Every Christmas, I love to make a few “just because” treats for my husband and sons—something cozy, homemade, and filled with love. When I came across this Anise Seed Cookie Mix, I wasn’t sure what to think. My husband loves black licorice. Me? Not so much. I’m one of those people who will try one piece every couple of years just to remind myself that I don’t actually like it.
So, when I made these cookies for him, I expected to bake a batch, sneak a taste, and hand the rest over. But oh, was I wrong.
These cookies surprised me in the best way! The anise seed flavor gives them that faintly sweet, fragrant, licorice-like taste—but instead of being overwhelming, it’s soft and balanced, blending beautifully with the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The result is a cookie that tastes different in the most wonderful way.
A Cookie with a Twist
What I love most about this recipe (besides the flavor) is how easy it is. You don’t have to roll and cut dozens of cookies one by one—just roll the dough into two long logs, bake them, and slice diagonally. The result looks elegant, a little bit fancy, and tastes like something straight out of a European bakery.
They’re perfect for tea time, holiday gifts, or an afternoon pick-me-up with a warm mug of cocoa. And since the cookie mix fits right into a mason jar, it’s an adorable (and delicious) DIY gift idea.
Mason Jar Anise Seed Cookie Mix
Prep Time: 10 min
Bake Time: 8–10 min
Makes: About 2 dozen cookies
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups flour
- ¼ cup walnuts
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp anise seed
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup soft butter
- 1 egg
To Make the Jar Mix:
Layer the dry ingredients in a 1-quart mason jar in this order: walnuts, flour, anise seed, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and brown sugar. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.
To Bake:
- While warm, cut diagonally into strips and let cool on the pan.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, beat together egg and soft butter.
- Add the sugars from the jar and mix well.
- Gradually stir in the remaining dry ingredients from the jar until combined.
- Divide dough into two equal parts.
- Roll each into a 15-inch log and place on a cookie sheet. Flatten slightly.
- Bake 8–10 minutes, or until tops are lightly browned.
A Sweet and Fragrant Surprise
These cookies are delightfully crisp on the outside and tender inside, with that signature hint of licorice from the anise seed. Even if you’re not normally a licorice fan (like me!), don’t skip this one—it’s subtle, nostalgic, and just plain delicious.
They’re the kind of cookies that make your kitchen smell amazing and your family ask, “What’s that wonderful scent?”
So go ahead—make a few jars, tie them with ribbon, and share the warmth. You might just find yourself falling in love with anise, one fragrant bite at a time.
Anise-Seed-Cookie-Mix-Recipe-Card
English