anise cookies (springerle)

Ingredients

• Servings: 50
• 4 eggs
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 4 1/2 cups cake flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 4 drops anise oil

Recipe

• in a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until very light and fluffy. stir in the anise oil and lemon zest. add the flour and baking powder; mix until well blended. cover and chill dough for 3 to 4 hours.
• on a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 to 1/8 inch thickness. use a springerle rolling pin or board to make the designs. cut into 1 1/2 inch rectangles, place a cookie sheet, and let them sit out overnight, uncovered, in a cool dry place.
• the next morning, preheat the oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). bake the cookies for 15 to 20 minutes. do not let the cookies brown. allow cookies to cool, and store in an airtight tin for 1 week to blend the flavors.