Italian Anise Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon anise extract
• 2 tablespoons anise seed
• 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the anise extract. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture. Mix in the anise seed and chopped almonds.
4. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Interesting Facts

• Anise has been used in Italian cooking as a flavoring for centuries.
• Anise is a licorice-flavored spice that comes from the anise plant, which is a member of the parsley family.
• Anise is used in many Italian recipes, such as biscotti and pizzelle.
• These cookies are perfect for gatherings such as Christmas or Easter, as they are light and not overly sweet.