The Best Anise Cookies (Maakroun) with Olive Oil Recipe

Steps

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1. 1
   Sift the flour into a large bowl and add the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk everything together until combined. Add the sugar, ground anise, and roasted sesame, and whisk until all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
   ▶ ≈1:19
2. 2
   Pour the olive oil into the dry ingredients and rub it in thoroughly with your hands using your fingertips to distribute it evenly. Pour in the room-temperature milk and white vinegar, then knead the dough for about 5 minutes until soft and smooth. Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes.
   ▶ ≈2:56
3. 3
   Divide the dough into small balls weighing about 20g each. Roll each ball lightly into an oval shape and place it in a maakroun mold. Press the dough gently with your fingertips to flatten it in the mold, then push it out to form a finger shape. Arrange the shaped cookies on ungreased half sheet pans (you will need 2 pans). If you don't have a mold, you can shape them by hand into ovals.
   ▶ ≈6:35
4. 4
   Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven on the center rack for about 12 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving.
   ▶ ≈8:45