Angelonies Recipe - Italian Anise Cookies

==Description==
* Batch will make about 55 Cookies.
==Ingredients==
=== Cookie ===
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter
* 1/2 cup shortening
* 1 1/2 cup sugar
* 4 eggs, beaten until fluffy and bubbly
* 1 tsp. anise extract
* 1 tsp. lemon extract
* 1 tsp. vanilla extract
* 4 cups flour
* 2 tsp. baking powder
* 1/2 tsp. baking soda
Note: Depending on preference, you may use all butter (1 cup), all shortening (1 cup) or half and half. I prefer half and half so the cookies have a cake like texture and yet are still flavorful.
=== Frosting ===
* 1 cup confectioner's sugar
* 3 tbsp. milk
* 1 tsp. anise extract
* Nonpareils sprinkles (Multi-color are traditional, but if you can find red and green for Christmas that works too).
Note: You will need more frosting for the whole batch of cookies. I usually will make 2 cups of confectioners sugar and a tsp of anise per cup for the entire batch. It really depends on how much of the anise flavor you want to come through.
==Directions==
# Preheat the oven at 350 °F.
# Melt shortening and butter in a pot. Allow pot to cool before adding to additional ingredients.
# Mix eggs, sugar, anise, lemon and vanilla extracts into a large bowl.
# Pour cooled, melted shortening and butter into the large bowl of ingredients.
# In a separate bowl mix flour, baking powder and baking soda.
# Begin to add the flour mixture into the sugar mixture a little at a time.
# Mix well until it begins to create a soft dough.
# Place a spoonful of dough onto a cookie sheet. I like to roll the spoonful of dough into a ball and place on a shortening greased cookie sheet. (You may also you parchment paper rather than greasing the cookie sheet).
# Bake for 15 minutes, 20 if you have made them larger. They should not brown on top.
# While cookies are baking, begin mixing your frosting mixture.
# Once the 15/20 minutes are up, dip the warm cookies into the frosting mixture. I dip twice until completely covered.
# Add sprinkles
# Allow to cool before serving. Or, if you have a hangry boyfriend/husband, eat while still warm!
Buon appetito!! Enjoy!
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Category:Cookie Recipes
Category:Holiday cookie Recipes
Category:Christmas Cookies
Category:Italian Desserts
Category:Easter Desserts
Category:Anise extract Recipes
Category:Lemon extract Recipes
Category:Vanilla extract Recipes