Yields Makes 9 dozen, 1 1/2 inches wide
Notes: Butter can be used instead of lard, but the texture and flavor of the cookies will not be as authentic. Store cookies airtight up to 3 days; freeze to store longer.

How to Make It

Step 1
1

Mix 3 cups flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 2
2

In a bowl, with a mixer on high speed, beat lard, 2/3 cup sugar, and anise seed until fluffy.

Step 3
3

Beat in egg until blended.

Step 4
4

On medium speed, mix in sherry.

Step 5
5

Add dry ingredients. Stir to combine, then beat until well blended.

Step 6
6

On a plate, mix remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and Chinese five spice.

Step 7
7

Divide dough in half. Pat each half into a ball. On a well-floured board, roll dough, a portion at a time, 1/4 inch thick. With a flour-dusted cookie cutter (plain or a simple design, about 1 1/2 in. wide), cut dough into shapes.

Step 8
8

One at a time, dip top of each cookie in spiced sugar, pressing lightly so sugar sticks. Set cookies, sugar side up, about 1/2 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. Gather dough scraps into a ball, roll out, and cut more cookies.

Step 9
9

Bake cookies in a 325° oven until bottoms are golden, about 10 minutes (if using 1 oven, switch pan positions after 5 min.). Transfer to racks to cool. Serve, or let cool and package airtight.

Step 10
10

Nutritional analysis per cookie.

Ingredients

  about 3 cups all-purpose flour
 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
 1/2 teaspoon salt
 1 cup (1/2 lb.) lard
 2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
 3/4 to 1 teaspoon anise seed
 1 large egg
 1/4 cup medium-dry sherry, brandy, or orange juice
 1 tablespoon Chinese five spice or ground cinnamon

Directions

Step 1
1

Mix 3 cups flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 2
2

In a bowl, with a mixer on high speed, beat lard, 2/3 cup sugar, and anise seed until fluffy.

Step 3
3

Beat in egg until blended.

Step 4
4

On medium speed, mix in sherry.

Step 5
5

Add dry ingredients. Stir to combine, then beat until well blended.

Step 6
6

On a plate, mix remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and Chinese five spice.

Step 7
7

Divide dough in half. Pat each half into a ball. On a well-floured board, roll dough, a portion at a time, 1/4 inch thick. With a flour-dusted cookie cutter (plain or a simple design, about 1 1/2 in. wide), cut dough into shapes.

Step 8
8

One at a time, dip top of each cookie in spiced sugar, pressing lightly so sugar sticks. Set cookies, sugar side up, about 1/2 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. Gather dough scraps into a ball, roll out, and cut more cookies.

Step 9
9

Bake cookies in a 325° oven until bottoms are golden, about 10 minutes (if using 1 oven, switch pan positions after 5 min.). Transfer to racks to cool. Serve, or let cool and package airtight.

Step 10
10

Nutritional analysis per cookie.

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