There’s a reason anise cookies have stood the test of time—their delicate sweetness, subtle spice, and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a beloved treat across generations. Whether you grew up with these aromatic cookies at holiday gatherings or are discovering them for the first time, this easy anise cookie recipe delivers perfection in every bite.
No complicated techniques, no hard-to-find ingredients—just a simple, foolproof method for creating soft, buttery cookies with that signature anise warmth. Ideal for afternoon tea, festive celebrations, or a cozy baking project, these cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat.
Ready to fill your kitchen with the comforting scent of warm spices? Let’s bake.
Table of Contents
Why This Anise Cookie Recipe Belongs in Your Baking Repertoire
Some recipes just feel right—the kind that make your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery and leave everyone asking, “Can I have the recipe?” This anise cookie recipe is exactly that. Here’s why it’s about to become your new favorite:
✔️ Foolproof & Beginner-Friendly
No fancy skills required. If you can cream butter and sugar, you can make these cookies—perfect for first-time bakers and seasoned pros alike.
✔️ Soft, Buttery Texture That Melts in Your Mouth
Unlike dry, crumbly cookies, these stay tender with just the right amount of chew. (Pro tip: Slightly underbaking them keeps them extra soft!)
✔️ Warm, Fragrant Spice Without Overpowering Sweetness
Anise seeds lend a subtle licorice-like aroma—enough to be distinctive but balanced so even non-spice lovers enjoy them.
✔️ Versatile for Any Occasion
- Holiday favorite? Check. (They’re a Christmas classic in many cultures!)
- Tea-time treat? Absolutely.
- Edible gift idea? Wrap them in pretty boxes—they stay fresh for days.
✔️ Easy to Customize
- Add a citrus twist with orange zest.
- Dip half in chocolate for elegance.
- Swap the glaze for a dusting of powdered sugar.
Bottom line: This recipe gives you bakery-quality results with homemade simplicity. One batch, and you’ll see why anise cookies have been cherished for generations.
Ready to bake? Let’s gather your ingredients…
Ingredients You’ll Need for Perfect Anise Cookies
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these aromatic, buttery cookies. I’ve included possible substitutions (in italics) for dietary needs or ingredient swaps.
Cookie Dough Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes & Substitutions |
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups (315g) | *For gluten-free: Use 1:1 GF flour blend* |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp | Ensure it’s fresh for best rise |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Balances sweetness |
| Anise seeds | 1 tbsp | Or 1 tsp anise extract (add with wet ingredients) |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (225g), softened | For dairy-free: Use vegan butter |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup (150g) | Can reduce to ½ cup for less sweetness |
| Large eggs | 2 | Room temperature |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Enhances warmth |
Optional Glaze
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup (120g) | Sifted for smoothness |
| Milk or cream | 2 tbsp | For dairy-free: Use almond milk |
| Anise extract | ½ tsp | Or vanilla for milder flavor |
📝 Prep Notes:
- Butter should be softened (not melted)—press a finger into it; it should leave a slight indent.
- Toast anise seeds (1 min in a dry pan) for deeper flavor.
- No anise seeds? Substitute with fennel seeds (milder) or omit for plain butter cookies.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Anise Cookies
Making these cookies is as comforting as enjoying them! Follow these simple steps for bakery-worthy results every time.
1. Prep & Mix the Dough (10 mins)
- Toast the anise seeds (optional but recommended)
- Heat seeds in a dry skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Cool before using.
- Whisk dry ingredients
- In a bowl, mix:
- 2 ½ cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp toasted anise seeds
- In a bowl, mix:
- Cream butter & sugar
- Beat 1 cup softened butter + ¾ cup sugar until light/fluffy (2-3 mins).
- Add 2 eggs (one at a time) + 1 tsp vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Combine wet & dry
- Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture on low speed.
- Dough should be soft but not sticky.
2. Shape & Chill (30 mins inactive)
- Option 1: Roll into 1-inch balls (classic shape)
- Option 2: Form into logs for slice-and-bake
- Chill dough 30 mins (prevents overspreading)
3. Bake to Perfection *(12 mins/batch)*
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets.
- Arrange dough 2 inches apart.
- Bake 10-12 mins until just golden at edges.
- Key: They’ll look underdone—this keeps them soft!
4. Glaze (Optional) (5 mins)
- Whisk together:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp anise extract
- Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Pro Tips:
🔸 For shiny glaze: Add 1 tsp corn syrup
🔸 For crunch: Sprinkle with raw sugar before baking
Anise Cookie Nutrition Facts & Healthier Twists
Here’s what you’re getting in each delicious cookie—plus easy tweaks for dietary preferences.
Nutrition Facts (Per Cookie, Makes ~36)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Calories | 120 kcal | 6% |
| Total Fat | 6g | 8% |
| – Saturated Fat | 3.5g | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| – Dietary Fiber | 0.5g | 2% |
| – Sugars | 8g | |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Sodium | 85mg | 4% |
Based on USDA data. Values may vary with substitutions.
3 Simple Healthier Modifications
- Lower Sugar:
- Reduce sugar to ½ cup (cuts ~10kcal/cookie)
- Use glaze sparingly or dust with powdered sugar
- Whole Grain Option:
- Replace 1 cup flour with whole wheat pastry flour
- Adds 1g fiber per cookie
- Dairy-Free/Vegan:
- Use vegan butter + flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxmeal + 3 tbsp water per egg)
- Cuts saturated fat by ~40%
5 Can’t-Miss Tips for Perfect Anise Cookies
- Toast Your Anise Seeds
- Heat in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Doubles the flavor!
- Don’t Overmix the Dough
- Stop as soon as flour disappears. Overworking = tough cookies.
- Bake Until “Just Set”
- They’ll look underdone when you pull them out (edges barely golden).
- They firm up while cooling.
- Freeze Dough for Last-Minute Baking
- Shape into balls → freeze on tray → store in bags.
- Bake straight from frozen (add 1-2 mins).
- Revive Stale Cookies
- 5 sec in microwave = fresh-from-the-oven softness.
Bonus: For pretty cracks, roll dough balls in powdered sugar before baking.
FAQ – Your Anise Cookie Questions Answered
1. Can I use anise extract instead of seeds?
Yes! Use 1 teaspoon extract in place of 1 tablespoon seeds. Add it with the wet ingredients. Note: Extract gives stronger flavor, so adjust to taste.
2. Why did my cookies spread too much?
Common fixes:
Chill dough longer (minimum 30 mins)
Don’t over-soften butter (should indent slightly when pressed)
Check oven temp with a thermometer
3. How long do these stay fresh?
Room temp: 5 days in airtight container
Freezer: 2 months (glaze after thawing)
Revive: 5 seconds in microwave for fresh-baked softness
Bake, Share, and Enjoy!
There’s something truly special about pulling a tray of golden, aromatic anise cookies from the oven—the way their delicate spice fills your kitchen, the anticipation of that first buttery bite. This easy anise cookie recipe is more than just a treat; it’s a little moment of joy you can create anytime.
Whether you’re baking them for:
- Holiday traditions (they’re a Christmas classic!)
- Afternoon tea (perfect with coffee too)
- Edible gifts (wrap them in pretty boxes or jars)
…these cookies are sure to delight.
Final Tip: Double the batch—they disappear fast!
Now it’s your turn. Preheat that oven, toast those anise seeds, and let the magic happen. Don’t forget to share your creations (and this recipe!) with someone who deserves a sweet moment today.
Happy baking! 🍪✨
Author’s Top Picks for More Delicious Recipes
If you loved these soft anise cookies, you’ll adore these other tried-and-true favorites from my kitchen!
- 🍪 Mini Blueberry Muffins – Bursting with juicy berries and a tender crumb, these bite-sized muffins are perfect for breakfast or snacking. (Pro tip: Add lemon zest for a bright twist!)
- 🌯 Shrimp Burrito Recipe – Stuffed with garlicky shrimp, avocado, and cilantro-lime rice, these burritos are a 30-minute flavor explosion. (Meal prep-friendly!)
Each recipe is just as easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing as these anise cookies—happy cooking!