Anise Cookies(Cake)

Prep: 720 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 36 Cuisine: Mediterranean

Anise cookies are fragrant, lightly sweet treats infused with the distinctive flavor of crushed anise seed, perfect for festive occasions or as a delightful accompaniment to coffee.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 cups flour, sifted
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 4 tablespoons anise seed, crushed

Instructions

  1. Roll out the dough 1/2 inch thick on a lightly floured board.
  2. Cut with cookie cutter into desired shapes.
  3. Let stand, uncovered, for 12 hours or at least overnight.
  4. Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes on ungreased cookie sheets.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or adjusting the crushed anise seed to suit your taste. If you don't have baking powder, you can substitute it with a mixture of cream of tartar and baking soda. Ensure the dough is not too sticky by lightly flouring your work surface. Chill the dough briefly if it becomes difficult to roll out.

Serving Suggestions

These anise cookies are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Zia Peppina's Anise Toast Cookies during holiday gatherings. They also make a charming addition to a dessert platter with a variety of Mediterranean recipes, satisfying your sweet tooth in style.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, place the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes, allowing them to regain their freshness without becoming hard.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Anise Cookies(Cake) contains roughly 116 calories, with 2g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.

116 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2g 4% DV
Total Fat 1.7g 2% DV
Carbs 23.8g 9% DV
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 322.2mg 14% DV
Potassium 158.7mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 68.8mg 23% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 16.8mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 2.1mg 2% DV
Calcium 91.9mg 7% DV
Iron 0.6mg 4% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal 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 substitute any ingredients in this recipe?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version. Additionally, if you're not a fan of anise flavor, consider using fennel seeds or lemon zest for a different taste profile.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky, try adding a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it is manageable. You can also chill the dough for about 30 minutes, which can help firm it up and make rolling easier.

How can I make these cookies more decorative?

To add a decorative touch, try icing the cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. You can also sprinkle colored sugar or edible glitter on top before baking for a festive appearance.

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).

Mediterranean recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →