Ingredients and Weight:
- Plain flour: 2 cups (250 grams)
- Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks) softened
- Dark brown sugar: 1 cup (packed)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Ground anise seed: 1 tablespoon
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Walnuts or almonds (chopped): 1/2 cup (optional)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the ground anise seed.
- Mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
- Add the chopped walnuts or almonds if using.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, leaving enough space for spreading.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Each cookie contains approximately 150 calories depending on the size of the cookie and the ingredients used.
- Fat: The fat content will depend on the type of butter used.
- Carbohydrates: A good source of complex carbohydrates due to the flour and sugar content.
- Protein: Provided by the eggs and nuts (if used).
Dish Characteristics:
- These cookies have a unique flavor from the anise seed, which gives them a slightly licorice-like taste.
- The cookies are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them enjoyable to eat.
- They are perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.
User Comments:
- "These cookies have a unique flavor that I really enjoy. The anise seed gives them a nice licorice taste." - John Doe
- "I added chopped almonds to the dough and it gave the cookies a nice crunchy texture." - Jane Smith
- "These cookies are perfect for serving with coffee or tea during the holidays." - Michael Johnson
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to use softened butter and not melted butter for the best results.
- If using walnuts or almonds, make sure they are chopped into small pieces to prevent uneven baking.
- These cookies spread during baking, so leave enough space on the baking sheet for them to spread out evenly.