Nana Rocks
Nana Rocks are sweet, flavorful cookies with anise or lemon essence, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with tea. They have a crunchy exterior and a soft inside.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Make into desired shapes such as knots, balls, or bows, about 1 1/2 inches in size.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake at 325°F for 15 minutes.
- Cool the cookies.
- Icing: Mix one box of powdered sugar with a bottle of flavoring (anise or lemon) and a little milk until smooth.
- Ice the cooled cookies and sprinkle with nonpareils.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. If you're out of anise or lemon extract, vanilla extract can serve as a great alternative. Be sure to roll the dough gently to maintain its fluffiness while shaping. For added flavor, you might try mixing in some finely grated citrus zest.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for gatherings and pair wonderfully with coffee or tea. Consider serving them alongside other treats like Chocolate Chip Picnic Bars for a delightful dessert spread. They also make great gifts when packaged in decorative boxes, especially during the holiday season.
Storage & Reheating
Store the iced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the uniced cookies, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and ice them fresh for best results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nana Rocks contains roughly 893 calories, with 18g protein, 204g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (194% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value), and calcium (48% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 803mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
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 the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for easier shaping.
What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version?
You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit until thickened) for a vegan-friendly option.
How can I make the icing more colorful?
To add color to your icing, simply mix in a few drops of food coloring until you achieve the desired hue. This is a great way to customize your cookies for different occasions or themes.
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).