17 Traditional Italian Anise Cookies Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!

Published on: Mar 18, 2024

Traditional Italian anise cookies, also known as "biscotti all'anice," are a beloved treat in many Italian households. These cookies are typically made during the holiday season and are a staple on many dessert tables. The unique flavor of anise, a licorice-like spice, gives these cookies a distinct taste that is both comforting and nostalgic. In this article, we will explore the history of these cookies and share a delicious and authentic recipe for you to try at home.

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Italian Plum Jam with Star Anise

Main Ingredients: Plums, Granulated Sugar, Star Anise

salted sugared spiced™: Italian Plum Jam

Spicy Italian Prune Plum Jam, Refined Sugar-Free — Beautiful Ingredient ...

Italian Plum Jam Recipe How To Make It - Savoring Italy

If you're looking for a unique twist on traditional plum jam, try this Italian-inspired recipe that incorporates the warm, licorice-like flavor of star anise. This jam is perfect for spreading on toast or using as a glaze for meats.

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Anise Biscotti

Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla

Italian Anise Biscotti | Carrie’s Experimental Kitchen

Biscotti, a classic Italian cookie, gets an extra burst of flavor with the addition of anise seeds. These crunchy, twice-baked cookies are great for dunking in coffee or tea, or for enjoying on their own as a sweet treat.

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Auntie’s Italian Anise Cookies

Main Ingredients: Unbleached All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Organic

Soft Italian Anise Cookies... the perfect breakfast cookie. # ...

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These soft and chewy cookies are a family favorite in many Italian households. Made with anise seeds and a touch of orange zest, they have a delicate and unique flavor that will keep you coming back for more.

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Italian Anise Cookies

Main Ingredients: Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Anise Seeds, Lemon, Eggs

This traditional recipe for Italian anise cookies is a must-try for any cookie lover. The anise seeds infuse the cookies with a warm, licorice-like flavor and the colorful sprinkles add a festive touch.

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Vegan Italian Anise Cookies

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Cane Sugar, Baking Powder, Soy Milk

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Gluten-Free Italian Anise Cookies (Vegan, Allergy-Free) "Anisette ...

Gluten-Free Italian Anise Cookies (Vegan, Allergy-Free) "Anisette Cookies"

For those following a vegan diet, these anise cookies are a delicious and cruelty-free option. Made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and anise seeds, they're easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Italian Anise Cookies with Sprinkles

Main Ingredients: Butter, White Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla Extract, Anise

Italian Anise Cookies with Sprinkles - Brooklyn Farm Girl

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These colorful cookies are a fun twist on traditional Italian anise cookies. The addition of rainbow sprinkles adds a pop of color and texture to these sweet treats.

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Anise Pistachio Biscotti

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Unsalted

Day 4: Cherry Pistachio-Almond Star-Anise Biscotti with a white ...

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Upgrade your biscotti game with this unique recipe that combines anise seeds with crunchy pistachios. These twice-baked cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.

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Anise-Almond Biscotti

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Sugar, Unsalted

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This recipe takes traditional biscotti to the next level with the addition of almond and anise flavors. These crispy cookies are perfect for gifting or enjoying as a mid-day snack.

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Soft Italian Anise Dunking Cookies di Fabiana

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Anise Seeds

Soft Italian Anise Taralli - Marisa's Italian Kitchen | Italian anise ...

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If you prefer your cookies on the softer side, try this recipe for Italian anise dunking cookies. They have a delicate texture and are perfect for dipping in your favorite hot beverage.

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Crunchy Addictive Italian Anise Taralli

Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Granulated Sugar, Water, All Purpose

A stack of Italian anise taralli. Italian Recipes Easy, Italian Recipes ...

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Taralli are a popular snack in Italy, and this recipe puts a twist on the traditional version by adding anise seeds. These crunchy, addictive treats are perfect for snacking on any time of day.

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Italian Anise Cookies (Riscotti Cookies)

Main Ingredients: Sugar, Butter, Vegetable Shortening, Eggs, Anise

Italian Anise Cookies (Dairy Free) - Simply Whisked

Riscotti cookies, also known as biscotti di Regina, are a staple in many Italian households. This recipe uses anise seeds to add a unique flavor to these light, crispy cookies.

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Auntie’s Italian Anise Cookie

Main Ingredients: Flour, Baking Powder, Sugar, Unsalted Butter, Eggs

Auntie's Italian Anise Cookies | Recipe | Italian christmas cookies ...

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This tried and true recipe for Italian anise cookies has been passed down through generations and is sure to become a family favorite in your home. The anise seeds add a subtle but delicious flavor to these soft, chewy cookies.

13 of 20

Italian Easter Bread

Main Ingredients: Milk, Active Dry Yeast, Vanilla, Anise, Eggs, Sugar

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This traditional Italian Easter bread is a must-have for any holiday celebration. The anise seeds in the dough infuse the bread with a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet glaze on top.

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Soft Italian Anise Taralli

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Anise Seeds

Italian Easter Cookies {Taralli Di Pasqua} - Italian Recipe Book

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Taralli are a popular Italian snack, and this recipe puts a spin on the traditional version by making them soft and chewy. The anise seeds add a unique flavor to these addictive treats.

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Italian Cookies III

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Confectioners Sugar, Baking Powder

Italian Cookies from Tour Italy Now with The Cookie Elf Italian ...

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If you're a fan of traditional Italian cookies, you'll love this recipe for anise-flavored cookies. They have a delicate texture and are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.

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Honey, Anise and Almond Biscotti

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt

Anise Almond Honey Biscotti - The Delicious Crescent

Toasted Almond Anise Biscotti Recipe | Recipe | Almond anise biscotti ...

For a delicious twist on classic biscotti, try this recipe that incorporates honey, anise seeds, and almonds. These crunchy cookies are perfect for dipping in your favorite hot beverage.

17 of 20

Italian Cookies

Main Ingredients: Eggs, Oil, Sugar, Anise, Flour, Baking Powder, Salt

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This basic recipe for Italian cookies can be customized to your liking by adding anise seeds for a burst of flavor. They're easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

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Gluten-Free Italian Anise Cookies (Vegan, Allergy-Free)

Main Ingredients: Gluten Free Baking Flour, Baking Powder, Sweetener

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For those with dietary restrictions, these gluten-free, vegan anise cookies are a great option. The anise seeds and almond extract give them a delicious flavor that everyone can enjoy.

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Italian Plum Jam

Main Ingredients: Plums, Sugar, Fresh Lemon Juice, Anise

Christina Maser Italian Plum Jam, 8oz – Cecil Creek Farm

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If you have an abundance of plums, try making this Italian-inspired plum jam with star anise. It's a unique and tasty way to preserve this seasonal fruit.

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Anise Cookies

Main Ingredients: Eggs, Flour, Confectioners Sugar, Baking Powder

For a simple and delicious cookie recipe, try these anise cookies. They have a delicate flavor and are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.

The Origins of Anise Cookies

Anise cookies have been a part of Italian cuisine for centuries, with a history dating back to the Roman Empire. It is said that the Romans used anise seeds to make sweet cakes for special occasions. However, it wasn't until the Middle Ages that these cookies became a popular treat in Italy. During this time, anise was believed to have medicinal properties and was often used to aid digestion. As a result, anise cookies were often served after meals as a digestive aid. Today, these cookies are still enjoyed as a post-meal treat, but they have also become a beloved holiday tradition.

The Unique Flavor of Anise

The star of traditional Italian anise cookies is, of course, the anise seed. This small, oval-shaped seed has a distinct licorice-like flavor and aroma. It is often used in Italian cooking, particularly in desserts, and is a key ingredient in the popular liqueur, Sambuca. The use of anise in these cookies not only gives them a unique taste but also a beautiful aroma that fills the kitchen while they are baking.

The Recipe for Traditional Italian Anise Cookies

Now that you know the history and flavor profile of anise cookies, it's time to try making them for yourself. This recipe yields about 24 cookies and can easily be doubled if you want to make more. Some key ingredients you will need are all-purpose flour, anise seeds, sugar, butter, eggs, and baking powder. To make the cookies, you will need to mix the dry ingredients together, then add in the butter and eggs to form a dough. The dough is then rolled into logs, brushed with egg wash, and sprinkled with anise seeds before being baked to golden perfection. The end result is a crispy and fragrant cookie that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.

In Conclusion

Traditional Italian anise cookies are more than just a holiday treat; they are a link to the past and a symbol of Italian culture. With their unique flavor and history, these cookies have stood the test of time and continue to be a beloved tradition in many households. So why not try making them for yourself and experience a little taste of Italy in your own home? Just be sure to have some anise seeds on hand; once you try these cookies, you'll want to make them all year round!