Frosted Italian Anise Bread: 7 Ways to Delight Your Palate

A tender and fluffy bread infused with warm spices and sweet anise, topped with a delightful frosting and festive nonpareils.

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In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Whisk together until well blended.
In a small saucepan, warm the milk and anise extract over low heat until it reaches about 110°F.
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, pour in the warmed milk mixture, and swirl together with your clean hand until combined.
Mix in the butter and eggs, one at a time, then gradually mix in the remaining flour until the dough begins to pull together.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until soft but elastic, about 8 minutes. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 10 minutes.
Cut the dough into halves, roll each piece into a ball, then shape into two long pieces about 18 to 20 inches long. Pinch the top ends together, twist, and form into a ring, pinching the bottom ends.
Place the loaf on a greased baking sheet, cover with a damp towel, and allow it to rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Brush the beaten egg over the loaf and bake until golden, about 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
Once baked, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a small bowl, combine all frosting ingredients and drizzle over the cooled loaf.
Immediately sprinkle with nonpareils and let the frosting set before slicing.