Sift together flour, 1 cup sugar and salt

Mix in butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal

If using oil, stir oil into liquid ingredients after adding the egg. Dissolve yeast in warm water (use 2 packages to short- en time), stir vigorously, and allow to ferment for 10 minutes

Then add the egg and anise extract or anis seeds. Add a small amount of the flour mixture to the yeast and beat until thoroughly blended

Let stand for a few minutes, or until dough becomes light and airy. Add the rest of the flour mixture, adding more flour if necessary to make a stiff dough

Knead on a lightly floured board until smooth

Oil the top of the dough, cover with wax paper and let it rise until doubled

When the bread has risen, punch it down, and let it rise until doubled again. Knead the dough slightly, then form into balls the size of an orange

With a rolling pin, flatten to 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick

Prepare a topping by mixing together the melted butter, remaining 1 cup sugar and the cinnamon

Spread topping on all sides of the rolls. Let rolls rise until light and about doubled in size

When nearly doubled, preheat oven to 400F

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden

Makes 8 to 10 small loaves

To serve, slice thinly, butter and arrange slices on a platter.