Glazed Anise Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon aniseed
• 2 teaspoons anise extract
• 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• GLAZE:
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup hot water
• 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon anise extract
• Paste food coloring, optional
• 2-1/2 to 3 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions

• In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in aniseed and extract. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with floured 2-1/2-in. cookie cutters. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.Bake 375° for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.
• In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, water and cream of tartar; bring to a boil over low heat. Cook and stir until a candy thermometer reads 226° (thread stage). Cool to 110° (do not stir). Stir in the extract, food coloring if desired and enough confectioners' sugar to achieve spreading consistency. Spread over cookies. Yield: about 6 dozen.

Glazed Anise Cookies published in Best of Country Cookies , p46