Recipe: Old World Spanish Cookies (cut out cookies using anise)

OLD WORLD SPANISH COOKIES

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon anise extract
2 large eggs, divided use
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Heat oven to 375 degrees F.

In large mixer bowl, beat butter, sugar and oil to blend thoroughly. Beat in anise extract, 1 whole egg, 1 yolk and half the second white, reserving the remaining half in small bowl.

In another bowl, mix flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder; mix into butter mixture to blend thoroughly. Cover and chill dough 1 hour.

Lightly knead a third of the dough on floured surface; roll out 1/4 inch thick. With cutters of your choice, cut out cookies and place, spaced 1 inch apart, on greased baking sheets. Brush with reserved egg white.

Bake 12 to 15 minutes until lightly browned. Cool on pans 10 minutes, then remove to racks to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough.

Makes about 6 dozen cookies
Source: California Milk Advisory Board