Italian Biscuits
Aromatic Italian biscuits infused with anise flavor, featuring a tender, buttery crumb. Perfect for tea time, celebrations, or as a delightful gift, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together sugar and butter.
- Add eggs, sour cream, flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and anise extract; blend until well combined.
- Place the dough in a floured pan shaped in a loaf.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 to 30 minutes.
- While still hot, cut into biscuits to desired thickness.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using half the butter and substituting with unsweetened applesauce. If you don’t have anise oil, vanilla extract can work as a substitute, although it will change the flavor profile slightly. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour until manageable.
Serving Suggestions
These Italian biscuits make a delightful snack or dessert on their own, but can also be served alongside coffee or tea for a charming afternoon treat. They pair beautifully with Ellie Cox's Lasagna as part of a larger Italian meal. Consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or serving with a fruit compote for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Biscuits contains roughly 55 calories, with 1g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1191mg per serving (52% 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 make these biscuits ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and baking.
What can I use instead of anise oil?
If you don't have anise oil on hand, vanilla extract is a good alternative, although it will impart a different flavor. For a similar taste, you could also try fennel seeds crushed into a powder, which will provide a hint of that anise flavor.
How do I know when the biscuits are done baking?
The biscuits are done when they are golden brown on the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary based on your oven. It's better to check a few minutes early to prevent overbaking.
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).