Confetti Shortbread

Candied fennel seeds are souped-up sprinkles. They are colorful, just as sprinkles are, but they also have a really satisfying crunch and deliver the most welcoming punch of soft licorice flavor. They are excellent palate cleansers and digestives as well. Add them to a baked good and you get all the visual wow of rainbow sprinkles plus everything else. They’re a pantry must-have, and here they dress up classic shortbread cookies.