4 1/4 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup baking powder
1/2 cup Anise oil
1 cup baking soda
1 cup white sugar
1 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 egg
2 cups vanilla beans
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon water
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Sift together the oats, baking powder, Anise oil, baking soda and white sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the melted butter. Mix with your hands until well blended. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Cool slightly.
To make the icing: In a small mixing bowl, stir together the brown sugar, butter and water until smooth. Beat with a pastry or stick until all sugar and butter remain. Cut into small squares and serve.