There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a warm, crunchy biscotti dipped into a cup of coffee or tea. This Crunchy Anise Biscotti recipe adds a delightful twist to the traditional Italian treat, infusing it with the unique flavor of anise. Known for its subtle licorice-like taste, anise adds depth and intrigue to these crispy cookies. Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon snack or serve them as an elegant treat at a holiday gathering, these biscotti are sure to impress with their perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

With a crisp texture that comes from two rounds of baking, these biscotti are ideal for dunking. The rich, buttery dough is enhanced by the aromatic essence of anise extract, and the optional addition of anise seeds provides an extra burst of flavor and texture. This recipe is easy to follow and yields 24 pieces, making it perfect for sharing or storing for later. Prepare to fall in love with these crunchy, licorice-scented biscotti that will quickly become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect for Dunking

These biscotti have the perfect crunch for dipping into your favorite coffee or tea, offering a satisfying texture and enhancing your drink experience.

2. A Unique Flavor Profile

The hint of licorice from the anise extract and seeds gives these biscotti a distinctive flavor that sets them apart from typical cookies, making them a great choice for anyone who loves bold, aromatic flavors.

3. Easy to Make

Despite the two-step baking process, these biscotti are simple to prepare. With basic ingredients and clear instructions, you’ll have a delicious batch of biscotti ready in just under an hour.

4. Customizable with Add-ins

While the anise flavor is the star of this recipe, you can easily customize the biscotti by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, almonds, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.

5. Long Shelf Life

Biscotti are known for their ability to stay fresh for an extended period. These cookies can be stored for weeks, making them a great make-ahead option for holiday gifts or special occasions.

Ingredients

3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon anise extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon anise seeds (optional)

Variations

Almond Anise Biscotti: Add 1/2 cup of chopped almonds to the dough for a delightful crunch that complements the anise flavor.
Chocolate Dipped Biscotti: After baking, dip the cooled biscotti in melted dark chocolate for a rich, indulgent treat.
Orange Zest Biscotti: Add a teaspoon of fresh orange zest for a citrusy twist that brightens up the anise flavor.
Cranberry Anise Biscotti: Stir in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a tart contrast to the sweet, licorice flavor of the anise.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the biscotti from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the melted butter and anise extract, and continue mixing until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. If you’re using anise seeds, stir them in at this point.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal parts. On the prepared baking sheet, shape each half into a log about 10 inches long and 2 inches wide, ensuring they are evenly shaped for consistent baking.

Step 5: Bake the First Time

Bake the logs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are firm to the touch and lightly golden. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 6: Slice and Bake Again

Using a sharp knife, slice the baked logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Place the biscotti slices cut-side down on the baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake the Second Time

Return the biscotti slices to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the biscotti are dry and crisp. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the biscotti to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them with your favorite coffee, tea, or a hot cocoa for the perfect treat.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Dough: To ensure a light and crisp biscotti texture, mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in tough biscotti.
Chill the Dough (If Necessary): If the dough is too sticky to shape, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes before shaping into logs.
Use Fresh Anise Extract: The flavor of anise extract is key in this recipe, so make sure it’s fresh for the best taste. If you love a stronger anise flavor, feel free to add a little extra extract.
Even Slicing: For even biscotti, use a sharp knife and slice the logs diagonally. This ensures consistent baking and crispness.
Monitor Baking Time: Biscotti can go from golden to overdone quickly. Watch them closely during the second baking to ensure they don’t burn.

How to Serve

These crunchy biscotti are perfect for serving alongside a hot drink, whether it’s coffee, tea, or a warm glass of milk. They also make wonderful gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or tins. Serve them as part of a dessert platter at holiday gatherings, or enjoy them as a treat to accompany a cozy afternoon break.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. They will stay crisp and fresh, making them a great option for a snack throughout the week.

Freezing

To extend the shelf life, you can freeze the biscotti. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container, where they can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To reheat frozen biscotti, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will restore their crunch without overbaking them.

FAQs

1. Can I skip the anise seeds?

Yes, the anise seeds are optional. If you prefer a more subtle anise flavor, you can skip them or use only the anise extract.

2. How do I know when the biscotti are done baking?

The biscotti should be golden on the edges and firm to the touch when done. The second bake will help ensure they are dry and crispy.

3. Can I use a stand mixer to make the dough?

Yes, you can use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to mix the dough. Just be careful not to overmix it.

4. How thick should the biscotti slices be?

Slice the biscotti logs into about 1/2-inch thick pieces to ensure even baking and a perfect crunch.

5. Can I use almond extract instead of anise extract?

While the flavor will be different, you can substitute almond extract for anise extract if you prefer that flavor.

6. Do I need to use parchment paper?

Parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly grease the baking sheet.

7. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

Yes, chocolate chips can be added to the dough for a sweet contrast to the anise flavor.

8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, although the texture may differ slightly.

9. How long do biscotti stay fresh?

Biscotti will stay fresh for about 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

10. Can I bake these biscotti in advance for the holidays?

Absolutely! Biscotti are great for make-ahead baking and can be stored for up to two weeks or frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

These crunchy anise biscotti offer a unique and flavorful twist on a classic Italian treat. The subtle licorice-like flavor from the anise extract and optional seeds makes them stand out, while the crunchy texture makes them perfect for dunking. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, these biscotti are a perfect addition to your baking repertoire, whether for gifting, entertaining, or enjoying with a hot beverage on a cozy afternoon.