Easy Homemade Anise Cookies | Perfect Christmas Treats

Anise cookies are a holiday favorite in my house! Their delicate flavor, soft, cake-like texture, and light sweetness make them the perfect festive treat. I especially love how easy they are to make, and the icing and sprinkles add that fun touch to make them look as good as they taste. Every year, I look forward to baking a batch (or two) of these cookies, and they never fail to disappear quickly. They’re the kind of cookies that make holiday gatherings extra special!

What You’ll Need

For the cookies:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tbsp milk (2%)
• 1 tsp anise extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• Sprinkles (optional)

For the icing:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp anise extract

How to Make Anise Cookies

Make the Cookies

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and preparing your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a little thin or curdled—it’s perfectly normal!

Next, mix in the milk, vanilla extract, and anise extract until everything is well combined. Then, add the flour and baking powder, stirring just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, or the cookies might turn out a little tough.

Scoop the dough into balls (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each) and place them on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and just lightly golden on the bottom. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Make the Icing

While your cookies are cooling, it’s time to make the icing! In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and anise extract. If the icing is too thick, add more cream. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar until you reach the right consistency.

Decorate the Cookies

Once your cookies are fully cooled, dip the tops into the icing, letting any excess drip off. Add sprinkles if desired for a pop of color and fun! Let the icing set before serving, and enjoy the beautiful, sweet results.

Tips for Success

For the best results, make sure your butter is soft before starting. This helps it blend easily with the sugar. When forming the dough balls, try to keep them as even as possible so they bake uniformly. If your cookies crack a little during baking, don’t worry—just let them cool completely before icing. This will help the icing stay put and avoid any mess.

More Such Recipes

• Peach Pecan Bread Recipe
• Marinated Roasted Bell Peppers Recipe
• Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats
• Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
• Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
• Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
• Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

Can I Freeze Anise Cookies?

Absolutely! These cookies freeze wonderfully, whether they’re frosted or not. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. If you plan to frost them, wait until after thawing to add the icing. Just be mindful that the color from the sprinkles may bleed if frozen with the icing on.

Can I Freeze Anise Cookie Dough?

You can also freeze the dough! Roll it into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, just place them on a baking sheet and bake as usual—no need to thaw!

Conclusion

These anise cookies are a timeless holiday treat that never fails to impress. The subtle, sweet anise flavor and soft texture make them unique, while the simple icing and sprinkles give them a cheerful, festive appearance. Whether fresh out of the oven or enjoyed after freezing, these cookies will surely brighten any holiday celebration.

For more baking inspiration, check us out on Pinterest and Facebook. Happy baking!

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