Italian Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon anise seed
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the 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 almond extract and anise seed. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips.
4. Drop cookie dough by rounded spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Interesting Facts

• Anise seed has a sweet, licorice-like flavor.
• Almond extract adds a subtle nutty flavor to the cookies.
• Semisweet chocolate chips are a classic addition to these cookies.