Self-Frosting Anise Cookies Recipe ๐ช
Overview:
Discover the delightful essence of old-world German baking with these Self-Frosting Anise Cookies. This recipe, reminiscent of the commercially sold treats popular around Christmas time, offers a delicate balance of sweetness and aromatic anise flavor. With a preparation time of just 45 minutes (excluding standing time), you’ll swiftly create batches of these charming cookies to share with loved ones or enjoy as a festive indulgence any time of the year.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons anise extract
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt multiple times to ensure proper aeration and uniform distribution of ingredients. This step contributes to the light and tender texture of the cookies. |
| 2 | Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs at low speed until frothy. Gradually increase the mixer speed to medium and slowly add the sugar, approximately 1 tablespoon at a time. Continue beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy, allowing the sugar to fully incorporate with the eggs. This process may take several minutes to achieve the desired consistency. |
| 3 | Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the egg-sugar mixture. Ensure a slow and steady addition to prevent clumping and ensure even distribution. Beat the combined mixture for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the ingredients to fully blend and develop the desired texture. |
| 4 | Add Anise Extract: Gently blend in the anise extract until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. The aromatic essence of anise will infuse the cookies with a distinctive flavor that is characteristic of traditional German baking. |
| 5 | Shape and Place on Cookie Sheets: Using a small cookie scoop or teaspoon, drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto greased cookie sheets. Work quickly to shape the dough, maintaining consistent size for uniform baking. |
| 6 | Allow to Stand: Place the prepared cookie sheets in a cool area and allow the cookie dough to stand for several hours or overnight. This resting period enables the dough to firm up and develop a slightly dry surface, which is essential for the self-frosting effect during baking. |
| 7 | Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 325ยฐF (163ยฐC). Bake the cookies for approximately 14 minutes, taking care not to overbake. The cookies should remain pale in color and should not brown during baking. This gentle baking process ensures a soft and tender texture, characteristic of these classic German treats. |
| 8 | Enjoy the Results: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Indulge in the delightful aroma and flavor of these self-frosting anise cookies, perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a special treat during the holiday season. |
| 9 | Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness and texture. These cookies can also be frozen for longer-term storage, allowing you to enjoy their delectable flavor whenever the craving strikes. |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 287.7
- Fat: 2.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Cholesterol: 74.4mg
- Sodium: 105.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 61.7g
- Fiber: 0.8g
- Sugar: 40.1g
- Protein: 5.4g
Recipe Notes:
- Standing Time: The standing time specified in the recipe is essential for achieving the characteristic self-frosting effect of these cookies. Allowing the dough to rest enables it to develop the ideal texture and surface consistency for the unique frosting-like appearance during baking.
- Anise Extract: The use of anise extract imparts a distinct licorice-like flavor to these cookies, which is traditional in German baking. However, if desired, you can adjust the amount of anise extract according to your personal preference or substitute it with other flavorings such as vanilla extract for a different taste profile.
- Batch Size: This recipe yields approximately 10 dozen cookies, making it perfect for large gatherings, holiday celebrations, or for stocking up your cookie jar for a sweet indulgence anytime.
Unlock the secrets of German baking tradition with these delightful Self-Frosting Anise Cookies. Whether enjoyed as a festive holiday treat or a year-round indulgence, these cookies are sure to delight your taste buds with their delicate texture and aromatic flavor. Gather your ingredients and embark on a baking adventure filled with sweetness and nostalgia!
