Italian Anise Cookies

"These cute little Italian anise cookies are a traditional recipe topped with a glaze and nonpareils. Prepared with simple ingredients from the pantry, these little balls livened up with anise flavor will become your favorite. Anise cookies are often prepared by the Nonna, the Italian grandmother from a family recipe, during the Christmas season but these are delicious all year round. Traditionally baked on December 22 or December 23 right before Christmas but would be amazing at a picnic or summer gathering too. "