Koolotie Cookies (Anise Orange Cookies)

Kooloties ... Kahlaties ...Kalooties??  I don't really know the true spelling.  These are my Italian grandfathers traditional Easter anise cookies and I can't find reference to them anywhere.  That must mean it's a deep routed tradition that hasn't made it to the internet yet, how fun is that?

Let's get something straight off - you are gonna need to like anise flavor, a lot.  Sure, you can ease back on the amount of flavoring, or if you're like me, accidentally double it.  Easter is not the same without them for us; and this could be a new tradition for you and your family too.  New fat and happy traditions- they don't all have to be handed down by family.

Tips and techniques:  You can make these ahead and freeze them.  Enlist some help to get them all rolled out, it does take a few minutes to get them all done.


Kalooties, Easter Anise Cookies

1/2 cup butter
1/8 cup Crisco
1 1/8 cup sugar
3 eggs
dash of salt
1 1/2 tbls of anise
1/8 - 1/4 cup of half and half

Mix the above well in a stand mixer.  Add:
2 1/2 cups flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
Zest of 2 oranges, juice of one

Add 1/2 cup of flour, and 1/2 tsp baking powder at a time, until the dough is less sticky and ready to bake.  This is going to be dependent on the weather and humidity.  I would suggest you'll need about 2 more cups of flour total.  But do a test batch- cook two cookies and see how they come out.  Add more flour if needed.

Use a cookie dough scoop, scoop out a hunk, roll out evenly on the counter, into about a 4 inch long tube, place on a lightly greased cookie sheet.  If you are having problems rolling them, sprinkle a little flour on the counter.

Make a loop by crossing the right side over the left.
Mix up one egg with a tsp of water- brush on the top of the cookies.  Bake for about 10 minutes at 350 degrees, or until they cookies begin to slightly brown.  Cool on a cookie rack.  Enjoy!  This makes about 4-5 dozen cookies, depending on how big you make them.