Cream together butter and sugar until smooth. In a separate bowl sift together flour and baking poweder. Add anise seeds. Gradually combine dry ingredients with butter/sugar mixture. Add egs, vanilla and lemon zest. Mix to a smooth dough. Cover and chill 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll dough out on a lightly floured board to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes ( At Christmas we used a star cutter) and place cookies on a lightly buttered baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool and store.

This is the traditional New Mexico cookie. Light and flavorful, good for anytime of the year, but special during the holidays with spice hot cider or mulled wine. This is a favorite in my home and with friends.

Enjoy!