Italian Anisette Rolls
Italian Anisette Rolls are soft, braided pastries with a hint of anise flavor, perfect for breakfast or special occasions, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and aroma.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add butter to the scalded milk to soften.
- Make a well in the sifted flour and add salt, sugar, milk with butter, eggs, anisette, and dissolved yeast.
- Mix to form a soft dough.
- Let the dough rise until it doubles in size.
- Break off three pieces the size of an egg from the dough.
- Roll each piece into a rope.
- Pinch the ends of each rope together at one end and braid.
- Brush the braided rolls with milk.
- Sprinkle with poppy seeds.
- Let the rolls rise again.
- Bake at 425°F until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or using almond extract instead of anisette. If you don't have scalded milk, you can substitute with warm milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar. Make sure to knead the dough well for better texture. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour while mixing until you achieve the right consistency.
Serving Suggestions
These Italian Anisette Rolls are delightful served warm with a pat of butter or alongside a bowl of soup. They pair beautifully with Italian Pasta And Veggie Salad for a light meal or as part of a festive spread. Consider serving them with a side of Mark'S Mozzarella Marinara for a delicious dipping option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Anisette Rolls contains roughly 400 calories, with 7g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 753mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
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 instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of active dry yeast. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients without dissolving it in water first. The rising time might be slightly shorter, so keep an eye on the dough as it rises.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough isn't rising, it may be due to inactive yeast or a cold environment. Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If it's too cold, create a warm environment by placing the dough in an oven with the light on or near a warm stovetop.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it after the first rise. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature, shape the rolls, and let them rise again before baking. This makes it convenient for gatherings.
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).