Yes, anise extract is very similar to the taste of black licorice and a traditional flavor in this cookie. You can leave it out, but this recipe uses a small amount so that it adds a subtle ...

Star anise Finely ground star anise is used to flavour gingerbread and German Christmas market ... It features in many Christmas cookie recipes, notably in Austria's vanilla kipferl crescent ...

Finely ground star anise is used to flavour gingerbread and German Christmas market staples like lebkuchen soft cookie cakes. However, it has a very intense flavour and should be used sparingly.