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Home » Baking

Italian Anise Biscotti Recipe

Published: Sep 5, 2024 · Modified: Sep 5, 2024 by Amira · This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

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Biscotti with a cup of tea with milk, a stack of books, lots of pens and pencils and usually a faint classic or just piano music in the background coming from the radio. This was me studying for exams until midnight, then dragging myself to sleep for a few hours until the morning. Do you relate?

Hey everyone, come and join me in making this delicious, super easy aromatic Italian biscotti.

A close up of Anise Biscotti on a plate

Save this recipe by clicking on the ❤️ heart on the right-hand side of the screen or in the recipe card.

Jump to:
  • Biscotti
  • Ingredients you'll need
  • 🥣 Before you begin: essential tools
  • Step by step: instructions
  • Variations to make it your own
  • Let's make the perfect recipe: Amira's tips
  • Perfect pairings: what to serve with
  • Related recipes you'll enjoy
  • More breakfast recipes
  • Anise Biscotti

Biscotti

Calming and warming biscotti perfumed with anise flavor and the crunch is fabulous. Decorate them with ribbons of dark chocolate for an extra fancy look and calories. But seriously, they do not need it, they are just as good plain.

Among all biscotti recipes, these are my favorite because they bring back good old memories. When I was a little girl in elementary and middle school, I used to have these biscotti with milk tea. In high school and college, I usually had them with a cup of coffee.

A hand holding a biscotti with a bite taken from it.

Anise biscotti is one of the most popular and warming winter biscuits in most Arabian countries. It is sold in all Egyptian bakeries year-round. When you bake these traditional anise biscotti, they fill your home with the comfy aroma of anise.

Anise has a distinctive licorice taste and flavor. They pair very well with other aromatic spices like fennel in many sweet and savory dishes throughout North Africa. Anise seeds are popular in the region for their calming and soothing effects.

Anise tea is also popular in the Middle East. It is considered one of the main drinks you have to have, especially when you have a cold. It is believed to help with stomach cramps and coughs. My grandma used to use anise seeds and cloves as a breath freshener.

Ingredients you'll need

Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

🥣 Before you begin: essential tools

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

  • Medium bowl.
  • Large bowl.
  • Electric mixer or a stand mixer.
  • Rubber spatulas.

Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products!

Biscotti ingredients:

  • Flour: I use all purpose flour and haven't yet tried any other kind.
  • Sugar: to sweeten the biscotti, but I assure you it is not overly sweet.
  • Baking Powder: used as a leavening agent.
  • Anise seeds: the main flavor here.
  • Eggs: I've used large eggs here.
  • Vanilla extract: for a background flavor note.
  • Oil: I've used canola oil. I prefer oil here rather than butter.

Step by step: instructions

Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.

A collage of four images with instructions to make the biscotti recipe.
  1. In a large mixing bowl, add eggs, vanilla and sugar. Beat until you get a foamy mixture, then mix in oil.
  2. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and anise seeds. Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture and mix with a spatula until you get a firm dough.
  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and form the biscotti dough into a long or a rectangle. Mine happened to be like an egg :), but it is ok still tasted amazing though. Smooth the dough with oiled hands.
  4. The first bake: Bake until edges start to be light brown. Take out of the oven and let it cool down for 10 minutes so you can handle it.
  5. Using a serrated knife, cut into 2-inch-wide slices.
Biscotti on a baking sheet ready for the second bake.
This Italian cookie is my childhood favorite cookie.
  1. Place slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet side by side. Bake for a second time, or broil until golden but watch out if you are using the broiler. Turn the slices on all sides and bake until they get their signature crispness and golden brown color. Cool on a wire rack.

Variations to make it your own

  • Do not have anise seeds or do not want to use them? You can use ground anise seed or anise extract.
  • Use almond extract and turn them into almond biscotti.
  • Add some orange zest for another layer of flavor.
biscotti cookies placed on a cooling rack and decorated with chocolate ribbons.

Let's make the perfect recipe: Amira's tips

  • You can control the serving size by making them even smaller. Just divide the dough in half to make them smaller.
  • Use tongs to flip the biscotti and be very careful as they will be hot and fragile.

Perfect pairings: what to serve with

  • This is the perfect cookie to pair with hot drinks like Tea with Milk and also pairs very well with Ginger Latte.
  • I like to dip them in chocolate and serve them with Turkish coffee. The extra sweetness of the chocolate complements the bitterness of the coffee.

Related recipes you'll enjoy

  • Egyptian Wedding Cookies, pistachio stuffed.
  • Butter jam stuffed sandwich cookies.
  • Cardamom flavored Linzer cookies.
  • Pistachio and Sesame cookies.

More breakfast recipes

  • When you are in the mood for something sweet, warm and buttery there is nothing better than bread pudding. This Brioche French Toast Casserole needs only 15 minutes prep time and your taste buds will sure thank you.

Let me know in the comments below if you made this recipe and loved it. Please remember to give it a 5-star rating. Thanks for being here; I appreciate you!

A close up of Anise Biscotti on a plate

Anise Biscotti

Is biscotti on your baking list but want the just-right recipe? Here is a family recipe for this delicious Italian crunchy cookie, perfectly flavored with anise. Light and airy biscotti are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or after-dinner treats.
4.83 from 39 votes
Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
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Course: baking, Snack
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle East
Diet: Halal
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 156.8kcal
Author: Amira

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (120ml) oil
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ Tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 Tablespoon roasted anise seeds

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350, Line a large baking sheet or two small ones with parchment paper. Note1
  • In a deep bowl, whisk together eggs, vanilla extract and sugar. Mix in oil.
  • In a separate bowl combine flour, baking powder and anise seeds.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix with a spoon or spatula.
  • Moisten your hands lightly with oil and form dough into a rectangle or a log 0.5 inch thickness.
  • Bake in the middle rack for 20-25 minutes or until until the top and sides of the biscotti turns light brown.
  • Remove from oven and let cool down for 10 minutes.
  • Cut into 2-inch slices, carefully turn slices to one side, and bake for another 6-8 minutes until brown.
  • Turn the biscotti on the other side and repeat browning.
  • Let them cool down before serving. Store in an airtight container.

Video

Notes

Note1: This solely depends on the size you like for your biscotti to be.
The original post was double this recipe but I decided to half the recipe this time. If you would like to make a big batch, just double everything in the ingredients list including the baking powder.
Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy.

Nutrition

Calories: 156.8kcal | Carbohydrates: 19.6g | Protein: 2.6g | Fat: 7.6g | Saturated Fat: 0.7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4.3g | Cholesterol: 23.3mg | Sodium: 55mg | Potassium: 32.7mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Vitamin A: 0.8IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 3.3mg | Iron: 5.9mg
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About Amira

I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! My hope is to introduce you to new flavors, creative ways and fresh takes on favorites. To help you create food with style that will bring everyone around your kitchen table. From weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Denise

    February 16, 2025 at 1:25 pm

    How do you roast anise seeds?

    Reply
    • Amira

      February 22, 2025 at 5:50 pm

      Denise you can toast them over medium heat in a dry pan, and as soon as you smell the aroma, remove from heat and place on a plate to cool down. I hope this helps.

      Reply
  2. Diana D.

    February 08, 2025 at 3:45 pm

    5 stars
    I love these. They have become a staple for the holidays and also for a boring Wednesday!

    Reply
  3. Laura Gabaldon

    January 30, 2025 at 6:07 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe is a five star they came out so light and tasty my 96 year-old mama Rose said these Anise biscotti‘s are her favorite. I added a little of anise extract with the vanilla and roasted, the anise which makes a difference in the flavor as you pour into your dough . Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful recipe with all of us!

    Reply
    • Amira

      February 05, 2025 at 4:21 pm

      Thank you so much Laura for your feedback, I am happy you and your sweet mama Rose liked it.

      Reply
  4. Yvonne Yvonne

    November 09, 2024 at 6:34 pm

    5 stars
    I used pistachios and some anise flavor and they came out great. Super easy recipe- definitely a keeper

    Reply
  5. Dodo

    October 16, 2024 at 3:10 pm

    5 stars
    Mine aren’t as pretty but they taste really really good. I’ve learned a couple of things from this first try. I’ll make another batch for friends and family next. 10/10

    Reply
  6. Mary Malek

    November 02, 2023 at 11:27 am

    Hello,
    I’m a newbie baker so here’s my question - If I double the recipe, should I divide the dough in two batches?

    Reply
    • Amira

      November 06, 2023 at 12:31 pm

      Yes absolutely you can Mary, nut if you are new to baking I would advice to make only one batch so you do not get overwhelmed.

      Reply
      • Jodie

        December 12, 2023 at 2:54 pm

        I love this recipe. Use a lot of anise and I also add a little almond extract. Delicious!

        Reply
        • Amira

          December 13, 2023 at 10:01 am

          Thank you for sharing, Jodi. Almond extract will surely make these even more delicious.

          Reply
  7. Heidi Beasley

    October 11, 2023 at 10:54 pm

    Terrific biscotti loved the anise favor but also added 3/4 cup of sliced almonds and a few extra tablespoons of flour. Wonderful texture and cut beautifully. One more important thing. I put dough in fridge for a least an hr to firm it up a little. Worked out perfectly. Will definitely make again!!!

    Reply
  8. Brenna

    July 28, 2023 at 1:36 pm

    5 stars
    Great Recipe! Love it! So easy to make.

    Reply
  9. Kim Billhimer

    October 20, 2022 at 1:38 pm

    5 stars
    Love biscotti cookies grew up on them.

    Reply
  10. hallie

    February 07, 2022 at 8:20 am

    Hi Amira,

    Can I add chopped chocolate, dried fruit, or nuts to this recipe? If so how much would you recommend?

    Thanks for all your help!
    Hallie

    Reply
  11. Marie

    December 31, 2021 at 1:40 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious!❤️

    Reply
    • Amira

      December 31, 2021 at 9:44 pm

      Thanks Marie, glad you liked them.

      Reply
    • MJ

      February 11, 2025 at 1:28 pm

      Can I use anise natural extract instead of seed?

      Reply
      • Amira

        February 11, 2025 at 2:57 pm

        I have not tried that before MJ. Thanks

        Reply
  12. Rainie

    December 04, 2021 at 4:58 pm

    I don’t have anise seeds. Can I just use anise extract? If so, how much? Thx

    Reply
    • Amira

      December 06, 2021 at 10:37 am

      Yes of course Rainie you can.

      Reply
  13. Candy

    September 29, 2021 at 5:42 pm

    Can I also add Anise extract for more taste ?
    if so how much?
    Thank you

    Reply
    • Amira

      October 06, 2021 at 5:02 pm

      Yes you can Candy, add 2 teaspoons of anise extract for more flavor.

      Reply
  14. Oliver

    March 07, 2021 at 9:14 am

    5 stars
    Very good! The only thing I did differently from the recipe was add more vanilla extract (I am a vanilla fiend). My family loves them 🙂

    Reply
    • Amira

      March 08, 2021 at 9:10 pm

      Thank you Oliver for your feedback and comment. I am glad you liked the recipe.. and yes more vanilla please I like it that way too!

      Reply
  15. Hoda

    February 24, 2021 at 8:18 pm

    5 stars
    Came out perfect! This is a keeper and so easy to make. My son loved them.

    Reply
    • Amira

      February 26, 2021 at 10:18 pm

      Thank you Hoda, happy you liked it.

      Reply
  16. Sam

    December 02, 2019 at 4:22 am

    Hi ..I’ve made biscotti before and your recipe looks great but I always get an eggy taste and smell whenever I make cookies with eggs and low sugar amount .. I’ve tried organic etc but same result.. am I doing something wrong ? Ty

    Reply
    • Amira

      December 02, 2019 at 8:45 pm

      Sam, you might be a little more sensitive to the egg flavor and smell in baked goods. My suggestions for you is to either add anise extract if you can find it easily or try increasing the amount of vanilla extract. Let me know what do you think?

      Reply
  17. Crystal Taylor-Hikal

    November 30, 2019 at 8:53 pm

    5 stars
    Omg I was just at Starbucks in Virginia a few days ago looking at the Biscotti and thinking how much I needed to learn to make my own. Now you’ve gone and posted this recipe so it’s my challenge for this week! I have a fresh bag of anise seeds straight from Alexandria in the pantry and chocolate ready for drizzling at least half a batch. I found non alcoholic extracts and flavorings of all kinds on Amazon. Check them out. Thank you again Amira for inspiring me to be more creative in the kitchen for my Egyptian hubby and big family. Bundle up!

    Reply
    • Amira

      December 02, 2019 at 8:40 pm

      Crystal, great minds think alike hehehe. This is a super easy recipe for biscotti really not complicated at all. Enjoy making it and imagine you are there at the beaches of Alexandria eating those :). I love Alexandria and have great memories there with the hubby <3.

      Reply
  18. Denise Beaudoin

    January 04, 2018 at 7:17 am

    5 stars
    Made the Anise biscotti and they came out fantastic. Would have added some anise extract, the vanilla was OK. First time I make a biscotti - will do it again soon. Did not sift dry ingredients, though it might make it a lighter. thanks for the recipe. PS..my husband is Egyptian and he loved them, reminded him of his Mom's biscotti.

    Reply
    • Amira

      January 05, 2018 at 9:53 am

      Denise, Thank you for trying this recipe and I am so glad you and your hubby liked it. I am afraid of using extracts as it ALWAYS contains alcohol and we do not consume any alcohol, so if this is ok with you then go ahead and add it I bet it will smells heavenly. Aaaaah moms' cooking and dishes are always the best, it brings back lots of good memories :). If you have any recipe you want to make please do not hesitate to contact me.

      Reply
      • Denise S Beaudoin

        January 05, 2018 at 12:09 pm

        Thanks Amira, that would be Gr8....appreciate your help....will reach out to you for sure.

        Reply
  19. Joanne T Ferguson

    December 10, 2013 at 10:37 pm

    G'day! Love your recipe and photos too!
    I can almost smell the wonderful anise and be perfect dunking right now in my coffee, true!
    Cheers! Joanne

    Reply
    • Amira

      December 19, 2013 at 2:07 pm

      Thanks Joanne, try it if you like anise its smell is soooo relaxing :).

      Reply

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Hey Y'all, I'm Amira.
I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by!
I send warm greetings from sunny Colorado. This blog combines weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean.
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