Kazuyo's Crisp Anise Cookies

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons brandy
• 1/2 teaspoon aniseed, toasted

Preheat oven to 325°F. Sift flour, baking powder and salt into small bowl. Beat butter and 1/3 cup sugar in large bowl until light. Beat in egg yolk, brandy and aniseed. Add dry ingredients and beat just until smooth dough forms.

Spread remaining 2 tablespoons sugar on small plate. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Using 2-inch cookie cutter, cut out cookies. Place cookies 1 at a time on sugar on plate; transfer cookies, sugar side up, to 2 ungreased baking sheets.

Bake cookies until bottom and edges are golden, about 20 minutes.