Anise Cookies IV

Recipe View Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Ensure the rack is in the center position. (5 minutes)

Recipe View In a large mixing bowl, cream together the vegetable shortening and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This may take 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the anise extract until evenly incorporated. (8 minutes)

Recipe View In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. The dough should be soft, but not sticky. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Lightly dust your hands with flour. Scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough and gently roll them into smooth balls. Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The cookies should be set, but still slightly soft in the center. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Once the cookies are completely cool, you can frost them with a simple glaze or enjoy them plain. A dusting of powdered sugar also makes a lovely presentation. (20 minutes)