Lemon Star Anise Shortbread Cookies
The Spice & Tea Exchange
2 dozen
20 minutes
18 minutes
Two distinct flavors are combined into a shortbread-like cookie for a bright and zesty taste with buttery undertones and a lightly delicate texture. Refrigerate or freeze and then slice and bake when a cookie craving hits!
Ingredients
- 8 Star Anise
- ½ cup vodka
- 1 ¼ cups flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. Florida Sunshine Spice Blend
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup Lemon Sugar, ground a bit in food processor
- 2 egg yolks
- Zest of 1 lemon
Directions
- PREPARE star anise extract by crushing Star Anise with a mortar & pestle. Combine with vodka in a small pan and heat over medium-low heat to just below boiling. Remove from heat and steep for 15 mins. Strain crushed pods and reserve extract.
- LINE a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Sift to combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and Florida Sunshine Spice Blend.
- IN a mixer with paddle attachment, cream the butter, sugar, and a generous ¼ cup of the Lemon Sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 mins. Add the egg yolks one at a time; then add 2½ Tbsp. star anise extract and the lemon zest. Mix well.
- ADD the dry ingredients in 3 additions, mixing until dough just comes together. Turn out onto counter, shape into log and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for at least 20 mins. until firm. Slice ¼-inch thick rounds from log and place on baking sheet. Sprinkle lightly with remaining Lemon Sugar. Refrigerate while oven preheats to 350°F.
- BAKE for 15-18 mins. rotating pans halfway through baking time, until cookies are starting to brown on edges. Set parchment paper on wire rack and cool cookies completely.