Description
Crisp yet tender holiday cookies with a sweet licorice flavor from crushed anise seeds. Perfectly shaped and sprinkled with festive green sugar.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon anise seeds, crushed
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup sanding sugar
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add egg and vanilla extract; beat until creamy and smooth (about 3 minutes).
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and crushed anise seeds.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Divide dough into three portions.
Roll each portion between two sheets of parchment paper to 1/4 inch thickness. Do not flour the surface.
Peel off the top parchment layer and use two round cookie cutters (one larger, one smaller) to cut out wreath shapes.
Transfer cookies to the baking sheet with a metal spatula.
Sprinkle each cookie with sanding sugar.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Repeat with remaining dough.
Notes
Crushing the anise seeds releases their aromatic flavor—don’t skip this step.
Rolling between parchment avoids sticking and keeps the dough smooth.
Use green sanding sugar for a festive holiday look.
Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Cookies, Holiday Baking, Christmas Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
