Calling all biscotti dunkers and Italian breakfast cookie lovers! I know you are out there. This simple recipe for Italian Anise Cookies is for all of you.
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Introduction
I know you are out there because I am one of them. Truth be told, I love traditional Italian cookies to dunk in my cup of coffee… you know, the whole caffè latte e biscotti affair …is there anything better?
A couple of years ago, I had the privilege of visiting family in Italy. I was not surprised to see that it was very normal to have cookies for breakfast, whether homemade or store-bought.
I was, however, truly blown away at the selection of commercial breakfast cookies available in grocery stores. Interestingly enough, a glance at the nutritional information indicated that they were a “healthier” choice than most of the ultra-sweetened breakfast cookies available in North America.
You may have probably guessed that I prefer to make my own simple cookies.
Yes, there is a time commitment, but personally, there is nothing more satisfying and relaxing than baking. By far, biscotti recipes are my favorite.
However, I’ve grown very fond of these anise seed cookies… let me show you how easy they are to make.
Ingredients
- Flour. All-purpose.
- Baking powder. This ingredient makes them nice and soft.
- Salt. Just a pinch.
- Anise seeds. Feel free to add more or less, depending on your preference.
- Lemon zest. A wonderful flavor enhancer.
- Eggs. A common ingredient in baking.
- Sugar. Just the right amount of sweetness.
- Oil. A neutral-tasting oil, vegetable, or canola.
- Milk. Any kind works well in this simple cookie recipe.
Using a stand mixer facilitates combining wet and dry ingredients. Use a large cookie scoop to ensure these Italian cookies will all be the same size. The only other requirement for this recipe is a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
How to make Italian anise cookies
Preheat the oven to 350℉/175°C. Position rack to middle.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium-sized bowl, sift or whisk together the all-purpose flour (5½ cups), baking powder (3 teaspoons), a pinch of salt, the anise seeds (2-4 tablespoons) and the zest of one lemon.
Set aside as we prepare the liquid ingredients.
In a bowl of a stand mixer, whisk 3 room temperature eggs for about 3-4 minutes. Slowly add the sugar (1⅓ cups) and whisk for a few more minutes or until the batter thickens slightly.
Add the vegetable oil (½ cup) and the milk (1½ cups) and whisk for 30 seconds.
Switch to the flat blade attachment.
Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and mix until combined. The dough will be soft.
Once it is combined, it’s time to shape your cookies.
This recipe for these easy Italian cookies can be shaped as wide or as narrow as you like – make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Use a large-sized ice cream scoop to portion and roll the dough into a 5-inch long rope, about 1 inch in diameter.
Place about 2 inches apart on the parchment-lined cookie sheet and gently press down to flatten slightly to ¼ inch thick.
Bake for 12-14 minutes in the preheated oven or until bottoms are lightly browned (this is a pale cookie).
After ten minutes of baking, take a peek at the bottoms. When they begin to slightly brown, your soft anise cookies are done. I will usually have one batch in the oven while I am rolling out another.
You will notice that this is a very pale-looking cookie (just like these S cookies). If you like, turn on the broiler to give them a little bit of color.
Before you know it, you have made about two dozen cookies.
My oh my, how time flies when you are having fun!
Tips
- Add more anise seeds. Feel free to increase the number of anise seeds according to personal tastes.
- Any shape will do. If you prefer stubbier cookies, roll to 4 inches and flatten to ¼ – ½ inch before baking.
- This is a pale cookie. During the last minute or so, please turn on the broiler to give these cookies a touch of color… make sure to keep an eye on them as they can easily burn.
Italian breakfast cookies variations
- Substitute the lemon zest with vanilla extract.
- For a floral flavor, replace the vegetable oil with olive oil.
- Replace anise seeds with anise extract.
- Before baking, brush the tops with milk and sprinkle with turbinado sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
FAQ
Once the cookies are at room temperature, place them in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal taste and freshness.
Yes, place them in a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze. They will keep for about 3 months. They thaw quickly at room temperature.
Anise cookies we love
If you like the licorice-like flavor of anise, be sure to try these anise biscotti, my nonna’s pizzelle, or this ciambelline al vino recipe. Although not a cookie, these anise taralli are absolutely the best you will ever make!
Recipe inspiration
Not too long ago, I bumped into a colleague of mine I hadn’t seen in a while. Inevitably, the two of us always end up talking about food… naturally, one of my favorite topics.
She told me she wanted to share another one of her family’s recipes with me (If you recall, Fabiana was the one that shared her mom’s recipe for Italian Easter Sweet Bread).
Within a week of receiving the recipe, I had already made two batches.
Yes, they are that good!
The second time I made them, I decided to replace a quarter of the flour with whole wheat flour… absolutely delicious.
I do not doubt that these anisette cookies will quickly become one of your favorites.
Grazie Fabiana for a great recipe ♥
THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.
Ciao for now,
Maria
★★★★★ If you have made these traditional Italian breakfast cookies, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!
Recipe
Italian Anise Cookies
Ingredients
- 5½ cups flour, all-purpose 780 grams
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- pinch salt
- 2-4 teaspoons anise seeds lightly crushed, heaping
- zest of one lemon
- 3 eggs room temperature
- 1⅓ cups sugar granulated
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1½ cups milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉/175°C. Position rack to middle.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder and salt.
- Add the anise seeds and the lemon zest to the dry ingredients. Set aside.
- In a large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk the eggs on medium-high speed until nice and frothy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Slowly add sugar. Continue to whisk until well combined and slightly thickened.
- Add the oil and the milk. Combine well.
- Switch to flat blade attachment.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients and mix until well just combined, dough will be soft.
- Scoop dough with a large-sized cookie scoop and drop on a floured surface (approximately 3 tablespoons).
- Roll out each piece in a 5-inch log about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place about 2 inches apart on the parchment-lined cookie sheet and gently press down to flatten slightly to ¼ inch thick.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned (this is a pale cookie).
Video
Notes
- Add more anise seeds. Feel free to increase the number of anise seeds according to personal tastes.
- Any shape will do. If you prefer stubbier cookies, roll to 4 inches and flatten to ¼ – ½ inch before baking.
- This is a pale cookie. During the last minute or so, turn on the broiler to give these cookies a touch of color… make sure to keep an eye on them as they can easily burn.
Nutrition
This post was originally published on April 8, 2017, republished on April 13, 2019, and again on April 15, 2021 with updated content and photos. Thanks for watching and sharing!
AnnMarie
Can I shape these into a loaf and slice to toast??? This recipe is close to my mom’s that has been misplaced
Maria
That is a great question AnnMarie. I have never tried but I think it might just work! I would love to hear about your results if you do decide to try it! Thanks so much for stopping by.
Rana
I love yourBiscotti! They are easy to mak.
Maria
Thanks so much Rana!
Maria B Rugolo
These are the cookies my Dad loved! I have been trying to find a recipe for them for years now! We call them savoradi cookies but when you go to the bakery and say that, you get lady fingers and that is not what he ate. These are them and they look amazing! My Dad is no longer with us but my husband loves them too so I know these are them and they are right. The only change I made was to replace Anise Seed with Anise Extract 3 tablespoons. I did not put these in the broiler as their pale color is exactly what I remember. They baked for 14 minutes in my oven. I am so grateful for this recipe.
Maria
How wonderful Maria! I am so thrilled to hear this. I must try them with the anise extract. Thanks so much for taking the time to share, truly appreciate it!
Susan
Would you reduce any of the other liquid if you add extract instead of seeds? I don’t want them too wet.
Maria
I think if you are adding a few teaspoons, you should be okay. If you find the dough “too wet” you can always add a tablespoon or so of flour. Thanks for stopping by.
Theresa Graves
Where can I get the anise seeds we make them but ran out of my grandmother’s anise seeds
Maria
You should be able to find them in the spice section of your local grocery store. If not, I’m sure Amazon has them. Thanks for stopping by.
Marlene
I love your recipiesI am Italian and 80 yrs old.
Still cooking
Maria
How wonderful Marlene… thank you so much for your kind words and taking the time to share… it means a lot to me ♥
Fran
Well I made these today on Good Friday. The aroma is fantastic and they taste wonderful as well. Will be bringing them to our family gathering this evening. We are a serious bunch of dunkers. Made one little modification. Turned on the broiler just for a touch of colour.
Maria
Wonderful Fran! Wishing you all a Happy Easter 🙂
Barbarito-Levitt Paula
In my humble opinion, this is the perfect cookie; not to sweet, scented with tow of my favorite flavors and the ideal snap for a bit of dunking. I have some anise seeds from Calabria which will make their way into you friends recipe.
Maria
You have described this cookie perfectly… you definitely know your cookies Paula 🙂 I can only imagine the sweet fragrance from the anise seeds. Fantastic!!! Thanks so much for dropping by ♥♥♥
Fran
Omg! You’re killing me, just saw your recipe for these mouth watering looking dunkers and don’t have time to make them today gonna try them tomorrow. I just love baking and when I see a recipe like this I can’t sleep thinking about them. Will let you know how they turn out.
Maria
lol … you and me together … you are going to LOVE these Fran!!! Anxious to hear back from you. Thanks for bringing a smile to my face. Enjoy your evening ♥
Diane
Oh la la! Une autre belle recette que j’ai bien hâte d’essayer 🙂
Maria
Merci Diane ♥ Ces biscuits sont vraiment délicieux! Au plaisir 🙂