Frosted Anise Cookies

Total Time

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

Makes

3-1/2 dozen

Updated: Jan. 31, 2023
I love anise flavoring, and my nana loved sugar cookies, so I put them together. This anise cookie recipe has a soft, from-scratch texture. It’s hard to stop at just one! —Rachele Angeloni, North Providence, Rhode Island
Frosted Anise Cookies Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1-1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon anise extract
  • 2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 can (16 ounces) vanilla frosting
  • Holiday sprinkles

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°. Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in egg and extract. Combine the flour, baking soda and baking powder; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
  2. Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake until golden brown, 9-11 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.
  3. Spread cookies with frosting and decorate with sprinkles. Let stand until set. Store in an airtight container.
Anise Cookies Tips

How can you make this anise cookie recipe your own?

Instead of using canned frosting, try making your own homemade frosting and pick a fun flavor to go with these cookies. If you’re not a huge fan of anise, you can also substitute a different extract such as vanilla, mint, or almond.

How long will anise cookies last?

These anise cookies will taste best stored at room temperature in a well-sealed container for up to 3 days. Here's how to store all kinds of cookies to keep them at their best.

Can you make anise cookies ahead of time?

To freeze your cookies for later, arrange baked, fully cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Pop them in the freezer for 30 minutes or until frozen solid. Then, layer frozen cookies in airtight containers with a piece of parchment paper separating each layer to prevent cookies from sticking to one another. Freeze for up to 3 months. Several hours before serving, proceed with finishing this anise cookie recipe as directed.

—Maggie Knoebel, Taste of Home Associate Recipe Editor/Test Cook

Nutrition Facts

1 cookie: 144 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 95mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.