Glazed Anise Cookies

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. + chilling Bake: 10 min./batch + cooling

Makes

about 6 dozen

Updated: Oct. 02, 2022
Years ago, my German neighbor made similar cookies and hung them on her Christmas tree for the neighbor kids to eat. I finally came up with my own recipe and have been very pleased with the results.

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon aniseed
  • 2 teaspoons anise extract
  • 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • GLAZE:
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon anise extract
  • Paste food coloring, optional
  • 2-1/2 to 3 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in aniseed and extract. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with floured 2-1/2-in. cookie cutters. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.Bake 375° for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.
  3. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, water and cream of tartar; bring to a boil over low heat. Cook and stir until a candy thermometer reads 226° (thread stage). Cool to 110° (do not stir). Stir in the extract, food coloring if desired and enough confectioners' sugar to achieve spreading consistency. Spread over cookies.

Nutrition Facts

2 each: 165 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 82mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.