Italian Anisette Cookies
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Old recipe for Italian Anisette Cookies, or "S" cookies, like my husband's grandma used to make. These will be a great addition to your holiday cookie tray.
Author:
Recipe type: cookie, dessert
Serves: 5 dozen
Ingredients
  • 1½ sticks of unsalted butter
  • 1¼ cups granulated sugar
  • 6 large eggs, room temp
  • ½ cup milk, room temp
  • 5 cups unbleached all purpose flour
  • 6 generous teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons anise extract (can use lemon or almond extract)
Frosting:
  • 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
  • ½ pound of confectioners’ sugar
  • 6 tablespoons milk
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl sift together the flour, baking powder and salt, set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
  2. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well. Mix in the anise. Add in the milk and flour, alternating portions of each until all combined.
  3. Turn dough onto a floured board and knead until dough is firm and not sticky, adding more flour if necessary.
  4. Break off a handful of dough at a time and roll into long pencil, cut into 5 or 6 inch pieces. Shape into ‘S’ shape on ungreased cookie sheet. These cookies will puff up. Bake approximately 8-10 minutes. Remove to cool on rack, then frost. Makes about 5 dozen depending on size of cookie.
  5. Frosting: In a large bowl, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add in ½ pound of confectioners’ sugar. Stir in milk, stirring to incorporate well, to a desired consistency for frosting the cookies. Brush on cookies or use a spoon, apply sprinkles right away and return to rack to set.
  6. Let cool completely and store in airtight containers.
Recipe by Wishes and Dishes at https://wishesndishes.com/italian-anisette-cookies/