Biscochitos – New Mexico State Cookie

admin — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 10:56:00 +0000

The New Mexico Legislature adopted the biscochito (bizcochito) as the official state cookie in 1989. This act made New Mexico the first state to have an official state cookie.

The biscochito is a small anise-flavored cookie, which was brought to New Mexico by the early Spaniards. The cookie is used during special celebrations, wedding receptions, baptisms, Christmas season, and other holidays. It was chosen to help maintain traditional home-baked cookery. - from the New Mexico State Secretary of State

Biscochitos – New Mexico State Cookie

Cooking and Preparation Time: approximately 3-1/2 hours

Ingredients

6 C. flour
1/4 Tsp. salt
3 Tsp. baking powder
1-1/2 C. sugar
2 Tsp. anise seeds
2 eggs
2 C. lard
1/4 C. brandy
1/4 C. sugar
1 Tbsp. cinnamon

Directions

Sift flour with baking powder and salt.
In separate bowl, cream lard with sugar and anise seeds until fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time.
Mix in flour and brandy until well blended.
Refrigerate 2-3 hours.
Turn dough out on floured board and pat or roll to 1/4- or 1/2-inch thickness.
Cut into shapes (the fleur-de-lis is traditional) and dust with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.
Bake 10-12 minutes at 350°F or until browned