Glazed lemon and anise cookies

Lemon and Anise Glazed Cookies - A Sweet Tradition for St. Nicholas

St. Nicholas is approaching, and the excitement is in the air! It's the perfect time to welcome our guests with something special, and the lemon and anise cookies, glazed with love, are the ideal choice. These cookies are not just a delicious treat but also a tradition that brings us together around the table. Let's see how we can create the magic of these tender and fragrant cookies!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 30-32 minutes
Number of servings: 50 cookies

Ingredients:
- 120 g margarine (at room temperature)
- 50 g powdered sugar
- 20 g vanilla bean powdered sugar
- 180 g flour
- Zest of one lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 pinch of baking soda
- ½ teaspoon powdered anise

For the glaze:
- 120 g powdered sugar
- 4-5 tablespoons lemon juice
- Red food coloring
- Green food coloring
- Decorative candies

The story behind the recipe:
Lemon and anise cookies are a symbol of the holidays, reminding us of childhood and moments spent with family. Their fresh aroma and the slightly spicy taste of anise encourage us to enjoy every bite. Over time, these cookies have been made with love, often decorated with bright colors to bring smiles to the faces of loved ones.

Step by step for perfect cookies:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by taking the margarine out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start cooking to soften. Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand for efficient work.

2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, add the softened margarine, plain powdered sugar, and vanilla bean powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer or spatula to combine the ingredients until you achieve a creamy and smooth mixture. This is the sweet base of your cookies.

3. Add the flavors: Incorporate the lemon juice, lemon zest, and baking soda. These ingredients will bring a fresh taste and a slightly fluffy texture. Finally, add the powdered anise. Mix well so that the flavors combine harmoniously.

4. Incorporate the flour: Sift the flour into the bowl gradually, mixing by hand. You will notice how the dough becomes increasingly compact and non-sticky. Continue mixing until all the ingredients are well integrated and the dough becomes easy to work with.

5. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and leave it in the fridge for 15 minutes. This step is important to give the dough a firmer consistency, making it easier to roll out.

6. Form the cookies: On a floured work surface, break off small pieces of dough and roll each piece into a thin sheet. Use your favorite shapes to cut out the cookies, keeping in mind that they are prepared for St. Nicholas. You can opt for Christmas trees, stars, little boots, and bells.

7. Baking: Place the cut cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to allow for expansion. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium temperature) and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until they turn slightly golden. Be careful, they should not become too browned; we want them to remain tender.

8. Cooling: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a rack. This will allow air to circulate, keeping the cookies crisp.

9. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with lemon juice until you get a slightly runny paste. Divide the glaze into two portions, coloring one with red food coloring and the other with green. This will add a cheerful look to your cookies!

10. Decorating: Using a teaspoon, spread the glaze on the cookies. Be creative! You can add colorful candies, coconut, or any other favorite decorations. Let the glaze dry before storing them.

11. Serving: Lemon and anise cookies are perfect alongside a cup of hot tea! You can try green tea, mint tea, or even fruit tea, which will complement the sweet flavors of the cookies.

Practical tips:
- Ensure the margarine is at room temperature to incorporate better into the mix.
- You can substitute anise with other spices, such as cinnamon or ginger, for different flavors.
- If you want less sweet cookies, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the dough.
- Store the cookies best in an airtight container at room temperature, where they can last up to a week.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can use butter, but make sure it is at room temperature for even mixing.
2. How can I revert to a vegan recipe?
You can use vegan margarine and ensure that the powdered sugar does not contain non-vegan ingredients.

Conclusion:
These lemon and anise glazed cookies are not just a sweet delight but also an opportunity to create beautiful memories with loved ones. Try making them for St. Nicholas or any other special occasion! I hope they bring smiles and joy, just as each bite brings us! Enjoy!