My maternal Grandma created this cookie for the holidays. The taste and smell of this cookie will always remind me of Christmas!
INGREDIENTS (for 3 servings):
- 5 cups buttermilk baking mix
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups white sugar
- 2 egg
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon anise extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
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- 2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon anise extract
- 3 drops red food coloring
PREPARATION:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, stir together buttermilk baking mix, flour, sugar, and nuts. In another smaller bowl, whisk together eggs, anise extract, and water. Pour liquid over the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. Dough should have a dry consistency like biscuit dough. Roll dough into walnut sized balls and place on a cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Cookies should be a light golden brown. Remove to cool on a rack. When cool, paint with glaze.
For glaze: Mix confectioners' sugar with anise extract and food coloring. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time. Stir until smooth. Water may be adjusted to give the glaze a creamy paint-like consistency. Paint the cookies with a pastry brush, or dip them in the glaze with a slotted spoon. Let the cookies dry on waxed paper or on cooling racks. If you do not glaze the cookies, they will become rock-hard in texture.