New Mexican Anise Cookies

By
Jessica Harlan
Jessica Harlan
Freelance food writer, trained chef, and kitchen equipment expert Jessica Harlan has written eight cookbooks on topics such as quinoa and ramen.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 07/19/19
New Mexican anise cookies (bizcochitos)

 The Spruce
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Total: 25 mins
Servings: 12 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
276 Calories
19g Fat
27g Carbs
1g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Amount per serving
Calories 276
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 19g 24%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 22mg 7%
Sodium 186mg 8%
Total Carbohydrate 27g 10%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Protein 1g
Calcium 58mg 4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

In Santa Fe, every household makes anise-flavored cookies called ​bizcochitos around Christmastime. Delicately, crumbly, and flavored with anise seed and cinnamon, the treats are delicious with a mug of hot chocolate.

Ingredients

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients and preheat oven to 350 F.

    New Mexican Anise Cookies (Bizcochitos) Recipe Ingredients
     The Spruce

  2. In a stand mixer or a bowl with a hand mixer, cream together the shortening and 3/4 cup of the sugar until smooth.

  3. Add the eggs and anise seed and mix well.

    New Mexican Anise Cookies (Bizcochitos) Recipe
     The Spruce

  4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to shortening mixture.

    New Mexican Anise Cookies (Bizcochitos) Recipe
     The Spruce

  5. Add enough water until dough clumps together, about 1/4 cup.

    New Mexican Anise Cookies (Bizcochitos) Recipe
    The Spruce 

  6. Turn the dough out onto an unfloured surface and roll it to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.

  7. Use a pizza cutter or a knife to cut the dough into diamond shapes. You can also cut out using a cookie cutter.

    New Mexican Anise Cookies (Bizcochitos) Recipe
     The Spruce

  8. In a small shallow bowl, combine 1/2 cup of sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.

  9. Dip the top of each bizcochito into the cinnamon-sugar mixture and place on an ungreased sheet pan.

  10. Bake for 10 minutes or until edges begin to turn golden. Do not overcook; you want them to be a little soft.

  11. If desired, sprinkle hot cookies with additional cinnamon sugar before transferring to a baking rack to cool.

    New Mexican Anise Cookies (Bizcochitos) Recipe
     The Spruce

  12. Serve and enjoy!

    New Mexican Anise Cookies (Bizcochitos) Recipe
     The Spruce