Licorice Snaps

Prep: 240 min Cook: 12 min Cuisine: American

Chewy, spiced licorice snaps with aromatic anise and crunchy nuts, perfect for cookie lovers who enjoy bold flavors and festive treats.

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 1/4 cup powdered milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cloves
  • 1 cup margarine
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 unbeaten egg
  • 1 tablespoon anise seed
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Sift together flour, soda, powdered milk, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.
  2. Cream margarine and sugars until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the unbeaten egg and mix well.
  4. Blend in the dry ingredients, then add anise seed and chopped nuts.
  5. Shape the dough into two rolls, wrap in waxed paper, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  7. Slice the chilled rolls into thin cookies and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
  8. Bake for 9 to 12 minutes until edges are golden.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using half butter and half margarine. You can substitute the anise seed with fennel seeds if desired. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly, as this helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Serving Suggestions

These Licorice Snaps are delightful on their own, but they pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving them alongside a fruit salad or a light dessert like One Step Cherry Cobbler for a sweet treat. They also make a unique addition to holiday cookie platters, offering a distinct flavor in a sea of traditional cookies.

Storage & Reheating

Store the Licorice Snaps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper, for up to three months. To refresh the cookies, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Licorice Snaps contains roughly 1426 calories, with 28g protein, 242g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (88% of the Daily Value), protein (56% of the Daily Value), and calcium (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2245mg per serving (98% of the Daily Value).

1426 kcal 71% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 27.8g 56% DV
Total Fat 43.2g 55% DV
Carbs 241.7g 88% DV
Fiber 5.6g 20% DV
Sugar 25.2g 50% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2245.4mg 98% DV
Potassium 1785mg 38% DV
Cholesterol 393.1mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 121.1mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 6.7mg 7% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 3% DV
Calcium 611.8mg 47% DV
Iron 15.9mg 88% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk 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 make these cookies without nuts?

Yes, you can easily omit the chopped nuts if you prefer a nut-free version. The cookies will still maintain their delicious flavor and texture. If you want to add something for crunch, consider using seeds or additional anise seeds in place of the nuts.

What can I use instead of powdered milk?

If you don't have powdered milk on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of regular milk in the dough. Just be sure to adjust the wet ingredients slightly to maintain the right consistency. Alternatively, you can use non-dairy milk powder for a vegan option.

How can I adjust the sweetness of these cookies?

To make the cookies less sweet, reduce the amount of sugar or brown sugar by up to 1/4 cup. You can also consider using a sugar substitute if you're looking for a healthier option. Just be aware that this may slightly alter the texture of the cookies.

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).

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