Bizcochitos

Name: Bizcochitos
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 50 - 60
Ingredients: 1/2 c. plus 2 tbsp. granulated sugar, divided; 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon; 1 c. (2 sticks) butter, softened to room temperature, or lard; 1 1/2 tsp. anise seeds, crushed; 1 large egg; 3 c. all-purpose flour, plus more for surface; 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder; 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; 1/4 c. brandy or sweet white wine

By Lena AbrahamUpdated: Sep 16, 2022

Approved by the Delish Test Kitchen

1 Rating

PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER PHOTOGRAPHY; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Yields:

50 - 60

Prep Time:

35 mins

Total Time:

50 mins

Jump to recipe

These anise and cinnamon cookies have been a staple on my family's holiday cookie plate for as long as I can remember. Not only were these cookies developed in New Mexico, they're the official state cookie! (And the first state cookie ever, at that.)

Though these cookies vary a bit in style depending where you are in the state, typically they are made with lard or butter, then cut into flower, star, or moon shapes. Although lard is traditionally used in these cookies, it's not something everyone has on hand, so we included the option for butter in this recipe. It will still give that delicious tender crumb, but if you're going for the most traditional flavor and texture possible, we have to recommend opting for the lard!

One of the most signature aspects of these holiday cookies is the warming spices. The anise seeds are crucial for that delicate floral licorice-y flavor, as is a dusting of cinnamon-sugar for some classic holiday flavor and added sweetness. Tip: the best way to crush anise seeds is with a mortar & pestle, but if you don't have one, a coffee mug and the end of a wooden spoon handle should do the trick. If you have a spice grinder, you can also try that!

We love a white wine or brandy in this recipe for the added sweetness. Some call for rum, pineapple or apple juice, but the most important thing is that it must be sweet. As far as the design, it's really up to you how you would like your cookies to look! We opted for cinnamon-sugar stars, but you can do flowers, a moon shape or a fleur de lis. Whatever you choose, the end result will be the star of your cookie table.

Made these? Let us know how it went in the comment section below!

Editor's Note: The introduction to this recipe was updated on September 9, 2022 to include more information about the dish.

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Ingredients

1/2 cup
plus 2 tbsp. granulated sugar, divided
1/4 tsp.
ground cinnamon
1 cup
(2 sticks) butter, softened to room temperature, or lard
1 1/2 tsp.
anise seeds, crushed
1
large egg
3 cups
all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
1 1/2 tsp.
baking powder
1/2 tsp.
kosher salt
1/4 cup
brandy or sweet white wine

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat oven to 350° and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons sugar and cinnamon.
2. Step 2Combine butter or lard, remaining sugar, and anise seeds in a medium bowl. Using a whisk or hand mixer, beat until mixture is light and creamy, 3 to 4 minutes. Add egg and beat until fully combined.
3. Step 3Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl, then whisk to combine. Add half the flour mixture to bowl and fold until combined, then add half the brandy and stir to combine. Repeat process so that all dry ingredients and brandy are incorporated.
4. Step 4On a clean, lightly floured surface, roll out dough until it is ¼” thick. Cut into preferred shapes and transfer to prepared baking sheet.
5. Step 5Sprinkle cookies with prepared cinnamon sugar and bake until bottoms are golden, 10 to 14 minutes.