Italian cookie knots

Italian cookie knots are sweet knotted cookies with a key flavoring of anise. They are airy, yet packed with flavor. They are also topped with a sweet frosting mixture. Additionally, sprinkles are added for extra texture or as my family likes to call them, “Jimmies.” 

These cookies are a tradition in my family that my dad always makes around Christmas time. My dad comes from a strong Italian background, and for that reason, my family is very strongly rooted in our Italian heritage. With that, we have always been big fans of fine Italian meals and desserts. 

This recipe has been passed down for years and my dad ensures to carry on the appreciation for these traditional holiday treats every single year. These cookies add to the sweetness of the holiday season and are nothing short of delicious. 

The ingredients that you will need include:

• Two cups of flour
• Two teaspoons of baking powder
• Half a teaspoon of salt
• One cup of sugar
• Three eggs
• Two teaspoons of vanilla
• Three tablespoons of anise
• Half a cup of margarine
• Two cups of powdered sugar
• Two tablespoons of water
• Rainbow sprinkles (“Jimmies”)
• Any oil spray to spray cookie sheet

Recipe:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Take one bowl and mix together the following ingredients:
   1. Two cups of flour
   2. Two teaspoons of baking powder
   3. Half a teaspoon of salt
   4. One cup of sugar
3. Take another bowl and mix the following ingredients:
   1. Three (well beaten) eggs
   2. Two teaspoons of vanilla
   3. Three tablespoons of anise
4. Combine the mixtures from steps one and two.
5. Melt half a cup of margarine and add to the mixture.
6. Roll out the batter using a roller and take one piece of batter at a time and form it into a knot.
7. Once you have all your knotted cookies, place them on a cookie sheet (make sure to spray the sheet first)  and bake for 10-15 minutes.

Topping mix

1. Take a new bowl and mix together these ingredients:
   1. 2 cups of powdered sugar
   2. 2 tablespoons of cold water
2. Mix until the frosting mix is nice and thick.
3. Add some rainbow sprinkles, or “Jimmies.”
4. Once the cookies are done baking, pour the frosting mixture over the cookies while they are still warm so that the frosting melts right into the cookies.

These Italian cookies are perfect to bake around the holiday season to spread some extra cheer and sweetness. Enjoy, or as we say in Italian, “Mangi.”