How to Make Italian Cookies with Anise - A Step-by-Step Guide

Italian cookies with anise are a beloved treat that brings together the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with the aromatic and slightly sweet taste of anise. These cookies are popularly known as "Biscotti all'Anice" in Italy, and they are a staple at many Italian cafes and family gatherings. What makes these cookies so special is their unique blend of flavors, textures, and aromas that come together to create a truly irresistible treat.

Anise, which has a licorice-like flavor and a sli...

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Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon anise extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • ½ teaspoon anise extract
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Additional Time: 5 mins
  • Total Time: 55 mins
  • Servings: 36
  • Yield: 36 cookies

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Beat butter and sugar for dough together in a bowl with an electric mixer until creamy. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and anise extract and blend. Combine flour and baking powder in a separate bowl; stir into butter mixture until blended.
  • Take a ping pong-sized ball of dough and roll between your hands to form a rope. Connect the ends and twist into a figure 8 shape. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough.
  • Bake in batches in the preheated oven until edges are golden, about 10 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Mix milk into confectioners' sugar for icing, stirring slowly. Add the anise extract and vanilla extract.
  • Dip cooled cookies into the icing face-down and lay on wax paper or a wire rack.
  • Nutrition

    106 cal.

    • Total Fat: 3g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Cholesterol: 22mg
    • Sodium: 27mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 18g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Total Sugars: 10g
    • Protein: 2g
    • Calcium: 17mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 19mg

    Categories

    Biscotti recipes