Directions

1. 1. Sift the flour, baking powder, allspice, and salt into a large bowl.
2. 2. Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at high speed until creamy.
3. 3. Add the vanilla and egg and egg yolk, beating until just blended.
4. 4. Stir in the milk and lemon zest.
5. 5. Mix in the dry ingredients to form a smooth dough. Press the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
6. 6. Preheat the oven to 350F/180°C/ gas 4.
7. 7. Butter a cookie sheet.
8. 8. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 1/8 inch (3 mm), Cut into 12 x 1/2 -inch (30 x 1-cm) long strips.
9. 9. Carefully tie the dough strips into knots.
10. 10. Place the cookies 1/2 inch (1 cm) apart on the prepared cookie sheet.
11. 11. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly browned.
12. 12. Transfer to racks and let cool completely.
13. 13. Dust with the confectioners' sugar.