Name: Anise Sesame Cookies
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 4 hr (includes chilling)
Yield: Makes about 3 dozen
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon whole anise seeds; 2 tablespoons boiling-hot water; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/8 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened; 2/3 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup sesame seeds, lightly toasted; a 2 1/2-inch fluted round cookie cutter

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Anise Sesame CookiesMikkel Vang

The pleasant bite of anise gives these beautiful cookies a grown-up appeal. This recipe is from Mary McAvoy of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, who has been baking since she was ten years old.

Cooks' note:

Cookies keep, layered between sheets of wax paper or parchment, in an airtight container at room temperature 1 week.

Recipe notes

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