Ingredients
Ingredients for the hot star anise water:
- 1 teaspoon star anise seeds
- 1/2 cup water
Ingredients for the cookies:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup hot star anise water
- 3 1/4 cups flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons ground anise
- 1 tablespoon anise seeds
- 1 cup olive oil, (or 1 cup olive oil and 1 cup butter)
- sesame seeds, for dipping
Method
- To make star anise water: Combine 1/2 cup water with 1 teaspoon star anise seeds in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then let steep for 5 minutes before using.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly brush a baking sheet with oil.
- Dissolve sugar: In a small bowl, mix the sugar and hot star anise water until the sugar is completely dissolved. Set aside.
- Make the dough: In another large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, vanilla, ground anise, anise seeds, and olive oil. Mix until well combined.
- Add anise water: Pour in the sugar-anise water mixture and knead until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels sticky, add extra flour a little at a time until smooth.
- Shape the cookies: Divide the dough into small equal-sized balls. Roll each ball into a 2-inch rope and shape into a ring (like the letter “O”). Press ends together to seal.
- Add sesame seeds: Dip one side of each cookie into sesame seeds, if using, and place them seed-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cookies are pale golden. They will be soft when done but will crisp as they cool. Avoid overbaking.
- Cool and serve: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet, then serve with hot tea.