Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (2024)

by NadiaCookies

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Light, crisp, not too sweet and delicately flavored with anise seed, these Italian anise biscotti are the perfect dunking cookies. You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up a batch of homemade biscotti in minutes!

Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (1)

I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed the sweet, licorice flavor of anise seed in baked goods until I made biscotti di San Martino, a popular Sicilian cookie enjoyed on November 11th for St-Martin’s Day.

This recipe inspired me to adapt my mother’s traditional almond biscotti recipe and transform it into anise seed biscotti, also known as anicini.

I enjoy biting into the anise seed dispersed throughout the cookie dough, however you may also substitute with ground anise seed; anise extract or even anise liqueur. Check out a complete list of possible substitutions and add-ins further below in this post!

Here’s why you’ll want to try out this recipe!

  • This recipe is made with few ingredients, only 7 to be precise!
  • No special equipment is necessary to prepare this Italian biscotti recipe.
  • It is virtually effortless. Stir all ingredients together in a bowl, shape into logs, bake, slice and bake again for that wonderfully satisfying crisp texture.
  • These not too sweet biscotti are the ones you’ll reach for to dunk in your coffee.
  • Due to their dry, crisp texture, biscotti with anise seed keep for a while stored at room temperature or, if you prefer, they freeze well.
  • These twice baked cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday cookie platters.
Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (2)

Table Of Contents

  1. Here's why you'll want to try out this recipe!
  2. Ingredient list
  3. Step by Step Instructions
  4. Recipe Notes
  5. Check out more Italian cookie recipes!
  6. Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe

Ingredient list

Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (3)
  • Eggs
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vegetable oil
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Anise seed

The following are step by step instructions with images to guide you through this recipe. Please scroll to the end of this post for the detailed printable recipe card.

Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (4)

Step by Step Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Whisk together the eggs; sugar and vegetable oil in a large bowl until pale and frothy.
  • Sift the all-purpose flour; baking powder and salt and add to the wet ingredients. Sprinkle the anise seed over the dry ingredients.
  • Use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Stir only until there are no visible traces of flour.
  • The dough will be thick and sticky.
Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (5)
Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (6)
Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (7)
Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (8)
Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (9)
  • Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and divide in two.
  • Shape the dough into approximately a 8 cm x 30 cm log with a thickness of about 2 cm.
  • Carefully transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
  • If you prefer, you may also shape it directly on the baking sheet to avoid having to transfer it.
  • Repeat with the second piece of dough.
Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (10)
Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (11)
Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (12)
  • Bake for 25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown underneath.
  • Transfer to a wire rack to cool for about 15 minutes.
  • Slice crosswise or at a diagonal with a chef’s knife into 2 cm thick biscotti.
  • Reduce the oven to 275 degrees F, place the biscotti, cut side facing up, back onto the baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes (or until crisp), flipping the cookies halfway.
  • Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before storing or serving.
Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (13)
Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (14)
Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (15)

Recipe Notes

Substitutions for anise seed

-2 tsp. ground anise
-1 tsp. anise extract
-1-2 tbsp. anise liqueur such as Anisette
-For double anise flavor, add 1-2 tbsp anise liqueur to the original recipe along with the anice seed.

Possible add-ins (choose one)

-1 tsp. vanilla extract
-1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
-grated zest of 1 lemon
-1 cup of toasted, chopped almonds

Storage

-Since biscotti are dry cookies, they can be kept stored in a well sealed container at room temperature for several weeks.

Freeze

-Place in freezer safe, airtight bags or container for up to 3 months.
-Defrost at room temperature before serving.

Check out more Italian cookie recipes!

  • Classic Almond Biscotti with Variations
  • Cuccidati – Sicilian Fig Cookies
  • Italian Nut and Jam Rolled Cookies
  • Biscotti di San Martino
  • Sheet Pan Almond Biscotti
  • Chewy Amaretti Cookies
  • Biscotti Regina
  • Pistachio Amaretti
  • Chocolate and Espresso Amaretti
  • Tetù (Sicilian Chocolate Spice Cookies)
  • Chocolate Pizzelle Cookies
  • Italian Pizzelle Cookies
  • Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies

Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (17)

Tried this recipe?Mention @mangiabedda or tag #mangiabedda!

Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe

Light, crisp, not too sweet and delicately flavored with anise seed, these Italian anise biscotti are the cookies you want on hand to dunk in your cup of coffee. You won't believe how easy it is to whip up a batch of homemade biscotti in minutes!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe

Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Italian anise seed biscotti

Servings: 30 cookies

Calories: 91kcal

Author: Nadia Fazio

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp. vegetable oil
  • cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tsp. baking powder
  • 2 tsp. anise seed
  • ¼ tsp. salt

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  • Whisk together the eggs; sugar and vegetable oil in a large bowl until pale and frothy.

  • Sift the all-purpose flour; baking powder and salt and add to the bowl with the wet ingredients.

  • Sprinkle the anise seed over the dry ingredients.

  • Use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Stir only until there are no visible traces of flour. The dough will be thick and sticky.

  • Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and divide in two.

  • Shape the dough into approximately a 8 cm x 30 cm log with a thickness of about 2 cm.

  • Carefully transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. If you prefer, you may also shape the dough directly on the baking sheet to avoid having to transfer it. Repeat with the second piece of dough.

  • Bake for 25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown underneath.

  • Transfer to a wire rack to cool for about 15 minutes.

  • Lower the oven temperature to 275 degrees F. Slice the logs crosswise or at a diagonal with a chef's knife to slice into 2 cm thick biscotti.

  • Transfer the cut biscotti back onto the baking sheet (cut side facing up), and bake for 30 minutes (or until crisp), flipping the cookies halfway.

  • Return the biscotti to the wire rack and let cool completely before storing them.

Notes

Substitutions for anise seed:

-2 tsp. ground anise
-1 tsp. anise extract
-1-2 tbsp. anise liqueur such as Anisette
-For double anise flavor, add 1-2 tbsp anise liqueur to the original recipe along with the anice seed.

Possible add-ins (choose one)

-1 tsp. vanilla extract
-1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
-grated zest of 1 lemon
-1 cup of toasted, chopped almonds

Storage:

-Since biscotti are dry cookies, they can be kept stored in a well sealed container at room temperature for several weeks.

To freeze:

-Since biscotti are dry cookies, they can be kept stored in a well sealed container at room temperature for several weeks.

Nutrition

Calories: 91kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 26mg | Potassium: 74mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 37IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (18)Elle

    Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (19)
    Reminded me of the ones my mom would bake when I was a little girl. Lovely with a cup of tea. I added a few drops of anise extract. Paired nicely with the fennel seeds.

    Reply

    • Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (20)Nadia

      Thank you Ella, so glad you enjoyed these simple cookies!

      Reply

  2. Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (21)Anna

    Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (22)
    Really really tasty! I love anise seeds so next time I will add an extra tsp !
    Thank you for making it easy!

    Reply

    • Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (23)Nadia

      Thank you Anna, so glad you enjoyed them and you sure can increase the amount of anise seeds, I too enjoy their flavor!

      Reply

  3. Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (24)Elizabeth Graffa*gna

    Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (25)
    Quintessential Anise Biscotti! We LOVED it! Recipe was easy to follow, my dough was a bit runnier than it probably should have been because my loaves, before baking, did not look so well-shaped as in the photos! The biscotti still turned out beautifully and we enjoyed every last one! Thanks for sharing Nadia!

    Reply

    • Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (26)Nadia

      Hi Elizabeth, so glad you enjoyed this easy recipe. Thank you for taking the time to comment!

      Reply

  4. Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (27)Michele

    Nice texture, nice flavor. I used anise extract and they came out delicious. I will be making them again.

    Reply

    • Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (28)Nadia

      Hi Michele, so glad you enjoyed these easy to make cookies. Thank you for your comment!

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Easy Anise Biscotti Recipe - Mangia Bedda (2024)

FAQs

What is a substitute for anise in biscotti? ›

Anise seed: Anise seed has a similar licorice flavor as star anise and can be used as a substitute. Fennel seed: Fennel seed has a slightly sweeter taste compared to star anise but can still be used as a substitute. Cloves: Cloves have a warm and sweet flavor, but they are stronger than star anise, so use sparingly.

What is the difference between American and Italian biscotti? ›

Biscotti can be either the traditional Italian type which is very crunchy and intended for dunking in coffee, tea, or wine. Or they can be the softer American type, eaten like any cookie. The Italian type keeps longer and has no butter, so they are much lower calorie and very low fat.

What can I do with anise seed? ›

Generally speaking, anise is used to flavor a wide variety of foods, both sweet and savory. You'll find anise in a number of types of sausage, various processed meats, soups, stews, and anywhere a licorice flavor might be desired. Additionally, the leaves of the anise plant can be used in salads and in cheese spreads.

What is the secret to making biscotti? ›

12 Tips For Making The Absolute Best Biscotti
  1. Use room-temperature ingredients. ...
  2. Boost the flavor with spices, extracts, and zest. ...
  3. Toss in some add-ins for flavor and texture. ...
  4. Let the dough chill before shaping. ...
  5. Use floured or greased hands to shape the dough. ...
  6. Shape the dough into a smaller loaf than you want.
May 29, 2023

What is the closest spice to star anise? ›

Cloves can be used to replace star anise because they also provide a sweetness along with bitter flavors to dishes. Use less cloves than you would star anise, and they have a stronger flavor.

Are biscotti healthier than cookies? ›

In terms of health regular cookies are a high-calorie treat because of their higher moisture content, which also causes them to contain more fats and sugars. However, because of their drier texture, biscotti usually have lower fat and sugar content. However, it is vital to practice portion control, for both options.

What are American biscotti called in Italy? ›

'biscuits'), also known as cantucci ( Italian: [kanˈtuttʃi]) or, for versions with smaller pieces, as biscottini, are Italian almond biscuits that originated in the Tuscan city of Prato. They are twice-baked, oblong-shaped, dry, crunchy, and may be dipped in a drink, traditionally Vin Santo.

What do Italians call American biscotti? ›

Italians use the word biscotti when referring to products that Americans call cookies. The word cantucci is used by Italians when referring to the product Americans call biscotti.

Is anise seed a laxative? ›

Anise is a medicinal plant that is rich in flavonoids, malic acid and caffeic acid. These are bioactive compounds with digestive, laxative, carminative and spasmolytic properties that can help to relieve gas, constipation, abdominal cramping and indigestion.

Which is stronger anise seed or star anise? ›

Their similar licorice-like flavor makes these two natural substitutes for each other. However, because star anise has a much stronger flavor, you'll need to halve the amount when substituting it for anise seed. Likewise, use twice as much anise seed when substituting for star anise.

What tastes like anise? ›

When we speak of anise flavor, a few other herbs come into play: fennel and licorice. These three herbs have similar aromas and tastes due to a few shared chemical constituents.

Why are my biscotti crumbling when I cut them? ›

A: Overbaking the logs of dough during the first baking can make the slices crumble as you are cutting them. Also, even if the logs of dough are perfectly baked, they will crumble if they are sliced while still warm, so be patient. The logs crumble when you use a dull knife, too.

Should you chill biscotti dough before baking? ›

You guessed it, add the dry ingredients to the large bowl with the wet ingredients. Fold in the pistachios, cardamom, and vanilla extract. Because the dough can be sticky and hard to form, it's important to chill the batter for a good 30 minutes before baking the first time.

Why do my biscotti break when I cut them? ›

After the first bake, allow the biscotti to cool for about 10 minutes but don't leave them too long. If you leave them too long the dough will become too hard and it will be difficult to cut, but if you cut them when they are hot the slices will crumble.

What flavor is similar to anise? ›

When we speak of anise flavor, a few other herbs come into play: fennel and licorice. These three herbs have similar aromas and tastes due to a few shared chemical constituents.

What spice tastes like anise? ›

When we speak of anise flavor, a few other herbs come into play: fennel and licorice. These three herbs have similar aromas and tastes due to a few shared chemical constituents.

What can I use instead of anise or fennel? ›

Fennel seed alternatives range from Anise to celery and parsley. Onion artichoke and bok choy are also suitable substitutes in a pinch. Want to have fresh, small batch Fennel on hand for next time? Order Fennel today and have it delivered directly to your door.

Can I substitute almond extract for anise? ›

Typically, they're flavored with Anise extract which resembled black licorice, but this can easily be swapped out for vanilla or almond extract. These Christmas cookies are super simple to make and bake very quickly.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kelle Weber

Last Updated:

Views: 5516

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kelle Weber

Birthday: 2000-08-05

Address: 6796 Juan Square, Markfort, MN 58988

Phone: +8215934114615

Job: Hospitality Director

Hobby: tabletop games, Foreign language learning, Leather crafting, Horseback riding, Swimming, Knapping, Handball

Introduction: My name is Kelle Weber, I am a magnificent, enchanting, fair, joyous, light, determined, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.