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Soft, round Italian anise cookies with a white glaze and colorful nonpareil sprinkles on a cooling rack.

Traditional Italian Anise Cookies

These Traditional Italian Anise Cookies are soft, cake-like cookies with a hint of anise flavor and a sweet glaze on top. Perfect for holidays, weddings, or enjoying with an afternoon espresso!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Course: Cookie, Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookies
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 tsp anise extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
Glaze
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 2 tbsp milk more as needed for consistency
  • 1/2 tsp anise extract
  • sprinkles optional, for decoration

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand Mixer
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Cooling Rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add milk and anise extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
  4. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  5. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until cookies are just set and lightly golden on the bottom. Do not overbake. Allow to cool completely on wire racks.
  6. For the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and anise extract until smooth. Dip the tops of cooled cookies in glaze, then add sprinkles if desired.
  7. Let glaze set before storing cookies in an airtight container.

Notes

These cookies can be made with almond or lemon extract instead of anise for a milder flavor. They’re traditionally served during Christmas or Italian weddings.