Orange Anise Cookies
We’re just a week away from Christmas an already the pressure for perfection has reared its ugly head. From the picture perfect Christmas lights to the tree to the presents. It’s a real struggle on one’s sanity don’t you think? I’ve been wracking my brain since Thanksgiving over the perfect gifts for my family. Some were easy, and other’s (like my husband) were a real challenge. What do you get the man who only wants electronics and buys himself gifts? I have no idea! And there are the kids. My son asked Santa for a REAL Pokemon. No not a stuffed animal, not the cards, an actual real live Pokemon. How the heck do I deliver that? Then my daughter wants the Barbie Dream House. Sounds simple enough. She’s asked for it consistently for over a month. (And I gotta say I’m proud of her consistency, because what 4 year old knows exactly what she wants?) But this “Dream House” comes with a not so dreamy $180 price tag!! For a $180, it should come with a real working elevator and a car! So as I struggle with finding the happy place between utter disappointment and not going broke this holiday season, please find these Orange Anise Cookies as my gift to you! Soft, cakes cookies flavored with aromatic anise and orange zest and topped with a delicious glaze.
I could seriously eat these cookies all day long. No, really… I can. They’re soft and cake like so they’re perfect with coffee, tea, or a nightcap! (Which is exactly how I eat them after the kids go to bed!)
I’ve made a version of these cookies in the past that required shortening in the recipe and I’m so glad to have found this version that uses butter! Because I don’t know about you, but I don’t usually have shortening around the house and going out to buy some for one cookie is just a pain! These cookies bake up beautifully and have such an addictive flavor!
I think anise is just one of those flavors you either hate or love. I obviously love these and surprisingly so do my kids! I can’t get them to eat almond flavored cookies, but these, they totally took to!
But quite honestly, any cookie that comes glazed is always a winner in my book. The more the better! These just taste like Christmas! I hope you and your family enjoy these as much as we do! Happy holidays!
Orange Anise Cookies
Yields approx 2 dozen cookies
Ingredients
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
2 Extra large eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 1/4 tsp anise extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
FOR THE GLAZE
1 cup powdered sugar
4 tsp. milk
1 tsp anise extract
2 tsp orange juice
Method
Preheat oven to 325F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
In the bowl of a mixer, beat together the butter, sugar eggs, milk, orange zest and anise extract.
Reduce the speed to low and add in the flour, baking powder and salt.
Using a medium sized cookie scoop or two table spoons, Drop the cookies onto the lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. I don’t try to make these perfect, since I think the craggy exteriors add to their charm!
Bake for 12- 16 minutes or until light gold brown. Place cookies on a wire rack to cool.
To make the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, anise extract and orange juice.
Once the cookies are cooled dip the top of the cookies into the glaze to coat and place them back on the wire rack to set. Add colored sprinkles and/or more orange zest to decorate the tops of the glazed cookies.