Fennel (Anise) Seed Cookies

I have had this recipe for a long time, don't know where it came from. These are spicy shortbread cookies.

Cook Time: 10 Minutes Total Time: 2 Hours 45 Minutes, makes about 3 dozen cookies

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt

2 tsp freshly ground fennel (anise) seeds (grind coarsely with a mortar and pestle)

1/2 cup butter or stick margarin

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1) Soften butter or margarine in a microwave on low power.

2) In a medium bowl, combined softened shortening, ground fennel seeds, and salt. Blend in sugar and egg,

3) Stir in the flour and baking powder until just combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours.

4) Set racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat to 375 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls; arrange balls evenly on each baking sheet and gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a small glass or the back of a spoon.

5) Bake the cookies for 10 minutes, until slightly browned on bottom. Cool the cookies on the pans for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Repeat with remaining cookie dough. Store the cookies in an air-tight container.

Note: Be sure to make these cookies a few hours ahead of time because the dough needs to chill in the refrigerator.

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