I am a third-generation American, so my Italian culture doesn’t always have the significance I wish it had in my life. My grandmother never taught my mom or my aunt to speak Italian, and many of the traditions my great-grandparents brought from Italy got lost as time went on and my grandmother fully immersed herself in American life. However, one of the only traditions my family continues to practice is making anginetti cookies every Christmas.
Since I can remember, my grandmother would invite my sister and me down to her house to listen to stories of her childhood and bake cookies with her. Although the recipe is simple, we only make them once a year as a reminder of our Italian heritage and as a tribute to my great-grandparents. These cookies are light and sweet and will certainly be a unique addition to your holiday menu. Making these cookies is one of my favorite traditions, so below I have shared my family’s recipe in the hopes that others can indulge in a little Italian culture and maybe start their own tradition this Christmas.
Anginetti Cookies
- Prep Time:30 mins
- Cook Time:15 mins
- Total Time:45 mins
- Servings:30
- Easy
- 2 sticks softened butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 6 eggs
- 1 tsp anise or vanilla
- 6 tsp baking powder
- 4 cups flour more if necessary
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup milk or water
- 1+ tsp anise flavor
Ingredients
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Step 1
Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
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Step 2
Cream butter with an electric or hand mixer. Add in sugar and eggs, then the anise/vanilla, baking powder, and salt. Then slowly add flour and mix until just combined. Knead the dough if necessary. Scoop teaspoon-sized cookie dough balls onto a baking sheet. Then, bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until the cookies are light brown on the bottom.
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Step 3
As the cookies are cooling, mix the confectioner's sugar, milk, or water, and anise flavor.
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Step 4
When cooled, dip cookies into the glaze and dip into a bowl of rainbow sprinkles. Enjoy!