Anise Balls

Delight your senses with the timeless charm of Anise Balls, a classic cookie with a bold, aromatic twist! These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats are infused with the warm, licorice-like notes of ground anise seed or anise extract, making them an irresistible choice for fans of this unique spice. Rolled in a delicate coating of powdered sugar, these cookies boast a balance of soft, tender texture and sweet, spiced flavor. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a quick bake, this recipe is a dream for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or as a unique pairing with your afternoon tea or coffee. Simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, eggs, and butter come together to create a batch of 24 irresistible cookies that store beautifully for up to 5 days, making them perfect for make-ahead baking. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, these elegant Anise Balls are sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 46/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:12 mins

Total Time:32 mins

Servings: 24

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons ground anise seed or anise extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup powdered sugar

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the ground anise seed or anise extract.

Step 5

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 6

Scoop small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7

Bake the anise balls in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 8

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9

Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar until evenly coated. For an extra layer, you can roll them a second time if desired.

Step 10

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Enjoy with coffee or tea!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	666.3 grams (666.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2480

Total Fat 61.20g	78%
Saturated Fat 31.50g	158%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 496mg	165%
Sodium 1197mg	52%
Total Carbohydrate 447.20g	163%
Dietary Fiber 7.10g	25%
Total Sugars 259.20g
Protein 38.50g	77%

Vitamin D 82IU	410%
Calcium 130mg	10%
Iron 15mg	81%
Potassium 473mg	10%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 22.1%

Protein: 6.2%

Carbs: 71.7%