Italian Anise Slices
Italian Anise Slices are crisp, fragrant cookies infused with the aromatic flavor of anise. These delicate treats feature a buttery, almond-studded dough, baked to a golden crisp. Perfect for holiday gatherings or teatime, they offer a delightful balance of sweetness and spice that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and anise flavoring; beat in eggs, one at a time.
- Add the flour mixture and almonds to the creamed mixture and combine.
- Turn out the dough onto a floured pastry cloth and knead gently until smooth.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts.
- Shape each part into a roll about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Place the rolls on a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until firm to the touch, about 30 to 35 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- While still warm, cut the rolls into crosswise slices about 1/2-inch thick.
- Place the slices cut side down on a cookie sheet.
- Return to the oven and bake until toasted and dried out, about 10 to 20 minutes, turning once to toast and brown both sides.
- Cool completely and store in a tightly covered tin box.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure your Italian Anise Slices have the best flavor, use high-quality anise flavoring or oil. If you prefer a different nut, walnuts or pecans can be substituted for blanched almonds. Make sure to knead the dough gently to avoid tough cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful slices make a perfect accompaniment to coffee or tea. They also pair beautifully with Italian recipes like Seafood Fettuccine for a delightful dessert after a meal. Consider serving them with a side of fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled slices in an airtight tin box at room temperature for up to two weeks. To refresh them, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to regain their crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Anise Slices contains roughly 129 calories, with 4g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different flavoring instead of anise?
Yes, you can substitute anise flavoring with almond extract or vanilla for a different taste. However, keep in mind that this will alter the traditional flavor profile of the cookies.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, try adding a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, while kneading until it reaches the desired consistency. Avoid adding too much flour at once to prevent the cookies from becoming dry.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the Italian Anise Slices after baking. Just ensure they are completely cooled, then layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper in between. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).