This is my most favorite cookie in whole wide world.
I was taught how to make this cookie from the womb.
Most families have their recipe, this one is mine.
4 cups Flour
2 teaspoon Baking powder
1 ½ cups Sugar
1 ½ cups Shortening
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 tablespoon Anise seed
2 Eggs
¼ cup Orange Juice
First sift together Flour and Baking powder in a medium bowl then in a large bowl cream together the Sugar and Shortening after a minute add the Vanilla, Anise and Eggs. Using a wood spoon, stir in Sifted Flour and Orange juice a little at a time. You'll have to eventually use your hands to mix the rest. It will be thick and flaky. Roll out the dough about a ½" thick and cut with cookie cutters of your choice, traditionally we used a round glass.
Lay out the cut cookie dough on a non-stick baking sheet 1" apart and bake in a preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes at 350°, when done immediately sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
Enjoy and Merry Christmas.
