Last Updated on December 20, 2024 by Kimberly Stroh
Christmas cookies are my favorite seasonal treat and I’m constantly baking in our kitchen. Sugar cookies are a classic, but there are many different ways to make them. If you’re not interested in cutting shapes to decorate, you’ve got to try these Frosted Anise Sugar Cookies which are just dropped onto the baking sheet. They’re easy and soft, then topped with a homemade whipped frosting. They’re great for beginner bakers who want a sugar cookie without much effort.
What Is Anise & What Does It Taste Like?
Have you ever tried Anise? Anise is a spice popular in European baked goods. It’s fabulous, and you can purchase it at any major grocery store. It has a slight licorice flavor, but it’s very subtle. It adds a touch of flavor to sugar cookies that can normally be bland. Just a teeny bit goes a long way, and these are full of flavor.
Texture Of These Anise Sugar Cookies
If I had to compare these to one type of cookie that you might be familiar with, it’s the frosted sugar cookies that you can buy in the grocery store (Lofthouse). They have the same type of soft texture. But this recipe version is so much better! The Anise extract and homemade frosting are so much better than anything you can purchase in the store. If you love different types of sugar cookies, try my Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Sugar Cookies too!
How To Store Cookies For Freshness
Frosting helps to lock in moisture. Cookies tend to last longer when they’re frosted and they never truly harden like a traditional batter would. When your cookies are cooled and frosted, you can store them in an air-tight container. I’m really careful not to stack my cookies. You don’t want to flatten your frosting. If you lose a few sprinkles, just add more!
Can You Freeze Frosted Anise Sugar Cookies?
I would not freeze the dough because of the amount of eggs in it. It won’t freeze well. However, you CAN freeze the cookies after they’ve been baked and frosted. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just let the cookies thaw to room temperature before enjoying them again.
Frosted Anise Sugar Cookies Ingredients:
- Butter: Unsalted is my preference
- Sugar: Granulated Sugar
- Eggs: Large Size
- Vanilla Extract
- Anise Extract
- All-Purpose Flour
- Baking Powder
- Confectioner’s Sugar: Also known as powdered sugar
- Whole Milk
- Sprinkles for Garnish: Christmas variety is perfect (Do not use sanding sugar)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
As with any cookie recipe, it pays to have some fantastic cookie-baking trays. They’re a great investment and help your cookie bake evenly. I always use silicone baking mats on top of my cookie tray, but you could use parchment paper if you want. This ensures the cookie won’t stick to the tray.
What To Serve With Frosted Anise Sugar Cookies
You can’t enjoy one of these cookies without some liquid refreshment. My kids enjoy them with a glass of ice-cold milk and I love the cookies with my coffee. They’re a very rich cookie with the frosting on top – like a cake. They’re part of a Christmas dessert tray that I serve after dinner. It’s become one of our favorite Christmas Eve traditions! They’re also a great homemade gift from your kitchen.
How To Make Frosted Anise Sugar Cookies For Christmas
Preheat the oven to 350ºF. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy – 5 to 7 minutes. Beat in the eggs and extracts.
In another bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder, and gradually beat into the creamed mixture.
Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart on a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat (or parchment paper). Bake for 8-10 minutes or until light brown. Remove from the pans to wire racks to cool completely.
To make the glaze, in a large bowl, mix the confectioner’s sugar, butter, vanilla, and enough of the milk to achieve a spreadable frosting. Use a knife to spread the frosting on top of the cookies. COOKIES MUST BE COOLED BEFORE FROSTING.
Sprinkle the tops with Christmas sprinkles and let them stand until set.
Christmas Frosted Anise Sugar Cookies

Soft and cakelike, these Frosted Anise Sugar Cookies have a distinct Christmas flavor. They're topped with homemade frosting and garnished with sprinkles for a festive look!
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Butter, softened
- 1 1/2 Cups Sugar
- 6 Large Eggs, Room Temperature
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 3/4 Teaspoon Anise Extract
- 3 1/2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 4 Teaspoons Baking Powder
For The Frosting:
- 3 Cups Confectioner's Sugar
- 4 Teaspoons Butter, Softened
- 3/4 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 to 1/3 Cup Whole Milk
- Garnish: Christmas Sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy - 5 to 7 minutes. Beat in the eggs and extracts.
- In another bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder, and gradually beat into the creamed mixture.
- Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart on a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat (or parchment paper). Bake for 8-10 minutes or until light brown. Remove from the pans to wire racks to cool completely.
- To make the glaze, in a large bowl, mix the confectioner's sugar, butter, vanilla, and enough of the milk to achieve a spreadable frosting. Use a knife to spread the frosting on top of the cookies. COOKIES MUST BE COOLED BEFORE FROSTING.
- Sprinkle the tops with Christmas sprinkles and let them stand until set.
Notes
- Store leftover cookies in an air-tight container. Do not stack your cookies. For the best freshness, enjoy within 3-4 days of baking.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 525Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 137mgSodium: 332mgCarbohydrates: 81gFiber: 1gSugar: 52gProtein: 7g
**Nutrition is calculated by a third party. Actual values may vary.