Star Anise-Honey Cookies

Name: Star Anise-Honey Cookies
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 dozen.
Ingredients: 1 cup sugar; 1 cup honey; 3 large eggs; 5 cups all-purpose flour; 2-1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground star anise

When I was growing up, my mother made many desserts and pastries with anise. Today, I continue the tradition with these cookies, which are flavorful and great for decorating in a variety of ways.—Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1 cup honey
3 large eggs
5 cups all-purpose flour
2-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground star anise

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, beat sugar and honey until blended. Beat in eggs. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda and star anise; gradually beat into sugar mixture.
Divide dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 1-1/2-in. star-shaped cookie cutter. Place 1 in. apart on greased baking sheets.
Bake 4-6 minutes or until edges are light brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Editor's Note: To make 1 teaspoon ground star anise, grind 2-3 whole star anise (or 2 teaspoons broken star anise points) using a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle until fine.

Originally published as HONEY ANISE COOKIES in Cookies & Candies 2014 Bookazine