Blog
Italian Anise Cookies and Biscotti Recipes
Nov
Italian baking classics
Anise Cookie Recipes
Italian anise cookies and anise biscotti carry a warm, familiar flavor that brings you right back to family tables and Sunday traditions. This guide brings together the stories, flavors, and classic recipes that make these cookies unforgettable.
Quick answer: Italian anise cookies are lightly sweet cookies flavored with anise (seed or extract). They can be baked soft and tender, or baked twice as biscotti for a crisp snap. Anise is a classic Italian coffee flavor that shows up at family gatherings, especially around the holidays.
Want anise biscotti without baking?
If you love that classic anise flavor with coffee, try our Anise Biscotti baked in small batches at The Biscotti Company.
What Are Italian Anise Cookies?
Anise cookies and anise biscotti are part of Italian life in a way that goes deeper than flour and sugar. In our house, we ate anise biscotti cookies every Sunday after lunch. Sometimes we visited relatives and they served it. Other times we baked a fresh batch at home and carried a tray with us. No matter where we went, there was always a plate of anise biscotti to share with friends and family. It was simple, but it meant everyone was together.
Whether you want an anise cookies recipe Italian or a traditional anise cookies recipe, you will find it here. These cookies are a mix of heritage, comfort, and the familiar scent that fills the whole house when the oven door opens. If you want to taste a bakery version, you can try our Anise Biscotti baked in small batches at The Biscotti Company.
What Do Anise Cookies Taste Like?
Anise cookies and anise biscotti taste warm, sweet, and lightly herbal. The anise gives a soft licorice-like flavor that feels comforting. When baked as cookies, they stay soft and tender. When baked as biscotti, they turn crisp with a clean snap. The flavor fits perfectly with a hot cup of coffee, a quiet morning, or a noisy Sunday table after a big family lunch.
Why Anise Matters
Anise has been used in Italian baking for generations. Its licorice-like aroma gives both cookies and biscotti their signature scent. Star anise, anise seed, and anise extract each bring their own twist to the flavor, but the heart of the cookie stays the same. It tastes like family time.
Core Anise Cookie Recipes
Anise cookies come in many forms. Soft. Glazed. Crisp. Twice baked. In many Italian families, the same dough could become a cookie or a biscotti depending on what the day called for. These are the most loved versions.
Old Fashioned Anise Cookies Recipe
This old fashioned anise cookies recipe makes soft, puffy cookies that taste like every holiday table you grew up around. Finished with a simple glaze and sprinkles, they look and taste like home.
Anise Cookies Recipe Easy
This anise cookies recipe easy is perfect when you want the flavor without extra steps. Ready in about 20 minutes and full of anise aroma.
Traditional Anise Cookies Recipe
A true traditional anise cookies recipe lets the dough rest so the flavors can deepen. The glaze dries into a smooth finish that shines. Great for holiday cookie boxes and gifting.
Star Anise Cookies Recipe
A star anise cookies recipe uses ground star anise for a deeper, floral flavor. These bake crisp and pair well with espresso.
Cookies With Anise Seed
If you like a mild anise flavor with a bit of crunch, make cookies with anise seed. The seeds give gentle texture and a warm taste that is less intense than extract.
Ingredient Guide
There are three popular ways to flavor anise cookies. Each gives a different taste and strength.
Anise Seed
Mild, warm, and slightly sweet. Great for crunchy cookies and biscotti.
Anise Extract
Strong and clean. This is the classic flavor most people expect in Italian anise cookies.
Star Anise
Earthy and floral. Great for gourmet versions or darker doughs.
How Long Do Anise Cookies Last?
If stored in an airtight container, anise cookies stay fresh for about one week at room temperature. This answers the question how long do anise cookies last. Unfrosted cookies can be frozen for a couple of months, but glazed cookies are best fresh.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Cookies Spread Too Much
Chill the dough for 30 minutes. Use fresh baking powder.
Cookies Taste Too Strong
Cut the extract in half or switch to seeds.
Cookies Are Dry
Shorten the bake time by 1 to 2 minutes or add a small splash of milk to the dough.
Serving Ideas
Anise cookies and anise biscotti fit anywhere you want something simple and comforting. Perfect with espresso, cappuccino, or black tea. Great on holiday platters and even better on quiet afternoons.
In our house, anise biscotti came out right after Sunday lunch when the coffee was poured and everyone settled into conversation. It was the taste of family time.
Want a variety for coffee all week?
If you want an easy mix of classic flavors, start with The Hampton Trio.
Related Recipes and Helpful Links
Explore more flavors and baking ideas from The Biscotti Company:
- The Biscotti Guide
- Anise Biscotti
- Chocolate Anise Biscottini
- What Are Biscotti?
- Shop All Biscotti
- Biscotti Bites
- Find Us (Stores Near You)
FAQ
Are anise cookies supposed to be soft or crunchy?
They can be either. Soft when made as cookies. Crisp when baked twice as biscotti.
What does anise taste like?
Warm, sweet, and lightly herbal with a gentle licorice-like flavor.
What is the difference between anise and star anise?
Anise is smoother and sweeter. Star anise is stronger, deeper, and more floral.
Can I swap anise extract for anise seed?
Yes. Use anise extract for a stronger flavor and anise seed for a milder, softer flavor.
Can you freeze anise cookies?
Unfrosted anise cookies can be frozen for a couple of months in an airtight container. Glazed cookies are best enjoyed fresh.
Should you freeze biscotti?
We do not recommend freezing biscotti. Store an unopened bag at room temperature. Once opened, enjoy within a week, or move the biscotti to an airtight container.
Why do Italian cookies use anise?
It gives a classic aroma that many families grew up with. It is a traditional Italian flavor used for generations.
Printable Classic Anise Cookie Recipe
This is the base recipe I recommend if you want a soft, classic Italian version that still tastes great as biscotti.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup almond flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon anise extract or 1 tablespoon anise seed
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk dry ingredients. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time.
4. Mix in anise extract or seeds.
5. Add dry ingredients and mix until combined.
6. Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet.
7. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until tops are set.
8. Cool and glaze if desired.
