Preheat oven to 375°F.
Grease 2 baking sheets.
Cream butter with sugar in large bowl of electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
Beat in anise extract.
In another large bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt and toss with fork to blend.
Add to anise mixture and stir through.
Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface.
Divide in half.
Shape each half into flat loaf about 1/2 inch thick, 3 to 4 inches wide and 10 inches long.
Transfer loaves to prepared baking sheets.
Bake until golden, about 15 to 18 minutes.
Let cool slightly.
Cut loaves crosswise into 1-inch slices.
Arrange slices on sides on baking sheets and continue baking until golden brown, about 3 to 6 minutes.