23 Days of Hoilday Cookies: Orange Anise Cookies.

December 4th

Love the smell of Oranges and Anise simmering in a pot of water on the stove. It is the smell of the season that draws folks to that holidays. Days of Old homes would put these two fragrances together in very many ways. I thought I would great a cookie that would being that same feeling of a Victorian Christmas.

Orange Anise  Cookies

I used a Orange Oil  made for cooking in this recipe. However you can substitute it with orange extract.I find the oil gives a more natural flavor. I put a link for you, it is a safe place to get it. Not all Oils are certified for use in cooking. Be sure you purchase a  quality and food safe product.


1 cup Crisco Shortening
1/2 cup of  Sugar
1/2 cup Dark Brown Sugar.firmly packed.
1+1/2 teaspoon Ground anise (1 ground my own from the Star Anise)
1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste
1/2  teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 Tablespoon Orange Oil ( or 1 teaspoon Orange Extract)
3 Tablespoon Heavy Cream.
1 large egg
3 cups Unbleached All Purpose Flour
1/2  teaspoon Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon Salt


Cream shortening in mixer,  add sugars, Anise, Vanillas, Orange oil (or extract) and beat at medium for 5 minutes  add the egg and cream and continue to beat for 3 to 4  minutes, Should be fluffy at this  point.

Combine the flour,salt and baking soda . Stir together. Turn mixer speed to low ,slowly add to the Cream mixture. continue adding  until all the flour is added. turn mixer to medium low for about 1 minute or until dough forms a ball.

Line your cookies sheets with parchment paper. Take a Tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. place on cookie sheets about 2 inch apart. Slightly flatten out. you can use a  cooking cutter to make a small indent on the top ( I used a star).

Cook in a preheated  375°F oven ( convection 350°F) for 15-18 minutes. Cool on sheets and transfer to rack or tin.

Recipe copyright 2016 by "Auntie E Cookbook/EM Dubros"



.