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1
Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until smooth using an electric mixer.
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2
Add the eggs and mix until combined.
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3
Sift all the remaining dry ingredients in a separate large mixing bowl and mix well.
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4
With the mixer on low, slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until a dough forms.
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5
Remove dough from the bowl and wrap in plastic wrap.
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6
Refrigerate until firm, 2 to 4 hours.
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7
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease cookie sheets.
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8
Remove dough from refrigerator and allow dough to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, until pliable.
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9
Divide dough in half and put on a floured work surface.
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10
Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out until it's about 1/8-inch thick.
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11
While rolling, flour the work surface and rolling pin, as needed.
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12
Cut out desired cookie shapes with cookie cutters.
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13
Transfer cookies to a greased cookie sheet, spacing them 1-inch apart.
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14
Lightly brush cookies with milk and sprinkle with sugar granules, as desired.
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15
Bake until firm and edges begin to darken, 10 to 14 minutes.
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16
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow to cool on the cookie sheet for a minute, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
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17
Cook's Notes:
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18
You can find star anise in the ethnic aisle in your local grocery store.
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19
To get the best flavor from this spice, you will need to grind the whole star anise pod.
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20
For the neatest edges, dip your cookie cutters in flour before cutting out each cookie.
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21
A viewer, who may not be a professional cook, provided this recipe.
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22
The Food Network Kitchens chefs have not tested this recipe and therefore, we cannot make representation as to the results.
