Bizcochito cookies are traditional sweet treats, flavored with cinnamon and anise for a warm, nostalgic taste. These cookies are crisp on the edges, tender inside, and dusted with sugar and cinnamon for extra sweetness. This easy recipe brings the beloved flavor of New Mexican cookies to your kitchen, perfect for holidays or everyday indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Traditional cinnamon and anise flavor
- Crispy edges with a tender center
- Perfect for holiday or everyday treats
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Easy to bake and share with friends or family
Ingredients

- 2¾ cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground anise (or 1 teaspoon anise extract)
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract optional
- Additional sugar and cinnamon for rolling
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and anise.
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until dough comes together.
- Scoop dough and roll into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Mix additional sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll each dough ball in the mixture.
- Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass or fork.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Tips & Variations
- Chill dough for 15–20 minutes for easier handling
- Use anise extract if you don’t have ground anise
- Roll in cinnamon sugar generously for extra flavor
- Add finely chopped nuts for texture
- Store baked cookies in a single layer for best crispness
- Perfectly pairs with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week
- Keep in a cool, dry place to maintain crispness
- Freeze unbaked dough for up to 1 month
- Thaw dough overnight before baking
- Do not stack iced or sugared cookies until fully cooled
Serving & Pairing Ideas

- Serve with a cup of coffee, chai, or hot chocolate
- Arrange on a holiday cookie platter for gifting
- Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top for visual appeal
- Pair with cream or milk for a comforting snack
- Ideal for brunch or dessert trays
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they will still be delicious with only cinnamon, but anise adds the traditional flavor.
How do I keep them crisp?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature in a single layer.
Can I make dough ahead?
Yes, dough can be chilled for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
Bake until edges are golden; the center will firm up as they cool.
Ready to Make It?
Bizcochito cookies are a perfect combination of sweet, cinnamon-spiced flavor and crisp-tender texture. Save this recipe, share it with loved ones, or enjoy a cozy snack any time.
You Might Also Like
- Cherry Pie Cookies – Bite‑sized cookies with classic pie flavor.
- One Bowl Brownies – Rich chocolate brownies with minimal cleanup.
- Chocolate Bark with Nuts and Fruit – Simple sweet treat with crunch and color.
- Raspberry Chocolate Lava Cupcakes – Individual desserts with a molten center.
Bizcochito Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bizcochito cookies are traditional New Mexican cookies flavored with cinnamon and anise for crisp, tender, sweet, and aromatic treats.
Ingredients
2¾ cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground anise or 1 teaspoon anise extract
1 cup unsalted butter softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract optional
Additional sugar and cinnamon for rolling
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. Whisk dry ingredients
3. Cream butter and sugar
4. Beat in egg and extracts
5. Add dry ingredients
6. Scoop dough into balls
7. Roll in sugar cinnamon
8. Place on baking sheets
9. Flatten slightly
10. Bake 12–15 minutes
11. Cool on sheets then transfer
Notes
Chill dough for easier handling
Use anise extract if no ground anise
Roll generously in cinnamon sugar
Store in single layer
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg