Anise Seed Cookies are a crisp, subtly sweet cookie flavored with the warm, licorice-like essence of anise. Popular in old-world European and American holiday traditions, these cookies are prized for their delicate texture and spicy-sweet aroma. Made using baking ammonia, a traditional leavening agent known for producing ultra-light cookies, this recipe reflects a time-honored baking technique rarely used today. Perfect for dunking in coffee or tea, they are often made in large batches and stored to let their flavor deepen over time.
Ingredients
- 1 lb powdered sugar (about 3 ¾ cups)
- 4 eggs (separated)
- 1 lb flour (about 3 ½ cups)
- 1½ tsp baking ammonia (ammonium carbonate)
- 1 tbsp anise seed (for sprinkling)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Eggs
- Separate the egg yolks and whites.
- Beat whites until stiff.
- Beat yolks until thick.
Step 2: Combine Sugar and Eggs
- Gradually beat sugar into the yolks.
- Fold in the beaten egg whites.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
- Stir in flour and baking ammonia gradually to form a soft dough.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
Step 5: Prepare to Dry
- Place cookies on floured surface or lightly greased baking sheets.
- Sprinkle tops with a little anise seed.
- Let cookies dry for several hours or overnight.
Step 6: Bake
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until puffed and just barely golden.
Tips
- Letting the cookies sit a full week (as the card states) deepens the anise flavor.
- Replace anise seed with fennel seed for a slightly sweeter licorice note.
- Add ½ teaspoon anise extract for a stronger aroma.
- For a crunchier texture, roll the dough thinner before cutting.
- Dust with powdered sugar after baking for a festive look.
- Store in a paper-lined tin to allow them to “age” properly.
- If baking ammonia aroma bothers you, ensure good kitchen ventilation, it dissipates during baking.
- Cut into traditional shapes such as diamonds, rounds, or small bars.
- Add a touch of lemon zest for brightness without altering the classic flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 75kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 1gFat: 0.4gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gTrans Fat: 0.001gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 6mgPotassium: 9mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 17mgIron: 1mg
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