Anise Cookies (Grandmother Kimbrel)

Prep: 120 min Cuisine: American

Delightful anise cookies with aromatic hints of anise seed, perfect for holiday gatherings or teatime treats, appealing to those who enjoy fragrant, lightly sweetened baked goods.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 6 eggs
  • 1 lb. white sugar
  • 1 lb. flour
  • 2 tsp. anise seed or 1 tsp. liquid anise oil

Instructions

  1. Beat eggs and sugar together for 1 hour until the sugar is dissolved.
  2. Use a mixer for convenience.
  3. Add flour and anise seed or liquid anise oil to the mixture.
  4. Drop teaspoons of the batter onto buttered pans, spacing them apart to prevent running together.
  5. Let the cookies stand overnight.
  6. Keep in a cold place until ready to bake.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure that the eggs are at room temperature before beating. If you don’t have anise seeds, you can substitute with fennel seeds or even a drop of vanilla extract for a different flavor profile. Mixing for a full hour is crucial in achieving the right consistency, so don’t rush this step. Consider using a stand mixer for ease.

Serving Suggestions

These Anise Cookies are delightful served with a cup of tea or coffee. They also pair beautifully with Pineapple Jello Mold Cake(A Light Dessert After A Heavy Meal) for a sweet finish to a meal. Consider serving them alongside a cheese platter for a balanced taste experience, as the sweet anise flavor complements many cheeses well.

Storage & Reheating

Once baked, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the unbaked dough. Just scoop the batter onto parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Anise Cookies (Grandmother Kimbrel) contains roughly 1130 calories, with 36g protein, 210g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (77% of the Daily Value), and protein (71% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 19g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

1130 kcal 56% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 35.5g 71% DV
Total Fat 26g 33% DV
Carbs 210.4g 76% DV
Fiber 18.6g 66% DV
Sugar 2.7g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 338.3mg 15% DV
Potassium 2326.8mg 50% DV
Cholesterol 292.6mg 98% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 89.6mcg 10% DV
Vitamin C 24.3mg 27% DV
Calcium 1002.4mg 77% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different flavor instead of anise?

Yes, you can substitute anise with other flavors like almond extract or vanilla for a different twist. Keep in mind that each substitute will impart a unique taste, so adjust the quantity based on your flavor preference.

What if my cookies spread too much during baking?

If the cookies spread too much, it may be due to the batter being too warm. Make sure to chill the batter overnight as suggested. Additionally, ensure you use the correct amount of flour, as too little can cause excessive spreading.

Are these cookies suitable for special diets?

These cookies contain eggs and flour, making them unsuitable for vegan diets. However, they can be made gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free blend. Always check ingredient labels to ensure they meet specific dietary needs.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →