Description
Lebanese Anise Cookies, or ‘Kaak bi Yansoon,’ are soft, aromatic cookies flavored with anise and often topped with sesame seeds. A traditional treat in Lebanese homes, they pair perfectly with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp ground anise seeds (or crushed whole seeds)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Sesame seeds for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and ground anise seeds.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until light and creamy.
- Add oil (or melted butter), milk, and vanilla extract if using. Mix well.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients to form a soft, pliable dough.
- Let the dough rest for 10–15 minutes.
- Shape dough into rings, ovals, or logs.
- Place cookies on the baking sheet and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until lightly golden on the edges.
- Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Use ground anise for a more evenly distributed flavor, or lightly crush whole seeds.Add citrus zest for a fresh twist.Bake longer if you prefer crispier cookies.Drizzle with a light sugar glaze for added sweetness.To maintain softness, store cookies with a slice of bread in the container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
