Ya Mamma’s Frosted Anise Cookies (Copycat) Recipe
These frosted anise cookies are a delightful treat that brings the comforting flavors of an Italian restaurant into your own home. Adapted from a recipe featured in Yankee Magazine, these cookies are based on the ones served at Ya Mamma’s, an Italian restaurant in Merrimack, NH. Known for their soft, cake-like texture and unique anise flavor, these cookies are the perfect accompaniment to a warm cup of coffee. They’re not overly sweet, allowing the distinct taste of anise to shine through with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress.
Recipe Overview
- Category: Dessert
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 36 cookies
- Yield: 3 dozen cookies
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make these delicious cookies:
For the Cookies:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1/4 cup |
| Shortening | 1/4 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| All-purpose flour | 3 1/2 cups |
| Baking powder | 7 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Half-and-half | 1/2 cup |
For the Frosting:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1/4 cup |
| Powdered sugar | 2/3 cup |
| Milk | 1 1/2 tbsp |
| Anise extract | 1 tsp |
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 135.2 |
| Fat | 4.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 17.7 mg |
| Sodium | 96.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 22.3 g |
| Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Sugar | 12.4 g |
| Protein | 1.8 g |
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to bake and frost your anise cookies:
Making the Cookies:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly once the dough is ready.
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Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, shortening, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps create the soft texture of the cookies. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures the eggs are well incorporated into the dough.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture helps give the cookies structure and allows the baking powder to activate properly.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, stirring until well combined. Once incorporated, add the anise extract and half-and-half to the dough. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix the dough until smooth.
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Shape the Dough: Form small balls of dough, about the size of a tablespoon, and place them on ungreased cookie sheets. Be sure to leave several inches between each ball of dough to allow for spreading during baking.
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Flatten the Cookies: To give the cookies their signature shape, slightly flatten each ball using either the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar. This helps create a nice, even surface for the frosting to adhere to.
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Bake the Cookies: Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Since these cookies are soft and puff up, you may not see much browning on top, so check the bottom for a golden color to ensure they’re done.
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Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Allow the cookies to cool thoroughly before frosting, as hot cookies can cause the frosting to melt.
Making the Frosting:
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Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir it occasionally to prevent burning. Once melted, remove it from the heat.
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Add the Powdered Sugar and Milk: To the melted butter, add the powdered sugar, milk, and anise extract. Stir until smooth and the ingredients are well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
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Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, dip the tops or sides of each cookie into the frosting. You can dunk them fully or just partially coat them in frosting, depending on your preference. For a festive touch, immediately dunk the frosted cookies into a bowl of sprinkles, giving them a decorative and colorful finish.
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Allow the Frosting to Set: Let the frosting dry and harden on the cookies, which will take about 30 minutes. The cookies will maintain their soft, cake-like texture, and the frosting will provide a sweet and slightly crunchy contrast.
Tips for Success
- Anise Extract is Essential: The anise extract gives these cookies their unique, licorice-like flavor, so be sure to use it. It’s the signature flavor of this recipe, and without it, the cookies will lack their distinctive taste.
- Customize the Sprinkles: While classic colored sprinkles work perfectly, you can also use nonpareils, sanding sugar, or other fun decorative toppings for a personalized look.
- Storage: These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them if you want to make them ahead of time. Just ensure the frosting is completely set before freezing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ya Mamma’s Frosted Anise Cookies are perfect for anyone who enjoys the combination of delicate sweetness and the subtle anise flavor. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or just enjoying a quiet afternoon with a cup of coffee, these cookies offer a unique treat that’s sure to delight. Their soft, cake-like texture and sweet, anise-infused frosting make them an unforgettable dessert.
With a light touch of sweetness and a rich, aromatic flavor, these cookies offer something different from your typical cookie recipes. They’re ideal for those who appreciate flavors that are a little out of the ordinary and love to pair their treats with a warm beverage. The recipe is simple yet sophisticated, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
Enjoy baking these delightful cookies and sharing them with family and friends.
