So, your friend is coming over for coffee. And although it won’t be the softest cookie you’ve ever made her, I promise she’ll feel spoiled by its intoxicating aroma and delectable flavor.
It could go down something like this…a demitasse of cherry espresso or a delicate cup of chai tea (which my daughter recently informed me is like saying tea tea…and if you’ve been following along then you know this is exactly the kind of thing that will crack me up…and it did…big time…but I digress…), a sweet nosh in the form of these Italian Anise Cookies, perhaps a little Vince Guaraldi quietly playing in the background and a French vanilla candle to serve as your centerpiece.
This is it.
Three main ingredients with a splash of water and a dusting of cinnamon (if you’re feeling adventurous).
Preparing this sweet and delicious Italian confection takes a little more than an hour from start to finish. Made from scratch, this cookie, which I think I am more comfortable calling a biscotti biscuit, due to its hard crunchy exterior and chewier interior, will fill your kitchen with the wonderful distinctive aroma of black licorice.
This recipe is simple, however, it took me a couple times to get it right. It’s a ‘feel’ thing, which is not unusual in an authentic Italian kitchen. As you combine the water with the flour, sugar and anise seed, be sure to add it slowly, as you mix the ingredients with your hands to create a smooth thick dough that is easy to roll into balls (the size of meatballs), checking as you go to make sure they stay in tact and comfortably fit in the molds of a mini-muffin tin.
The licorice overtones of the anise are tempered by the sweetness of the cookie-biscuit, as well as complemented by the fragrant warmth of the cinnamon. I tell you what, there isn’t much that cinnamon doesn’t go with. Such a versatile spice.
You’ll want to remember that when using a spice like anise to not be afraid to experiment with the measurement. A dish that is pleasurable is one that you have tailored to your liking. Spices and herbs are the perfect place to make adjustments therefore making it your own.
In keeping with my philosophy for entertaining – one which includes good food and comfortable surroundings – one that leaves the host as rejuvenated as the guests and ultimately results in repeat visits from our favorite people…
…these Italian Anise Cookies fit right into my grand scheme of things.
I hope they fit into yours too!
Buon Appetito!
Print
Italian Anise Cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs. (about 4 2/3 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 lbs. (about 2 1/3 cups) sugar
- 2 – 3 tsp. anise seeds
- Approximately 1 1/3 cups water
- Cinnamon for dusting
Instructions
- In a large bowl, using a spoon, combine flour, sugar and anise seed.
- Slowly add water and mix until a smooth dough is formed.
- Form the dough into 36 one inch balls.
- Place balls on parchment and allow to dry for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Using three mini muffin tins, place balls in each tin, one ball per mold. Be sure that the dough touches the sides of the molds.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until cookies are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Serve warm.
Ciao!
Yeah, anise cookies, they look so cute and delicious! Need them for my coffee! Pinned !
Mmm-hmmmm! Thanks, Mira!
These sound like the perfect cookie for a coffee (or tea) talk session with good friends. Love it!
Thank you, Maya!
The perfect bites for tea (or is it tea tea? Lol) — love these simple cookies!
Hahahah! It will forever be tea tea to me! Thanks, Ashley!
I love how easy and simple this recipe is! Those cookies look SO yummy!! Pinned 🙂
Awwwh! Thanks, dear! 🙂
These little bites look absolutely amazing! I will have to print the recipe!
Why thank you very much, Sheryl! Enjoy!
I want to go to your house for tea tea and cookies 🙂 These sound amazing! Love the anise in here! Simple recipes are my favorite!
I would love to have tea tea with you, Kelly! hahaha! Gets me every time! Thanks, dear!
Love the simplicity and flavor of these little cookies, Annie. And, yes, I’m feeling adventurous so I’ll take the cinnamon! When I first saw these, I thought they were little muffins, but then I looked at the title… Surprised, but I can see why these would be referred to as cookies. I would love to come over and join you for a coffee talk and enjoy a few cookies with you Annie!
Wouldn’t that be lovely…The English word for biscotti is cookie, and because these have a real biscotti type texture, it makes sense (to me, anyway…haha!). Thanks for stopping by, Traci.
Annie I love using anise seeds in my cooking and cookies sound just perfect for putting fragrant anise seeds to use!! Will be making for sure!
They add a delicious subtle flavor… Thanks, Ami. Enjoy!
These cookies look divine, Annie! I love the flavours – sweet and delicious!
Thank you, Jess. I appreciate that!
I love your philosophy on entertaining – very well said, Annie. There’s nothing nicer than catching up with a friend over coffee and a little snack – these cookies would be perfect!
That is the best. Thanks, so much, Geraldine.
Sometimes simple is best. I love how easy these cookies are to make and they definitely look perfect with a cup of coffee too! Beautiful pictures, Annie.
Thank you, Danielle.
These cookies look just perfect to go with tea or coffee! I’m coming over Annie!!
Yay! Come over…I made plenty! This recipe makes 36… Thanks, Manali!
Anise seeds? I actually don’t know what they are! Are they star anise seeds? You mention liquorice so I am assuming they are.
These are 3 ingredient treats!! I can’t believe it’s only flour, anise and sugar!! (You get water for free and dusting doesn’t count). Who ever would have thought you could make something like this with just 3 ingredients??
Despite their similarities, i.e. name and flavor, anise is not related to star anise, which is another spice from a different family of plants. Interesting, isn’t it? Who doesn’t love a 3 ingredient recipe…am I right? Thanks, dear!
See, I have three small kids. So I love the picture you paint of the quiet talk, but my enjoying these cookies will be punctuated with screams and the sound of things breaking. That won’t stop me from enjoying them, though!
Hahahah! I remember those days! Awwwh – that’s fun too! Thanks, Mir!
1) Love the shadows in these photos! 2) I’m coming over for coffee and cookies! 😛
There was such pretty morning light pouring through the windows! Thank you, dear! Coffee’s on!
This sounds so lovely!! …and tea tea! haha, I’ve never thought of it like that! I love chai! 🙂
Haha! I know, I hadn’t either until she pointed it out. Cracked me up! Thanks, dear! 🙂
These look so good, Annie! I’ ll have to give them a try soon! 🙂
Enjoy! Thanks, Neli!
I love a great cookie over tea/coffee! So cute too – the perfect size to nibble 🙂
Oh yes….a necessity! 🙂 Thanks, Kathleen!
Love the cookies, love the photos, LOVE Vince Guaraldi!
Isn’t he the best??!! Thanks, April!!
This is definitely the perfect cookie to eat while talking over coffee! My aunt makes a similar version and it’s always a hit in our family. Love the flavors of these, Annie! Simply gorgeous!
Yep, I believe it was invented with that very intention…for dipping and talking! Your aunt makes them? Then you know how good they are! Love it! Thanks, Gayle!