Imagine biting into a cookie that transports you to a world of subtle, sophisticated flavor - where traditional sweetness meets an exotic hint of licorice-like warmth. These Anise Seed Sugar Cookies are not just another cookie recipe; they're a culinary adventure that will elevate your baking game and impress everyone from casual snackers to serious dessert enthusiasts. With a perfect balance of buttery softness and aromatic anise seeds, these cookies promise to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 36 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons anise seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and anise seeds to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each cookie with the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand to create uniform thickness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Tips
- Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted - this creates the ideal creamy texture.
- Toast the anise seeds lightly before adding to enhance their natural flavor profile.
- Use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing and even baking.
- Don't overbake - the cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you remove them from the oven.
- Let cookies cool completely before storing to maintain their delicate texture.
- For an extra touch, consider dusting the cooled cookies with powdered sugar or drizzling with a light glaze.
- These cookies actually taste better the next day as the anise flavor develops, so make ahead for best results!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 105kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 24mg
