Swiss Anise Christmas Cookies Recipe | Aline Made (2024)

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Anise Cookies are one of the most popular and beloved Swiss Christmas cookies! They have a unique flavor, are very crisp, yet have a soft core!

Swiss Anise Christmas Cookies Recipe | Aline Made (1)

In Switzerland, we call themChräbeli! They owe their name to their appearance, but they don’t differ in taste from German Anise Cookies. The only difference is the shape. So feel free to use this anise cookie dough recipe for either the Swiss or German version.

Swiss Anise Cookies (Chräbeli) have a half-moon shape and can be made with only a knife.

Swiss Anise Christmas Cookies Recipe | Aline Made (2)

German Anise Cookies (also known as Springerle) are cut-out cookies for which you need a specialSpringerle moldorcookie stampsto make the beautiful and very typical ornament.

Therefore, the Swiss version I am going to show you inthis recipe is much easier, faster, and no special equipment needed.

Unique Taste & Essential Oils

In terms of taste, anise cookies are truly unique. Not only do they have a flavorful anise taste, but letting the raw dough dry for 24 hours at room temperature before baking gives them a unique taste like no other cookies have.

If this is your first time making them, you must know that letting them dry for so long before baking is an essential step of this recipe and can’t be shortened nor skipped. It is also responsible for the typical “feet” they build once in the oven.

Swiss Anise Christmas Cookies Recipe | Aline Made (3)

To get the best out of anise seeds, I highly recommend toasting them slightly in a skillet and crushing them with a mortar afterward.

Why?Essential oils are released during those steps, which make for a beautiful anise flavor. You will smell it in your kitchen, I promise!

Anise Cookies Recipe

This step-by-step guide will help you along the way – definitely recommended if you’re a baking beginner!

The exact quantities and everything else you need to know for the recipe can be found in the recipe card below.

  • Toast the anise seeds for a few minutes in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant. Coarsely grind them in a mortar and set aside. → Those two steps enhance the anise flavor!
Swiss Anise Christmas Cookies Recipe | Aline Made (4)
  • Beat the eggs, powdered sugar, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer until white and fluffy (takes about 3-5 minutes).
  • Stir in anise seeds.
Swiss Anise Christmas Cookies Recipe | Aline Made (5)
  • Add flour and stir using a spatula until just combined.
Swiss Anise Christmas Cookies Recipe | Aline Made (6)
  • Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and form/roll the dough into ½-inch (1 ½ cm) thick rolls. → This is about the thickness of a finger.
  • Cut the rolls into 2-inch (5 cm) pieces. Make two cuts and shape them into a half-moon (see pictures in the blog post’s step-by-step instructions).
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  • Transfer to with parchment paper-lined baking sheets and let them dry at room temperature for 24 hours. → Don’t cover, and don’t leave at a place with a draft.
Swiss Anise Christmas Cookies Recipe | Aline Made (8)
  • Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the cookies in the lower third of the oven, with the oven door slightly ajar, for 15-20 minutes.→ Stick a wooden spoon between the oven and the door!
  • Remove from the oven, allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, and then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Recipe FAQ & Tips

How long do they stay fresh?They are best freshly baked. However, you can store them for at least one week in a cookie tin or airtight container at room temperature.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?Unfortunately, this dough can’t be made in advance! Once the dough is mixed together, you don’t want to lose any time shaping them.

Do you have Kirsch at home?Add two tablespoons of Kirsch to the dough (Step 4) and add a little more flour.

Do you prefer to cut out cookies (German Anise Cookies)?Place the dough on a floured surface and roll it out, using a rolling pin, to about ¼-inch (½ cm) thickness. Using a cookie cutter, cut the dough into shapes. Re-roll the remaining dough and continue cutting until all dough is used.

Swiss Anise Christmas Cookies Recipe | Aline Made (9)

More Christmas Cookie Recipes You’ll Love:

  • Vegan Sugar Cookies
  • Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
  • Almond Crescent Cookies (German Vanillekipferl)
  • Cinnamon Star Cookies (German Zimtsterne)→ these are gluten-free
  • Vegan Linzer Cookies

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📖 Recipe

Swiss Anise Christmas Cookies Recipe | Aline Made (10)

Swiss Anise Christmas Cookies

Anise Cookies are one of the most popular and beloved Swiss Christmas cookies! They have a unique flavor, are very crisp, yet have a soft core!

Author : Aline Cueni

4.92 from 12 votes

Click on the stars to leave a vote!

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Prep Time :45 minutes mins

Cook Time :15 minutes mins

Resting Time :1 day d

Total Time :1 day d 1 hour hr

Servings : 50 Cookies

Calories : 37kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

  • Toast the anise seeds for a few minutes in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant. Coarsely grind them in a mortar and set aside. → Those two steps enhance the anise flavor!

  • Beat the eggs, powdered sugar, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer until white and fluffy (takes about 3-5 minutes).

  • Stir in anise seeds.

  • Add flour and stir using a spatula until just combined.

  • Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and form/roll the dough into ½-inch (1 ½ cm) thick rolls. → This is about the thickness of a finger.

  • Cut the rolls into 2-inch (5 cm) pieces. Make two cuts and shape them into a half-moon (see pictures in the blog post's step-by-step instructions). Transfer to the lined baking sheets and let them dry at room temperature for 24 hours. → Don't cover, and don't leave at a place with a draft.

  • Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the cookies in the lower third of the oven, with the oven door slightly ajar, for 15-20 minutes.→ Stick a wooden spoon between the oven and the door!

  • Remove from the oven, allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, and then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

Do you have Kirsch at home? Add two tablespoons of Kirsch to the dough (Step 4) and add a little more flour.

Do you prefer to cut out cookies? Place the dough on a floured surface and roll it out, using a rolling pin, to about ¼-inch (½ cm) thickness. Using a cookie cutter, cut the dough into shapes. Re-roll the remaining dough and continue cutting until all dough is used.

Store: They stay fresh for quite a while if stored in a cookie tin at room temperature.

This dough can’t be made in advance! Once the dough is mixed together, you don’t want to lose any time shaping them.

Nutrition

Calories: 37kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 10mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg

Swiss Anise Christmas Cookies Recipe | Aline Made (15)

Aline Cueni

I’m a girl who loves to cook and bake delicious homemade food. Let me help you to incorporate more plant-based foods into everyday life! Vegetarian & vegan recipes can be anything but boring.

Swiss Anise Christmas Cookies Recipe | Aline Made (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular Christmas cookie every year? ›

Based on this data from General Mills, Peanut Butter Blossoms are the most popular Christmas cookie in the country; it's the most-visited cookie recipe in seven states, which means it's the most common favorite cookie in the U.S. That's a pretty high honor!

Where did anise cookies come from? ›

As the name connotes, these delicious anise-flavored cookies originated in Italy where they are considered seasonal treats, especially at Christmas celebrations or other festivities. They are round-ish tender cookies covered in glaze and colorful sprinkles.

What was the first Christmas cookie? ›

History. Modern Christmas cookies can trace their history to recipes from Medieval Europe biscuits, when many modern ingredients such as cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, almonds and dried fruit were introduced into the west.

Why do people bake cookies on Christmas? ›

At a time when most families were not that well off, people started making cookies and sweets as a way to share gifts during the medieval Christmas season. Christmas in many cultures was a time of visiting friends and family. Since it was cold outside and the ground was hard and frozen solid, farming was not an option.

What is the 1 cookie in the world? ›

Oreo is the best-selling cookie in the world. It is now sold in over 100 countries. Oreo was first produced in 1912 by the National Biscuit Company, now known as Na-Bis-Co.

What is the least popular Christmas cookie? ›

On the naughty list of cookies, Americans gave the lowest win records to anise cookies, which only won 29% of its matchups.

Why is star anise so expensive? ›

Moreover, in China, star anise was a currency to pay taxes. The value of star anise is also due to its virtues. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine. In India, it is used as incense, imagine the sweet smell of aniseed in your home.

Why is anise so good? ›

Eating foods rich in iron, like anise seed, can keep your blood healthy and reduce your risk of iron deficiency anemia. Several studies have shown that anise seed can reduce the symptoms of clinical depression. In mice, anise relieved symptoms of depression as effectively as two commonly used antidepressants.

What is the difference between anise and star anise? ›

Their similar licorice-like flavor makes these two natural substitutes for each other. However, because star anise has a much stronger flavor, you'll need to halve the amount when substituting it for anise seed. Likewise, use twice as much anise seed when substituting for star anise.

What Hallmark movie was the cookie recipe stolen? ›

Annie faces her first obstacle as CEO of Cooper's Cookies when grandma's secret recipe is stolen. While investigating the theft, she works with local baker Sam to recreate the beloved recipe.

What cookie was not invented until 1938? ›

I bet you didn't know that the American classic dessert, the chocolate chip cookie, wasn't invented until 1938. The chocolate chip cookie was created by Framingham State University alumna, Ruth Graves Wakefield in Whitman, Massachusetts at the Toll House Inn.

What country invented Christmas cookies? ›

The First Christmas Cookies

Those who would like to take credit for the invention of the Christmas cookie will have to arm wrestle the Germans for it. They believe that Weihnachtsplätzchen, a term that refers specifically to cookies and broadly to holiday treats, encompasses the origin of Christmas baking.

What is the symbol of Christmas cookies? ›

For so many around the world, cookies symbolize that spirit of giving. In all shapes and flavors, they're a bite-size emblem for generosity, solidarity, and seasonal joy. Here is the recipe for the first recorded American Christmas cookie.

Do you decorate Christmas cookies before baking? ›

If you're making unfrosted cookies like shortbread or drop cookies, sprinkle the sugar on before baking. If you're icing the cookies, bake them, then decorate, and then shake the sugar on while the icing is still wet.

Do you decorate Christmas cookies before or after baking? ›

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating. I like to decorate cookies directly on baking sheets so I can stick the entire baking sheet in the refrigerator to help set the icing. So place the cooled cookies back on baking sheets.

What is America's favorite Christmas cookies? ›

Speaking of holiday baking, nearly half of the country has a favorite Christmas cookie. Among those who can make a single choice, frosted sugar cookies lead the list (32%), with gingerbread (12%) and chocolate chip (11%) rounding out the top three.

What is the #1 cookie in the US? ›

Nearly 93% of all American households serve and enjoy cookies as treats or after meals. However, it's the chocolate chip cookie that's the most popular in the U.S. and around the world. How much do youknow about chocolate chip cookies?

What is the #1 cookie in the United States? ›

1 Chocolate Chip Cookie (No Further Description Necessary)

America's favorite cookie and the one dubbed “the American cookie” is the Chocolate chip cookie.

What is Santa Claus's favorite cookie? ›

Chocolate Chip cookies

You can never go wrong with these classic, delicious cookies. Santa himself lists these as his favorites, and he prefers them soft and gooey with lots of chocolate chips. If you decide to leave these out for him, make sure there's a glass of cold milk nearby!

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