Memories of childhood seems to be common when people see these Italian Anise Cookies on the Christmas cookie tray. They are easy to make and are sure to bring a smile to faces all around you.
Anise has a licorice flavor that is popular in cookies at Christmas time, I recall having these as a child.
When ever I make them the common response is that everyone seems to remember them from childhood.
These are easy to make, many fit on a each baking sheet. Which means you can make lots of them without any trouble.
This is the recipe I use this printable Italian Cookie and Icing Recipe For Christmas time I add a teaspoon of Anise extract to the cookie recipe and a 1/2 teaspoon anise extract to the icing recipe. I added a drop of white Americolor food coloring to the icing so it was really white, then when the icing is still wet I sprinkles on the christmas colored nonpareils. Allow the icing to dry completely before stacking or wrapping cookies at least a couple hours.
scoop out the cookie dough with a 2 tablespoon scoop and roll the dough into a smooth ball.
Bake them and let them cool before icing them with an anise flavored icing and top with sprinkles.
I just love these Christmas colored nonpareil sprinkles. Just don’t drop them on the floor, really trust me on this, they go EVERYWHERE!!!! I have a habit of dropping these tiny little cuties and have posted photos on Instagram and well I guess I’m not the only one who had trouble keeping the sprinkle off the floor!
What cookies do you remember from childhood?
I’d love to know, maybe I’ll start making those too.
This year so far I’m working on Red Velvet Snowflakes and Gingerbread Spice Cut Out Cookies, next up…something chocolate! You do like chocolate don’t you?
If you like this or any other recipe at 
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking says
I can just imagine the amazing aroma as they bake! They look wonderful, Diane. So festive for the holidays!
Suzie says
My Grandma made orange drop cookies with orange powdered sugar cookies I have never been able to duplicate. They were very cake-like and we loved them! Will definitely try these anise cookies!
Diane says
You’ll have to let me know if these are similar, they sound it. They are more cake like cookies than crisp cookies 🙂 Hope you’re Holidays are wonderful this year Sue!
Suzie says
sorry, I meant orange powdered sugar frosting!!!
Norma-Platanos, Mangoes & Me! says
These have always been a favorite of mine. WIshing you the best of the Season…
Paula says
I must have celebrated Christmas under a rock all my life as I’ve never had these cookies before. They sound wonderful and yes, a perfect holiday treat!
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says
I haven’t these cookies before, but wow do they sound good! I’m going to try them if I have a few extra moments to bake more before Christmas.
Shaina says
I can’t wait to try these. I love the anise in there, and I think my family will, too.
Jeanette says
Yummy I use to get these from a friend of my moms, Mrs Pisano. She would bake ALOT around Christmas & they were so yummy. Hers had a very unique shape, not like yours. She lived right down the road from us & I would walk over 2 her house & have a snack. Mrs Pisano was French & she made the BEST cookies, pies, pizza, etc… even her water that she gave me tasted Yummy..lol. Not sure what it was at her house but it ALWAYS smelled good & she always feed me..lol Look what the cookies just did, brought back all those childhood memories. Thanks 4 that.
Diane says
Did she make the s or figure 8 shape, I made those in almond flavor and will post them later this week 🙂 I think I’d LOVE Mrs. Pisano’s house!
Jeanette says
Not sure maybe the 8 shape kinda looked like a garlic knot. And yes you would of loved Mrs.Pisano’s house…lol it was awesome 😀
Amallia eka widyastuti says
wow, this cookies looks so cute, great idea for Christmas cookies, thanks for sharing
Nutmeg Nanny says
oh yes, such a perfect classic christmas cookie 🙂 love them!
rosemary merrill says
do you use the same recipe for cookie balls and for cut out cookies???
Diane says
Yes, I use the same recipe. I just added anise extract.
Allie says
I love Italian cookies and I’m going to make a batch tomorrow for a family party, what a great recipe. Thanks for all your tips.