Anise Seed Borrachio Cookies

Ingredients

 * 2 tablespoons anise seed
 * 3 tablespoons rum
 * 1¼ cups butter
 * ¾ cup white sugar
 * 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
 * 2½ cups all purpose flour
 * 1 egg
 * ½ teaspoon salt
 * 1 teaspoon baking powder
 * 1½ teaspoons ground cloves

Directions

 * 1) Place the anise seeds in a small bowl with the rum.
 * 2) Let marinate overnight.
 * 3) In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, sugar and vanilla until smooth.
 * 4) Stir in the anise seed and rum.
 * 5) Mix in the egg.
 * 6) Combine the flour, salt, baking powder and cloves; stir into the butter mixture until well blended.
 * 7) Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.
 * 8) Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
 * 9) On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to ⅛ inch thickness.
 * 10) Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
 * 11) Place cookies on a greased cookie sheet.
 * 12) Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown at the edges.
 * 13) Cool for a few minutes on baking sheets before removing to wire racks to cool completely.