There is something truly magical about these Anise Cookies with Lemon Glaze and Sprinkles Recipe that instantly transports you to cozy afternoons filled with laughter and warmth. Delicately flavored with fragrant anise and topped with a bright, tangy lemon glaze sprinkled with colorful nonpareils, these cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet and refreshing. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or just because you need a little pick-me-up, this recipe will become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect cookie texture and flavor. From the richness of butter to the zing of anise extract and the sunny brightness of lemon glaze, each item is essential to bring these cookies to life.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Provides richness and tenderness crucial for the cookie texture.
- ½ cup shortening: Adds moistness and helps cookies stay soft and fresh longer.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Gives sweetness and helps cookies brown slightly for that inviting look.
- 4 eggs (room temperature): Bind ingredients together and add moisture for a soft crumb.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie, creating structure and chew.
- 5 teaspoons baking powder: Leavens the dough to rise just right, making the cookies light.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 2 teaspoons anise extract: Infuses the dough with that signature aromatic licorice-like flavor.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: For the smooth lemon glaze that adds sweetness and shine.
- 2 tablespoons milk (or cream): Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency for dipping.
How to Make Anise Cookies with Lemon Glaze and Sprinkles Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Shortening
Start by gently melting the butter and shortening in the microwave using short 15-second bursts. This careful heating prevents the mixture from overheating and ensures a smooth base for your dough.
Step 2: Combine the Butter Mixture
Pour the melted butter and shortening into a large mixing bowl. This combination gives your cookies both flavor and tenderness.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
On medium mixer speed, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. This technique helps the dough develop the perfect consistency.
Step 4: Mix in Sugar and Anise Extract
Next, blend in the granulated sugar and fragrant anise extract. This is where your cookies start to take on their signature sweet and licorice-like aroma that is so inviting.
Step 5: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of leavening and seasoning throughout your dough.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on medium speed. Mix just until the flour disappears—over mixing will toughen your cookies, so be gentle.
Step 7: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. A correctly heated oven is key to getting that light golden edge while keeping the tops delightfully pale.
Step 8: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also helps cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 9: Shape the Cookies
Scoop roughly ½ tablespoon of dough into your hand and roll into smooth balls. Placing them spaced about 2 inches apart allows them to bake without merging.
Step 10: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 7-9 minutes until edges turn just golden while the tops remain light. This delicate bake is what keeps them tender and not overdone.
Step 11: Cool Completely
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies finish cooking on the hot sheet for a couple of minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool fully—this step ensures your glaze adheres perfectly.
Step 12: Prepare the Lemon Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with milk one tablespoon at a time until the glaze is smooth and just runny enough for dipping your cookies without dripping away.
Step 13: Glaze and Decorate
Dip each cooled cookie halfway into the lemon glaze, allowing excess to drip before placing on the wire rack. Sprinkle liberally with your favorite nonpareils for a festive, colorful finish. Let the glaze set completely before storing.
How to Serve Anise Cookies with Lemon Glaze and Sprinkles Recipe
Garnishes
Adding colorful nonpareils is a joyful way to garnish these cookies, providing a playful pop of color and slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender cookie and smooth glaze.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of tea or a bright lemon-infused iced beverage. The subtle anise flavor and citrus glaze complement herbal notes and refresh the palate perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a tiered dessert stand for a charming presentation at parties. You can also sandwich two cookies together with lemon curd or cream cheese frosting for a delightful twist on the classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Anise Cookies with Lemon Glaze and Sprinkles Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness and the perfect glaze texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the plain baked cookies (unglazed) by placing them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. Glaze and decorate after thawing for best results.
Reheating
Warm cookies slightly in a low oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for a few minutes to refresh their softness, but avoid heating glazed cookies for too long or the glaze may melt.
FAQs
Can I substitute anise extract with something else?
If you don’t have anise extract, you can use a smaller amount of fennel seed or star anise powder to mimic the flavor, but the authentic aroma of anise is hard to replace perfectly.
How do I ensure the glaze consistency is just right?
Add milk or cream gradually to the powdered sugar until the glaze is smooth and flows easily but isn’t too thin—like a thick syrup—so it coats the cookies without dripping off.
Are these cookies crunchy or soft?
These cookies strike a lovely balance; they are tender and soft in the center with lightly crisp edges, which makes each bite melt-in-your-mouth delightful.
Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
Yes! Just adjust the baking time slightly—smaller cookies will need less time, about 5-6 minutes, while larger ones may need a few minutes longer.
How long do the cookies keep their best texture?
For optimal softness and fresh flavor, enjoy them within 3-5 days after baking. Store well to help preserve the texture and glaze shine.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Anise Cookies with Lemon Glaze and Sprinkles Recipe a try because it’s one of those wonderful treats that brings joy with every bite. The delicate anise flavor paired with the bright lemon glaze creates a cookie experience that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly unique. Happy baking!
