There's nothing like a Christmas cookie. And any cookie can be a Christmas one with just the addition of a few sprinkles or decorations. Case in point: Snickerdoodles. I made the wonderful and easy ...

2 eggs, plus enough water to equal 1/2 cup 1 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon anise extract 2 teaspoons anise seeds, optional 1 teaspoon fennel pollen, optional Sift flour and baking powder together. Set aside.

I have always used anise oil (not extract) to bake my holiday pizzelles and biscotti, but I'm having a harder time finding it each year. I found anise essence at a cooking store and was told it would ...

2 eggs 3/4 cup sugar 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon anise extract Cook's notes: You can also vary the flavor with lemon, orange or other extracts.

These two spices are often mistaken for each other, but they couldn't be more different.