11 Anise Christmas Cookies Spiced Traditions

Anise Biscotti

Anise Biscotti is a delightful Italian cookie that is perfect for the holiday season or any festive occasion. These twice-baked cookies are infused with the aromatic flavor of anise, providing a unique twist on the classic biscotti. They are crunchy on the outside and have a slightly soft center, making them perfect for dipping in coffee or tea.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and anise seeds. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly and then add the vanilla extract and anise extract. Mix until the ingredients are well combined.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the egg mixture. Stir until the dough starts to come together. If you’re adding chopped almonds, fold them in now.
5. Form the Dough: The dough will be somewhat sticky. With floured hands, divide it into two equal portions. Form each portion into a log shape, approximately 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Place the logs parallel to each other on the prepared baking sheet.
6. First Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the logs are lightly golden and firm to the touch.
7. Cool and Slice: Remove the logs from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. Once cooled enough to handle, transfer them to a cutting board and slice them diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces using a serrated knife.
8. Second Bake: Place the sliced biscotti back on the baking sheet (cut side up) and return them to the oven. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are dry and golden brown.
9. Cool Completely: Allow the biscotti to cool completely on a wire rack. Once completely cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed!
10. Storage: Store the Anise Biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, making them great for gifting or enjoying over the holidays.

These Anise Biscotti are sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings or can be a sweet treat for yourself! Enjoy your baking!

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Traditional Anise Cookies

Traditional Anise Cookies are a beloved holiday treat that features a fragrant and sweet anise flavor, reminiscent of holiday gatherings and celebrations. These soft and chewy cookies are typically topped with a sweet glaze or dusted with powdered sugar, making them an appealing bite for any festive occasion. Their delightful anise aroma fills the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to guarantee the dry ingredients are evenly combined.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Flavoring: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then, incorporate the anise extract and milk, continuing to mix until everything is well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if some small lumps remain.
6. Scoop the Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the cookie dough and place it onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
7. Shape the Cookies: With lightly floured hands, round off the tops of each cookie to create a smooth shape. This will help them bake evenly.
8. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still look slightly soft, which is fine as they will firm up upon cooling.
9. Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once completely cooled, toss the cookies in powdered sugar (if desired) for a festive touch. Serve them alongside coffee or tea, and enjoy the traditional flavors of this delightful holiday cookie.

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Anise Snowball Cookies

Anise Snowball Cookies are delightful, bite-sized treats that combine the unique flavor of anise with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. These cookies are also known as Danish Tea Cakes, and they are often rolled in powdered sugar after baking to resemble snowballs, making them a festive addition to holiday cookie trays. They are simple to make and sure to impress with their buttery, sweet flavor and subtle anise aroma.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Combine the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Anise and Dry Ingredients: Mix in the anise extract and salt until well combined. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until the dough begins to form. If you’re adding chopped nuts, fold them in at this stage.
4. Form the Cookies: Using your hands, scoop out about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each to allow for spreading.
5. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops may not change color much, so keep an eye on the bottoms.
6. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly.
7. Dust with Powdered Sugar: After they have cooled slightly, roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still warm. This step is essential to achieve the “snowball” look.
8. Final Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Once they are completely cool, you can dust them with additional powdered sugar if desired.

These Anise Snowball Cookies are perfect for sharing during the holidays or enjoying with a warm cup of tea or coffee!

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Soft Anise Cut-Out Cookies

Soft Anise Cut-Out Cookies are a delightful and festive holiday treat that are perfect for decorating and sharing. These cookies have a soft, tender texture complemented by the unique flavor of anise, making them a wonderful addition to your holiday cookie platter. With their delicious taste and charming shapes, these cookies are sure to bring joy to those who indulge in them.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture until it is light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Incorporate Eggs and Anise: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the anise extract until combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
5. Add Milk: Once the dough has come together, add the milk to the mixture and beat on low speed until fully incorporated. The dough should be soft but manageable.
6. Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out about a third of the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Keep the remaining dough covered to prevent it from drying out.
7. Cut Out Cookies: Using cookie cutters of your choice, cut shapes from the rolled-out dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
8. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. The centers may seem soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
9. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Decorate as Desired: Once the cookies have cooled completely, you can dust them with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and festive flair, or decorate them with icing if desired.

Enjoy these delightful Soft Anise Cut-Out Cookies with family and friends during the holiday season!

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Anise-Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

Anise-Spiced Gingerbread Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional gingerbread cookies, infused with the aromatic flavor of anise. These cookies have a warm, spiced taste that is perfect for the holiday season and make an excellent addition to any festive cookie platter. With their rich flavors and lovely decorations, they not only taste wonderful but also look beautiful when shared with friends and family.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Molasses: Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, followed by the molasses and anise extract. Mix until the ingredients are well combined.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
6. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until it becomes firm. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to roll out.
7. Roll Out the Dough: After chilling, lightly flour a clean surface and take out the dough. Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick.
8. Cut Out Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled dough and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
9. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the centers appear set.
10. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Decorate (Optional): Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar for an added festive touch, or decorate with icing as desired. Enjoy your delicious Anise-Spiced Gingerbread Cookies!

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Anise Sugar Cookies

Anise Sugar Cookies are a delicious and fragrant treat that adds a unique twist to the classic sugar cookie recipe. Infused with the warm, aromatic flavor of anise, these cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion. Dusted with a touch of powdered sugar, they are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to guarantee the cookies don’t stick.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until well blended and set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, around 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Flavorings: Beat in the egg until fully incorporated. Next, add the anise extract and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined with the butter and sugar mixture.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.
6. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
7. Shape the Cookies: After chilling, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Flatten the Balls: Use a fork or the bottom of a glass to gently flatten each dough ball slightly. This gives classic cookie shape but keeps the center soft.
9. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look slightly underbaked, which adds to the soft texture.
10. Cool and Dust: Remove the cookies from

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Anise Pizzelle

Anise Pizzelle are delightful Italian cookies traditionally made using a specialized iron called a pizzelle maker. With their thin, crisp texture and intricate designs, these cookies are often flavored with anise, giving them a sweet, aromatic touch. Pizzelle are perfect for holiday celebrations or as a charming dessert to accompany coffee or tea.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the Pizzelle Maker: Begin by preheating your pizzelle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. Beat the Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture until it becomes thick and pale, approximately 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Slowly mix in the melted unsalted butter, anise extract, and vanilla extract with the egg and sugar mixture. Stir until well combined.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Scoop the Batter: When the pizzelle maker is ready, scoop about 1 tablespoon of the batter and place it in the center of each pizzelle mold. Close the lid of the pizzelle maker.
7. Cook the Pizzelle: Cook the pizzelle for about 30-60 seconds or until they are lightly golden and crisp. The cooking time may vary depending on your pizzelle maker, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
8. Cool the Pizzelle: Carefully remove the pizzelle using a spatula and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. They will become crisp as they cool down.
9. Serve: Once cooled, the pizzelle can be enjoyed plain or dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch. Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Enjoy your homemade anise pizzelle!

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Anise Oatmeal Cookies

Anise Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic oatmeal cookie, enriched with the sweet, aromatic flavor of anise. These cookies provide a comforting texture thanks to the oats, while the anise adds a unique and festive touch, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a sweet treat.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer or a whisk. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, anise extract, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat well until everything is fully combined.
5. Mix in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry oat mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.
6. Scoop the Batter: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
7. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, which is perfect for a chewy texture.
8. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve: Enjoy the anise oatmeal cookies warm or store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat!

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Anise and Orange Zest Cookies

Anise and Orange Zest Cookies are a delightful combination of warm, aromatic anise and zesty orange, creating a beautifully fragrant and flavorful treat. These cookies are perfect for festive occasions, offering a unique twist that sets them apart from traditional holiday cookies. The balance of flavors makes them both invigorating and comforting, making them a delightful addition to any cookie platter.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground anise seeds. Whisk together until the ingredients are well combined, then set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar using an electric mixer or a whisk. Continue beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, orange zest, anise extract, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugars. Mix well until everything is smoothly incorporated.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix as this can make the cookies tough.
6. Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring there is about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
7. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes. The cookies should be lightly golden at the edges while remaining soft in the center.
8. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Afterwards, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Enjoy: Serve the anise and orange zest cookies warm or allow them to cool completely and then store them in an airtight container for up to a week, ensuring you enjoy their delightful flavor for days to come.

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Anise Almond Cookies

Anise Almond Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the warm, aromatic flavor of anise with the rich nuttiness of almonds. These cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations or as a comforting snack any time of the year. Crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, they make a wonderful addition to your cookie repertoire, bringing a unique flavor that will leave your taste buds singing.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground anise seeds. Set this mixture aside for later use.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a whisk to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the almond extract until the mixture is smooth.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter and sugar mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together with a spatula until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in Almonds: Gently fold in the slivered almonds, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each because they will spread while baking.
8. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges. The centers should still be slightly soft.
9. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies are completely cooled, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant finish before serving.

Enjoy your Anise Almond Cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee!

Anise Braid Cookies

Anise Braid Cookies are a traditional treat that showcases the unique flavor of anise in a beautifully braided form. These cookies are not only visually appealing, but they also offer a delightful crunch and a tender inside, making them a perfect accompaniment for coffee or tea during the holiday season or any festive gathering. Their intricate shape combined with the aromatic essence of anise guarantees they will be a standout at any cookie platter.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground anise seeds. Whisk together to ascertain the dry ingredients are well blended.
3. Cream Butter: In another bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter using an electric mixer or a whisk until it is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter, making sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next. Then mix in the milk and vanilla extract until everything is combined.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix; just combine until there are no dry ingredients visible.
6. Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly a few times until it becomes smooth.
7. Shape the Braid: Divide the dough into three equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope about 1/2 inch in diameter. Then, on a floured surface, gently braid the three ropes together to create an intricate design, pinching the ends to secure.
8. Prepare for Baking: Place the braided cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each to allow for spreading. Brush the tops lightly with the egg wash for a shiny finish.
9. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and firm to the touch.
10. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy these delightful anise-flavored treats with your favorite beverage!