Easy Biscotti with Anise: Crunchy, Flavor-Packed Italian Treat

Natalie

The founder of Cookleez

There’s something truly enchanting about the crisp snap of biscotti paired with the subtle, aromatic hint of anise—it transports me straight to a cozy Italian café with every bite. I stumbled upon this recipe when craving a homemade treat that feels both elegant and comforting, yet is surprisingly simple to make. What I love most is how these biscotti with anise strike the perfect balance: sweet but not overpowering, crunchy yet tender enough to dunk in your morning coffee or evening tea. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone tired of the same old fast food routine, this recipe offers a delightful twist that brings warmth and flair to your kitchen table. Get ready to fill your home with that irresistible, spicy-sweet aroma that’s bound to charm friends and family alike!

Why choose Biscotti with Anise?

Irresistible Crunch: These biscotti deliver that classic crisp snap perfect for dunking. Distinctive Flavor: The subtle anise adds an elegant, aromatic twist you won’t find in everyday cookies. Simple to Make: With straightforward steps and easy-to-find ingredients, it’s a recipe anyone can master. Versatile Treat: Enjoy them with coffee, tea, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Timeless Appeal: This Italian classic brings warmth and charm, transforming your kitchen and your snack time.

Biscotti with Anise Ingredients

For the Dough

All-purpose flour – Use fresh flour to ensure a tender yet crunchy biscotti texture.
Granulated sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the anise.
Baking powder – Provides a gentle lift, keeping the biscotti from becoming too dense.
Salt – Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and spice perfectly.
Eggs – Bind the dough and contribute to the characteristic biscotti crunch.
Anise seeds – The star of this recipe, they bring that signature aromatic, licorice-like flavor to your biscotti with anise.
Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to complement the anise notes.

For Finishing Touches

Almonds (optional) – Toasted and chopped for added crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with anise.
Powdered sugar (optional) – A light dusting for a pretty, delicate finish and subtle extra sweetness.

How to Make Biscotti with Anise

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even, golden baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and anise seeds. This blend forms the aromatic, lightly sweet base of your biscotti dough.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth and pale. This mixture adds moisture and enriched flavor to balance the aromatic dryness of the anise-spiced dough.
Form Dough: Pour the egg mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir with a spatula. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms, making sure the anise seeds are evenly distributed throughout.
Shape Logs: Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 12-inch log, about 1 inch thick. This shape ensures uniform baking and the classic biscotti form.
First Bake: Transfer both logs onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, until they’re lightly golden and firm to the touch. This initial bake sets the shape.
Cool & Slice: Remove the logs from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes. Slice diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick pieces with a sharp serrated knife for neat, even biscotti slices ready for the second bake.
Second Bake: Arrange the biscotti slices cut-side down on the baking sheet. Bake again at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway. Bake until crisp and golden brown.

For Finishing Touches:

Press Almonds: Gently press the chopped, toasted almonds onto the warm biscotti for a nutty crunch. The residual heat helps them adhere, adding texture and a rich flavor contrast.
Dust with Sugar: Once completely cool, lightly sift powdered sugar over the biscotti for a delicate finish. This adds a subtle sweetness and a charming snowy appearance perfect for gifting.

Optional: Serve with espresso for a delightful Italian-inspired pairing.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Biscotti with Anise

Room Temperature: Store biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. This keeps them fresh and crunchy, ready for your coffee dips.

Fridge: If you prefer to keep them longer, biscotti can be refrigerated for up to 4 weeks. Just ensure they’re sealed in an airtight container to prevent moisture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze biscotti in a tightly wrapped container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature; they’ll regain their crunch easily.

Reheating: To refresh leftover biscotti, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will bring back their delightful crunch and warmth.

Expert Tips for Biscotti with Anise

Even Dough Mixing: Fold the wet ingredients gently into the dry mix to keep the dough tender but cohesive, avoiding overmixing that toughens biscotti.
Sharp Knife for Slicing: Use a serrated knife to slice the baked logs; this prevents crumbs and keeps the biscotti edges clean and uniform.
Watch the Bake Times: The first bake sets the shape, the second creates crunch—don’t skip the second bake or your biscotti won’t have that signature snap.
Distribute Anise Seeds Well: Mix the anise seeds evenly throughout the dough to ensure every bite bursts with that lovely aromatic flavor.
Cool Before Dusting: Let biscotti cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to avoid melting and losing that pretty finish.

What to Serve with Biscotti with Anise?

Indulging in these delightful biscotti creates a wonderful opportunity to assemble a charming, full meal experience.

Espresso: The rich, bold flavor of espresso perfectly complements the anise’s subtle sweetness for a quintessential Italian treat.
Herbal Tea: A soothing chamomile or mint tea brings a fresh contrast to the crunchy biscotti, enhancing the overall experience.
Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like brie or creamy goat cheese provide a luscious balance to the crunch, elevating your biscotti’s flavor profile.
Fruit Compote: A dollop of fig or raspberry compote adds a sweet-tart touch, enhancing the biscotti’s natural sweetness and aromatic flavors.
Dark Chocolate: Dipping the biscotti in melted dark chocolate creates a luscious pairing, harmonizing the biscotti’s texture with a rich, velvety essence.
Berries: Serve fresh strawberries or blueberries on the side for a burst of freshness, beautifully contrasting the crunchiness and sweetness of the biscotti.
Vanilla Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, pair with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream that melts decadently over the biscotti’s crunch.
Cocktail: A light and refreshing Prosecco spritz can bring a festive vibe to your meal, enhancing the lighter notes of the anise with its crisp bubbles.

Each option enhances the inviting ambiance while highlighting the soul of your biscotti with anise.

Make Ahead Options

These biscotti with anise are perfect for those busy weeks when you need delicious snacks on hand without the fuss! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. For even more convenience, you can bake the biscotti and store them in an airtight container for up to 1 week. To maintain their delightful crunch, ensure they have completely cooled before storage. When ready to serve, enjoy them as is, or lightly dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch. With these tips, you’ll have your homemade treats ready to delight your family, saving time without sacrificing quality!

Variations & Substitutions for Biscotti with Anise

Feel free to make this recipe truly yours by experimenting with delightful twists and substitutions.

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a suitable option. This will maintain the texture while accommodating dietary needs.
Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener for a low-calorie delight that still satisfies your sweet tooth.
Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to infuse bright, refreshing notes, enhancing the biscotti’s flavor profile.
Nut Varieties: Replace almonds with pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts for a unique twist; each nut brings its distinct flavor and texture.
Chocolate-Dipped: After the second bake, dip half the biscotti in melted dark or white chocolate for an indulgent, sweet contrast that adds a decadent touch.
Spiced: Include a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg in the dough for an aromatic warmth that complements the anise beautifully; it makes your kitchen smell heavenly!
Dried Fruits: Incorporate chopped dried cherries, cranberries, or raisins for a chewy texture and a burst of tangy sweetness amidst the crispiness.
Heat Level: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne or some crushed red pepper flakes to the batter; it’s a surprising flavor that pairs well with sweetness.

Each of these variations opens the door to new and exciting experiences, bringing joy and creativity to your baking!

Easy Biscotti with Anise Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my anise seeds are fresh and good to use?
Look for anise seeds that are plump, dry, and pale brown with no dark spots or moisture. Fresh seeds have a strong, sweet licorice aroma—if they smell weak or stale, it’s best to replace them for full flavor.

What’s the best way to store Biscotti with Anise to keep them crunchy?
Store your biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature, away from heat and humidity, and they’ll stay delightfully crisp for up to two weeks. Avoid plastic bags without seals, as moisture will soften them and dilute the lovely anise flavor.

Can I freeze Biscotti with Anise, and how should I thaw them?
Absolutely! Freeze your biscotti in a tightly sealed freezer bag or container for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for about an hour, then re-crisp in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes to bring back their perfect crunch.

My biscotti turned out too hard—what went wrong?
This can happen if the biscotti baked too long during the second bake or the slices were cut too thin. Next time, try trimming the second baking time by a few minutes and slice them a bit thicker (about 1/2 inch) to keep that snap without turning them like rocks.

Are Biscotti with Anise safe for pets or people with allergies?
While anise is generally safe for humans, it’s best to avoid sharing these biscotti with pets, especially cats and dogs, as anise can be toxic to them. For allergy-sensitive people, be mindful of the almonds and eggs in this recipe, or consider substitutions like seeds or dairy-free egg replacers.