Italian Anisette Cookies are a timeless bakery favorite with their soft, cake-like texture, delicate anise flavor, and sweet vanilla glaze. These classic cookies are often found at weddings, Christmas celebrations, Easter gatherings, and family holidays throughout Italy and Italian-American homes. Their light sweetness and aromatic flavor make them the perfect companion to coffee, tea, or a glass of anisette liqueur.

Recipe of the Day: Italian Anisette Cookies

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies

A Traditional Italian Favorite

Italian Anisette Cookies have been passed down through generations for well over a century. While every family has its own cherished recipe, they all share the same signature qualities: soft, pillowy cookies flavored with anise extract and topped with a glossy vanilla glaze finished with colorful sprinkles.

Unlike crunchy biscotti, these cookies remain wonderfully soft for several days, making them ideal for holiday cookie trays or gifting.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons anise extract
• ¼ cup whole milk

For the Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3–4 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon anise extract for extra flavor

Topping

• Rainbow nonpareil sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Mix in the vanilla and anise extracts.

Step 3: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk.

Mix until a soft dough forms.

The dough should be slightly sticky but easy to scoop.

Step 4: Shape

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, place rounded portions of dough about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

They will spread slightly during baking.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden while the tops remain pale.

Do not overbake.

Allow cookies to cool completely before glazing.

Make the Glaze

Whisk together:

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla
• Optional anise extract

Adjust the consistency by adding a little more milk if necessary.

The glaze should be thick enough to coat the tops of the cookies without running off completely.

Decorate

Dip each cooled cookie upside down into the glaze.

Place on a wire rack.

Immediately top with rainbow sprinkles before the glaze hardens.

Allow 30–45 minutes for the glaze to fully set.

Serving Suggestions

Italian Anisette Cookies pair wonderfully with:

• Fresh coffee
• Espresso
• Cappuccino
• Tea
• Hot chocolate
• Anisette liqueur
• Sweet dessert wine

They’re equally delicious for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.

Storage Tips

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

For longer storage:

• Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months.
• Glaze after thawing for the freshest appearance.

Recipe Variations

Try putting your own twist on this classic recipe:

• Add fresh lemon zest to the dough for a bright citrus flavor.
• Substitute almond extract for the anise.
• Top with white chocolate drizzle instead of glaze.
• Use holiday-colored sprinkles for Christmas, Easter, weddings, or birthdays.
• Add finely chopped pistachios for extra crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and fluffy texture
• Classic Italian bakery flavor
• Easy enough for beginners
• Perfect for holidays and celebrations
• Freezes beautifully
• Family-friendly recipe
• Beautiful presentation with colorful glaze

Whether you’re continuing a cherished family tradition or trying Italian baking for the first time, these Italian Anisette Cookies are sure to become a favorite. Their delicate anise aroma, tender crumb, and sweet glaze create a cookie that’s both elegant and comforting—perfect for sharing with loved ones over coffee, celebrating special occasions, or simply enjoying a taste of old-world Italian baking.

Read More Recipes