Hi Susaan, I just called my Mom in New Jersey who is Italian (Sicilian) and she said she would be glad to share our family recipe with you. This is a "must" cookie for our family also. Hope this is what you are looking for.

ANISETTE COOKIES
6 eggs 1 lb. flour 6 drops Anise Oil 1/2 lb. butter softened or shortening
1/2 cup sugar 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp salt

Beat eggs with salt. Add sugar and blend throughly. Sift flour and baking powder together. Add to eggs and sugar mixture. Add Anise Oil, add softened butter or shortening and mix well. Knead until dough is smooth. Roll dough into oblong loaf shape 5" wide and 3/4" thick. Brush with one beaten egg. Sprinkle with sugar. Cut into 1" slices. Place slices into greased baking pan. Bake at 350 degree oven 15 minutes or until lightly browned.