The aroma of warm spices and buttery cookies is synonymous with Christmas. This year, elevate your holiday baking with these delightful Christmas Anise Cookies. These easy recipes are perfect for both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices, delivering a delicious and festive treat that will impress your family and friends. These quick dinner alternatives are also surprisingly healthy, making them a guilt-free indulgence during the holiday season.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground anise
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup anise seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer works wonders, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer will do the trick. The key is to get that air incorporated for a tender cookie.
Mixing the Dough:
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, anise, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Shaping and Baking:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. If you like a flatter cookie, gently flatten each ball slightly with a fork. Alternatively, you could use a cookie cutter for a more festive shape.
- Place the cookies about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. This ensures even baking and prevents them from spreading too much.
- Sprinkle with anise seeds, if desired, for extra festive flair.
Baking and Cooling:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them towards the end, as ovens can vary.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Christmas Anise Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is properly softened for optimal creaming. If it’s too cold, the cookies will be tough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For easier handling and to prevent spreading, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This step is particularly helpful if using cookie cutters.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of anise and cinnamon to your liking.
Variations:
- Glaze: Drizzle melted white chocolate or a simple icing over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness and festive decoration.
- Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: Approximately 6-7g
- Sugar: Approximately 5-6g
These Christmas Anise Cookies are a perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. They are easy to make, delicious to eat, and sure to become a family favorite for years to come. Enjoy the festive baking and the delicious results! Happy Holidays!