Southern Dutch Squares

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 teaspoon anise extract or 1⁄2 tsp. anise seeds, crushed
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 cups all-purpose fl our
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cocoa
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon or orange rind
• 1/4 cup finely chopped blanched almonds
• 1 (6-oz.) can whole natural almonds
• Granulated sugar

Preparation

1. 1. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add brown sugar, beating well. Add egg, anise extract, and almond extract, beating well.
2. 2. Combine flour and next 8 ingredients; stir well. Gradually add to butter mixture, beating at low speed until blended. Stir in chopped almonds.
3. 3. Divide dough in half. Shape 1 portion into a ball; knead 3 or 4 times until smooth. Roll dough into a 9-inch square on a lightly greased baking sheet. Cut dough into 36 (1 1⁄2-inch) squares. Press a whole almond into center of each square. Repeat procedure with remaining dough.
4. 4. Bake at 325° for 25 minutes. Cool slightly on baking sheet, and sprinkle with sugar while warm; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Break cookies apart, and store in airtight containers.