Fran's Anise Cookies

It's not officially the holidays in my house until you've enjoyed a homemade cookie with a hot cup of tea (preferably in front of a fireplace or a twinkle-lit tree). One of my favorites growing up was my grandma's anise cookies. Anise is similar in flavor to licorice or fennel even though these ingredients are all derived from different plants. I would say it's more subtle and on the floral side so if you're one of those licorice haters, don't count this cookie out just yet...

These cookies are firm and crunchy texture, making it perfect to enjoy with a hot beverage (think biscotti but in cookie-form). I love these because they're only slightly sweet and the unique flavor of the anise makes them realllyyy addicting. In a pinch, you can substitute fennel seeds, but keep in mind that it has a more mild flavor so I would possibly add 2 full tsp.

Fran's Anise Cookies

makes about 24 cookies

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temp
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
1 and 1/2 tsp anise seeds, crushed (I used the back of a spoon to crush mine or you can use a mortar and pestle)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 and 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. In a mixing bowl with paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla and mix just until combined.

3. Add flour, salt, baking powder, and crushed anise seeds and mix well. Roll into 1-inch ball and press lightly with a fork in a hashtag pattern. Bake 15-20 min or until the outter edges are slighty brown.