Ingredients
1-1/4 cups butter, softened1-1/4 cups packed brown sugar3/4 cup molasses1/2 cup water1 teaspoon anise extract6 cups cake flour1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon1/2 teaspoon ground allspice1/2 teaspoon ground cloves1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg1/4 teaspoon ground mace1/8 teaspoon pepper1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom2 cups finely chopped nutsGLAZE:1 cup confectioners’ sugar3 tablespoons 2% milk1/4 teaspoon vanilla extractAdditional confectioners’ sugar
Preparation
In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses, water and extract. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt and spices; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in nuts. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Roll dough into 1-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Meanwhile, in a shallow bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, milk and vanilla. Place additional confectioners’ sugar in another shallow bowl. Remove cookies to wire racks; cool 5 minutes. Dip tops of warm cookies in glaze and allow excess to drip off; dip in confectioners’ sugar. Cool completely on wire racks. Store in an airtight container.
