Biscochitos

Preheat oven to 350° and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons sugar and cinnamon. Combine butter or lard, remaining sugar, and anise seeds in a medium bowl. Using a whisk or hand mixer, beat until mixture is light and creamy, 3 to 4 minutes. Add egg and beat until fully combined. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl, then whisk to combine. Add half the flour mixture to bowl and fold until combined, then add half the brandy and stir to combine. Repeat process so that all dry ingredients and brandy are incorporated.  On a clean, lightly floured surface, roll out dough until it is ¼” thick. Cut into preferred shapes and transfer to prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle cookies with prepared cinnamon sugar and bake until bottoms are golden, 10 to 14 minutes.