Twisted Little Gems

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. 2
   Cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer.
3. 3
   Add eggs and continue to cream for five minutes.
4. 4
   Add vanilla, flour, and baking powder mixing together.
5. 5
   Remove from bowl and knead for 5 minutes.
6. 6
   If dough is sticky and soft, add a tiny amout of flour.
7. 7
   Break off pieces of dough and roll between palms of hands, into 2-inch length ropes and twist into a knot shape.
8. 8
   (love knots mom).
9. 9
   Place little knots 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
10. 10
    Cookies should only be slightly brown on bottoms.
11. 11
    Watch carefully.
12. 12
    Let cool.
13. 13
    To make icing:.
14. 14
    Combine sugar and milk, blend in anise extract.
15. 15
    Dip cookie tops into the anise icing which should be thick.
16. 16
    Place cookies on a sheet of wax paper to dry.