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Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 10 Minutes |
Ready In: 40 Minutes Servings: 36 |
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Years ago, my German neighbor made similar cookies and hung them on her Christmas tree for the neighbor kids to eat. I finally came up with my own recipe and have been very pleased with the results. Ingredients:
2/3 cup butter, softened |
1 cup sugar |
2 eggs |
1 tablespoon aniseed |
2 teaspoons anise extract |
2-1/2 cups king arthur unbleached 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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
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