Anise Sugar Cookies

Total Time

Prep: 40 min. Bake: 10 min./batch

Makes

5 dozen

Updated: Jul. 27, 2023
As much as I love giving away my baking, a few goodies—like these anise sugar cookies—are keepers. The light anise flavor and buttery texture make them a perfect Christmas treat. —P. Marchesi, Rocky Point, Long Island, New York
Anise Sugar Cookies Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1-1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon anise extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons aniseed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Optional: Frosting of choice and sprinkles

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in eggs and extract. Combine the flour, aniseed, salt, baking powder and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
  2. Shape into 1-in. balls; place on greased baking sheets. Dip the bottom of glass in sugar; use to flatten cookies.

    Bake for 8-10 minutes or until set. Cool on wire racks. If desired, decorate cookies with frosting and sprinkles.

Anise Sugar Cookies Tips

How do you store anise sugar cookies?

Like other sugar cookie recipes, you can store these anise sugar cookies for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature for best results. Here's how long other Christmas cookies last.

What are some variations of these anise sugar cookies?

There are plenty of other anise cookie variations you can make, like these frosted anise sugar cookies with a homemade glaze.

Can you make these anise sugar cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sugar cookie dough ahead of time. Cookie dough usually lasts for about 3 months in the freezer. Here's how to freeze cookie dough.

—Christina Herbst, Taste of Home Assistant Digital Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 cookie: 72 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 95mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.