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Amy's Global Kitchen Recipes's avatarAmy's Global Kitchen Recipes

Anise-Almond S Cookies with Icing

Popular in many Italian and Sicilian-inspired households, they are especially loved during festive seasons and family gatherings. Each bite carries a comforting aroma of old-world baking, making them a cherished treat passed down through generations.
Print Recipe
Servings: 20 Cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Italian, Southern
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 200  g All-purpose flour
  • 100  g Sugar
  • 60  g Unsalted butter softened
  • 1 Large egg
  • 1 tsp Anise or almond extract
  • ½ tsp Baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 100  g Powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp Milk or water for a lighter glaze
  • ½ tsp Vanilla extract optional
  • Sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration

Equipment

  • Oven 350℉ or 180℃

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 180 °C (350 °F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper
  2. Cream butter and sugar together until smooth. Beat in the egg, anise or almond extract.
  3. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft, pliable dough forms.
  4. Divide dough into ~20 pieces. Roll each into a thin rope (~10 cm long) and form into S-shapes. Place on the baking tray with some space between each cookie.
  5. Bake 12–15 minutes, until lightly golden on the edges (don’t overbake—these stay soft inside). Cool on a wire rack.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar with 1–2 tbsp milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle or spread icing over cooled cookies.
  7. Immediately sprinkle with colorful sprinkles before the icing sets.
  8. Allow icing to harden for ~30 minutes. Store in an airtight container.

Notes

Tips:
  • For a stiffer icing (good for piping), use less milk—about 1 tbsp.
  • Pairing the anise flavor with bright sprinkles creates a cheerful, festive St. Joseph’s Day look.
  • You can also gently dip one half of each cookie into the icing for a “half-coated” effect.