grandma lu's vanilla anisette christmas cookies
Growing up in an Italian family, our kitchen was always filled with family, food, and fun. But during the holidays it was simply magical! The kitchen was filled with incredible aromas and every inch of space was filled with spectacular desserts. My favorite cookies were my grandmothers vanilla anisette which I would help her make every year. To this day, I make her cookies, carrying on the tradition and transforming my kitchen into that very special magical place I always loved as a child. Merry Christmas, everyone!
Blue Ribbon Recipe
Italians cook with love and that's evident in these delicious Christmas cookies. The cookie itself has a stiff dough that's not overly sweet, but buttery and soft. The sweetness comes from the sugary glaze. Drizzled over the cookie, it's super sweet and has classic anisette flavor. The entire cookie is a beautiful balance of vanilla and anisette. These would be a delicious addition to your holiday cookie tray.
Ingredients
- COOKIES
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 - large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon anisette
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- FROSTING
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3 1/2 tablespoons milk
- 2 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2-3/4 teaspoon anisette
- sprinkles
How To Make grandma lu's vanilla anisette christmas cookies
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Step 1Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. To make the cookies, cream the butter and sugar in the large bowl of a stand mixer on high speed, until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). -
Step 2Add in the eggs, vanilla and anisette. Mix together.
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Step 3Reduce the speed to low. Slowly add in the flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix until incorporated.
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Step 4Spoon the dough out into approximately 1 tablespoon pieces.
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Step 5Roll each piece into a ball.
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Step 6Then into a rope.
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Step 7Shape into a pretzel form.
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Step 8Bake on ungreased large cookie sheets approximately 12-15 minutes, until golden in color. Cool.
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Step 9To make the frosting, combine all the ingredients together in a medium bowl with a handheld mixer on low or a wooden spoon. (You may add extra milk depending on your consistency preference.)
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Step 10Spoon over the cooled cookies.
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Step 11Top with sprinkles.
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Step 12Makes approximately 4 dozen cookies, depending on size preference.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
