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!
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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!
These little biscottis are to die for.
I will reduce the amount of sugar and try these with unprocessed sugar.
I usually use only 1/2 cup of sugar for 2 cups of flour.
Thanks for sharing such a simple yet scrumptious recipe. Yum…
Thank you for stopping by with a kind word, Bernadette. I appreciate it!
Yes, yes, yes! Tea time is the best time. I have to admit that I am a cookie monster and having a plate of these in front of me would be deadly to my waistline. I bet they are divine dunked into a cup of tea.
I love tea time too…and coffee talks… These are a nice little addition to that mix. Thanks, dear!
Vince Guaraldi and tea tea… perfection 😉
Mm-hmmm! 🙂 Your fingerprints are all over this! 🙂
Annie, I want these! Anise flavor in little biscotti? Dying! I may have to invent a reason to have a friend over for coffee just so that I can attempt these (but maybe a good friend in case mine don’t turn out as beautifully as yours)!!
Hahha! Invent a reason…I think you’ll be glad you did! And try not to get frustrated if the batter doesn’t work the first few times…it took me a couple… Thanks, Jackie! 🙂
I love these cookies, they are perfect with a cup of java or some tea. I have never tried making my own, this may be the perfect opportunity, your turned out too cute.
Thank you so much, Katalina! 🙂
Wow, can’t believe how simple these are! I’ve never tried a cookie with anise in it before, but I bet they are delicious if they are a traditional Italian ‘thing’! The Italians always seem to know what they’re doing when it comes to food – sweet or savoury!
Gosh, I couldn’t agree more! This is a subtly sweet treat that we adore. Thank you, Helen!
I’m half Italian/Sicilian and I’ve never tried these so thanks for sharing! Will definitely try!!
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That is music to my ears, Tianna! Enjoy! I’ll certainly be stopping by… 🙂
My husband would go nuts for these! I’m so intrigued by the texture – crispy on the outside but chewy on the inside. I”m pinning these for sure.
Dom loves them too! Thanks for the pin! Enjoy!
I love the flavor of anise seeds! These cookies looks amazing!
Aren’t they delicious?! Such big flavor for such a little thing! Thanks, Christin!
Your description is wonderful, Annie! So regal and classy. I think just being in the presence of these cookies would make me feel like a new woman!
Sarah, Thank you so much…I love that a little cookie can do such a thing!
Annie, these cookies are so beautiful!!! I love anise seeds!! and I can smell these from here!!! These are perfect for coffee with friends . . love!!! and beautiful photos!!
Thank you, Alice…they create such a lovely aroma…and a nice little bite.