon-sized balls. Place them 2 inches apart, about 14 per tray.
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Bake – Bake both trays at the same time for 7 minutes. Switch and rotate the pan positions. Bake until the cookies are puffed up, cracks form on the surface, and bottoms are lightly golden brown, about 7 to 9 minutes. Cool on the sheet pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cook completely.
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Make the Glaze – In a stand mixer or medium bowl, whisk the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and ¼ teaspoon anise extract. It should have a glue-like consistency. If needed, thin with a ¼ teaspoon of water at a time.Working one cookie at a time, dip a little less than halfway into the glaze, shaking off the excess. Immediately add sprinkles before the glaze sets. Let them dry before serving for at least 30 minutes.
- Shinier and Smoother Glaze: Add 2 teaspoons of light corn syrup. If needed, thin with a ¼ teaspoon of water at a time.
- Storing: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days.
- Freezing: Store in resealable plastic bags for up to 1 month. Transfer to a plate to defrost.
- Recipe adapted from America’s Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts
Italian Anise Cookies
Amount Per Serving
Calories 107
Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Trans Fat 0.3g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 1g
Cholesterol 16mg5%
Sodium 47mg2%
Potassium 45mg1%
Carbohydrates 17g6%
Fiber 0.3g1%
Sugar 10g11%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 67IU1%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 16mg2%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.