Peppernuts

These are unusual cookies and fun to make. They have a delicious flavor.

3 c. flour
3/4 c. light molasses
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter
1 lg. egg
2 tsp. anise seed, crushed
1 3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. ground allspice
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/8 tsp. ground white or black pepper
Powdered sugar

Put all ingredients except powdered sugar in a large bowl and beat until thoroughly blended. Cover dough and chill for 1 hour, or until firm enough to shape. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Roll handfuls of dough into ropes, about 3/4 inch in diameter. Cut the ropes into squarish pieces. Place the pieces close together on a greased baking sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until golden. Roll in powdered sugar while still hot. If you can resist eating the peppernuts when they first come out the oven, they'll get crunchier over time. Their flavor mellows and deepens with keeping.