Aniseed is the seed of the anise plant, which is a member of the parsley family. Used whole or ground, aniseed has a sweet aroma and taste reminiscent of licorice. It is a popular addition to many European baked goods, such as these typical Italian biscotti. Aniseed is also one of the flavorings used in anisette, a popular European licorice-flavored liqueur.
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Servings
18
Makes about 48 biscotti.
Ingredients
8 Tbs. (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1⁄2 tsp. anise extract
1 Tbs. aniseed, crushed
1 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
1⁄2 tsp. baking powder
1⁄4 tsp. salt
1 egg white, lightly beaten
Coarse sugar crystals for sprinkling
Directions
Preheat an oven to 350°F. Lightly grease and flour a large baking sheet or line with parchment paper. Have another ungreased baking sheet on hand.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter on high speed until fluffy and pale yellow. Add the granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture is no longer gritty when rubbed between your finger and thumb. Reduce the speed to low and add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla, anise extract and aniseed and beat until blended.
Over a sheet of waxed paper, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat on low speed or stir with a wooden spoon just until blended. The batter should be very soft.
Turn the batter out onto a generously floured work surface and divide in half. With well-floured hands, transfer one half onto the greased baking sheet and shape into a log about 12 inches long and 1 1⁄2 inches in diameter. Place on one side of the sheet. Repeat with the remaining batter, leaving at least 4 inches between the logs. (They will spread as they bake.) Lightly brush the top of each log with some of the egg white and sprinkle with the coarse sugar crystals.
Bake the logs until the edges are golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes. Using a serrated knife, cut the logs, still on the pan, on the diagonal into slices 1⁄2 inch wide. Carefully turn the slices on their sides and place as many as will fit on the second (ungreased) pan. Keep the remaining slices on the first pan. Return the biscotti to the oven and bake until the edges are golden, about 10 minutes. Transfer the pans to wire racks and let the cookies cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
Makes about 48 biscotti.
Adapted from
Williams-Sonoma Collection Series,
Cookies,
by Marie Simmons
(Simon & Schuster, 2002).
Rated 5 out of
5 by
JoAnn55 from
Excellent biscottiI’ve made this recipe twice now and both times they were delicious. First time, I added an extra tsp of anise seed, crushed, because I didn’t have anise flavoring or annisette in the house. I made two logs as recipe called for. On the 2nd bake I did turn them over and cook 10 minutes on each side, I like a crispy biscotti.
The second time, I made one larger log, cooked it for 32 minutes, second bake, cooked on both sides. This was better for us because we prefer a bigger biscotti.
Flavor was on point. This recipe is a keeper.
Date published: 2019-12-22
Rated 5 out of
5 by
Bethdh from
Delicious for dunking in coffee!These came out perfect and very tasty! Love the anise flavor!
Date published: 2016-01-21
Rated 4 out of
5 by
Jessellie from
Something went wrong, but......Being a lover of anise these are the biscotti for me. Even though they failed, to spread more than a half inch in width, I continued on with the second bake. They are delicious and crispy nonetheless. Even though they didn't turn out as anticipated this recipe is a keeper and I will be trying it again!
Date published: 2015-04-02
Rated 5 out of
5 by
QualityOne from
Good and EasyDelicious crisp biscotti. Just what I was looking for and easy to make. I used regular sugar sprinkled on top to give it a good appearance after baking. Recipe is a keeper.
Date published: 2013-01-28
Rated 4 out of
5 by
ArlingtonMum from
Pretty Easy, Anise is great!They didn't expand that much when cooking so if you want them nice and big when they come out, make the logs shorter and a little wider, otherwise the finished biscotti are about 6 inches wide. I am also going to add a little more Anise extract next time, I didn't get much of the anise flavor like I like to but the recipe is easy.
