Cornmeal-Fennel Cookies
Leigh Beisch
Yields Makes 2 1/2 to 3 dozen cookies
AuthorLouise Pariani, Novato, CA,
Cornmeal gives these tender cookies a pleasing texture and slightly nutty taste. Prep and Cook Time: 30 minutes, plus at least 2 hours chilling time. Notes: Lightly grind fennel seeds with a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.

How to Make It

Step 1
1

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add fennel seeds and salt. Add egg and beat to combine.

Step 2
2

In a small bowl, stir together flour, cornmeal, and baking powder. Add these dry ingredients to butter mixture in 3 batches, mixing after each addition. Shape dough into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate at least 2 hours and up to 1 day.

Step 3
3

Preheat oven to 375°. Break off small bits of dough and roll into balls about 1 1/2 in. wide. Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheets. Gently flatten each cookie using the bottom of a water glass (dip the glass in water to prevent sticking). Bake cookies for 8 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Transfer cookies to cooling racks.

Step 4
4

Note: Nutritional analysis is per cookie.

Ingredients

 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
 1 cup sugar
 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, coarsely ground
 1/4 teaspoon salt
 1 egg
 1 3/4 cups flour, sifted
 3 tablespoons fine yellow cornmeal
 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

Directions

Step 1
1

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add fennel seeds and salt. Add egg and beat to combine.

Step 2
2

In a small bowl, stir together flour, cornmeal, and baking powder. Add these dry ingredients to butter mixture in 3 batches, mixing after each addition. Shape dough into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate at least 2 hours and up to 1 day.

Step 3
3

Preheat oven to 375°. Break off small bits of dough and roll into balls about 1 1/2 in. wide. Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheets. Gently flatten each cookie using the bottom of a water glass (dip the glass in water to prevent sticking). Bake cookies for 8 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Transfer cookies to cooling racks.

Step 4
4

Note: Nutritional analysis is per cookie.

Cornmeal-Fennel Cookies

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