GLAZED ANISE COOKIES

Glazed Anise Cookies image

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.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 40m

Yield about 6 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

2/3 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon aniseed
2 teaspoons anise extract
2-1/2 cups 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

Steps:

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. , 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. , 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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 165 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 21mg cholesterol, Sodium 82mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (24g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.