My Nana made these for years and i have always loved them. Also i.use multi colored Non-pareils instead of sprinkles.
Ingredients
3 ½ cups all purpose flour (440 grams)
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup granulated sugar
¾ cups unsalted butter, softened (one and a half sticks)
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons anise extract
Icing
2 cups powdered sugar (240 grams)
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons sprinkles
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the butter and sugar together until creamy; about 2 minutes. Add the eggs and anise extract and beat until well combined. Add in the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
Use a cookie scoop to measure out dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. You should be able fit a dozen cookies on the baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are edges are slightly golden. Be careful not to over bake. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool.
To make the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Dip the top of each cookie into the icing and let the excess drip off. Top with sprinkles. Let the icing set for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes:
Start with room temperature butter.
Beat the butter and sugar together until they are light and fluffy. This will help give the cookies a lighter texture.
Two teaspoons of anise extract is enough to add a hint of anise flavor. Add more depending on your preferences. Also, make sure you are using anise extract and not anise oil.
Don’t overwork the dough. Overworking the dough can make the cookies tough and dry. Mix the dough just until it comes together.
If the dough seems sticky or difficult to handle, chill it beforehand to firm up.
You will know the cookies are done when they are a light golden color on the bottom. Note that the color of the cookie will not change much.
Make sure the cookies are cooled before dipping them in icing. Add a few drops of food coloring to change the color of the icing.
Store cookies in an airtight container and don’t store with other cookies. The anise can change the flavors of other cookies.
