Italian Anise Cookies, Holiday Cookie Linky Party and a $50 Target Gift Card Giveaway

Today, I'm sharing my Italian Anise Cookies. Anise, in case you don't know, tastes like black licorice. From what I understand, some people really love the flavor - and others, not so much. I don't think there's any middle ground on that flavor. I really wanted to do a traditional Christmas Cookies and one that maybe hadn't been shared by others.
If you're not really a fan of black licorice, feel free to substitute your favorite extract flavor in place of the anise extract! :)
Personally, I love all of the tasty treats this time of year! Cookies and yummy desserts seem to be flooding the blogging world! It's a good thing most of that is in virtual life - looking and drooling is calorie-free! ;)

These Italian Anise Cookies are super easy and so soft! I love how puffy they are!

Of course, they make great gifts ... or would be great on a cookie tray with other cookies or candies. And just in case you need more cookie inspiration, be sure to check out all of the other yummy cookies linked in this post after the recipe!



Italian Anise CookiesPrintable recipeYield: about 80 cookies
Cookie Dough:¾ cup granulated sugar½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted2 large eggs¼ cup milk 1 tsp. anise extract2¾ cups all-purpose flour 2½ tsp. baking powder ¼ tsp. saltGlaze (see below)Nonpareils
Glaze:1 cup powdered sugar 4-5 tsp. milk 1 tsp. anise extract
Preheat oven to 325°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Beat the sugar, butter, eggs, milk and anise extract in a large bowl with a mixer until well blended. On low speed, beat in the flour, baking powder and salt until well blended.
Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets.
Bake 8-10 minutes or until the bottoms are a light golden brown. Remove cookies to a wire rack to cool. 
Prepare the glaze: Whisk the powdered sugar, milk and anise extract in a small bowl until smooth.
Dip the tops of the cookies in the glaze, and while the glaze is still wet, sprinkle on the nonpareils. Let set until glaze hardens.
Store cookies airtight at room temperature up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 1 month.
*** Just a note - If you're not really a fan of black licorice, feel free to substitute your favorite extract flavor in place of the anise extract! :)

Let's check out some other yummy cookies!

Let's meet the hostesses of this fun link party:

Ang from Juggling Act Mama is bringing Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies

Teri from The Freshman Cook is bringing Cardamom Orange Sugar Cookies

Jamie from Love Bakes Good Cakes is bringing Italian Anise Cookies

Carrie from Frugal Foodie Mama is bringing Biscoff Snickerdoodles

Paula from Call me PMc is bringing White Chocolate Chip Cherry Oatmeal Cookies

Stacey from Glued to my Crafts is bringing Almond Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Deb from Cooking on the Front Burner is bringing Cranberry Orange Slice Cookies

Jaime from Mom's Test Kitchen is bringing Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies

Marilyn from 4 You With Love is bringing Chocolate Peppermint Rice Crispy Treats

Please be sure to hop around and visit all the ladies and check out their tasty cookies! Join the Holiday Cookie Link Party!

If that wasn't enough, how about a giveaway too!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Peppermint Meringues
Cookies in a Jar
I hope you enjoy! Shared at thesefun parties!
Featured at Foodie Friends Friday Daily Dish

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