Gather ingredients: all-purpose flour, sugar, molasses, corn syrup, butter, salt, anise extract or licorice extract, water, and black food coloring if desired
Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl
Combine molasses, corn syrup, butter, and water in a saucepan
Heat the saucepan over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth
Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients
Add anise extract or licorice extract
Add black food coloring if desired
Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a dough-like mass
Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased surface
Let it cool slightly until safe to handle
Knead the mixture until smooth and pliable
Roll the dough into ropes or flatten it into sheets
Cut into bite-sized pieces or desired shapes
Dust lightly with powdered sugar or cornstarch to prevent sticking
Let the candies cool and firm up completely
Store in an airtight container