Angelonies Recipe - Italian Anise Cookies

Description

 * Batch will make about 55 Cookies.

Cookie
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.
 * 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

Frosting
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.
 * 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).

Directions

 * 1) Preheat the oven at 350 °F.
 * 2) Melt shortening and butter in a pot. Allow pot to cool before adding to additional ingredients.
 * 3) Mix eggs, sugar, anise, lemon and vanilla extracts into a large bowl.
 * 4) Pour cooled, melted shortening and butter into the large bowl of ingredients.
 * 5) In a separate bowl mix flour, baking powder and baking soda.
 * 6) Begin to add the flour mixture into the sugar mixture a little at a time.
 * 7) Mix well until it begins to create a soft dough.
 * 8) 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).
 * 9) Bake for 15 minutes, 20 if you have made them larger. They should not brown on top.
 * 10) While cookies are baking, begin mixing your frosting mixture.
 * 11) Once the 15/20 minutes are up, dip the warm cookies into the frosting mixture. I dip twice until completely covered.
 * 12) Add sprinkles
 * 13) Allow to cool before serving. Or, if you have a hangry boyfriend/husband, eat while still warm!

Buon appetito!! Enjoy!