Whisk the flour and baking soda in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, anise seed and salt until fluffy. Beat in the egg. Stir in flour mixture 1/2 cup at a time.
Pour the sesame seeds into a bowl. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll in sesame seeds. Place on greased baking sheets and flatten to 1/4-inch thickness with a drinking glass. Bake at 400 degrees for 6 to 9 minutes. Cool on wire racks.