Spiced Anise Cookies

Embrace the warming, aromatic flavors of the festive season with these Spiced Anise Cookies. Infused with ground spices and anise extract, they’re a delightful treat perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying with a cup of tea.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (113 g or 1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup (150 g) firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp anise extract (or vanilla if you prefer)
• 1/2 cup (87 g) confectioners’ sugar

Instructions:

1. Preparation: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, black pepper, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
2. Cream Butter & Sugars: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream together the butter, brown sugar, and molasses on medium speed until the mixture becomes fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the egg and anise extract into the butter mixture and blend until well combined.
4. Mix in Dry Ingredients: Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture (from step 1) to the wet ingredients, ensuring the mixer is set to low speed. Mix until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
5. Chill: Transfer the cookie dough to a piece of plastic wrap and form it into a disk. Refrigerate the dough for a minimum of three hours, ensuring it is adequately chilled.
6. Preheat & Prep: Center an oven rack and heat the oven to 350° F (175° C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
7. Shape & Bake: Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, portion out about a tablespoon of dough. Shape it into balls, approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place these dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced at least 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven until the cookies exhibit a golden hue, feel firm to the touch, and exhibit slight cracking. This should take around 15 minutes.
8. Cool & Coat: Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool slightly, allowing about 5 minutes for this step. While they are still warm, gently roll them in confectioners’ sugar.

Serve these Spiced Anise Cookies warm and enjoy the delightful blend of spices and the subtle hint of anise. Perfect for holiday gatherings or simply to satisfy your cookie cravings!