Snowball Cookies

My good Steely Dan friend Denise, gave me her families Snowball Cookies recipe last Christmas. The actual recipe itself ended up being in the comments section of the post called Cookies Lost and Found and so I would like to bring it up to the front so that others might see it this year, or in the future.

These are an anise flavored drop cookie, that my Aunt used to make each year. She never shared the recipe with me, or anyone else that I am aware. Getting this recipe gave me great joy last year. Try them. If you want them with a lemon flavor, just use lemon extract, for the anise. You can also use vanilla, for a more generic taste.



Snowball Cookies

½ cup butter or margarine
¼ cup shortening
¾ cup sugar
4 eggs
3 cups flour
5 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 tsp anise extract (can use lemon or vanilla extract as well)
Powdered sugar
Milk

Melt butter and shortening together. Add sugar; mix well. Add eggs one at a time and beat well as added. Mix in anise extract. Sift flour, salt, and baking powder and add gradually. If the dough is too sticky to roll in the palm of your hand, add some flour until firmer, but it should be very soft. Roll in balls and place on cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees, 8-10 minutes (the bottom should be lightly browned, but the tops should remain light.)

Glaze: Mix a small amount of milk into powdered sugar until soft. Add a drop of anise extract if desired. Keep it thick. Add food color if desired. Drizzle over cookies. Add sprinkles if desired while still wet. Let dry thoroughly before stacking.