Anise Biscuits from Abruzzo

Anise biscuits from Abruzzo are typical sweets that combine the aromatic flavor of anise with the simplicity of a traditional dough. Here’s how to make them.

Ingredients

• 500 g of flour
• 200 g of sugar
• 100 g of softened butter
• 3 eggs
• 1 packet of baking powder
• 3 tablespoons of anise seeds
• Grated zest of 1 lemon
• A pinch of salt

Preparation

1. In a bowl, mix the flour with the sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
2. Add the softened butter and work the mixture with your fingertips until it has a sandy consistency.
3. At this point, add the eggs, the grated lemon zest, and the anise seeds.
4. Knead the mixture well until you obtain a homogeneous and moldable dough. If it’s too sticky, you can add a little bit of flour.
5. Form cylinders of dough about 2 cm in diameter and cut them into pieces about 5 cm long.
6. Place the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each one.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 20 minutes or until the biscuits are nicely golden.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool before serving.

Did you know?

Anise biscuits are often linked to traditions and festive moments and were particularly widespread when spices were used to flavor foods and for their preservative properties. In Abruzzo and other Italian regions, anise seeds are often used in pastries for their intense and distinctive aroma that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the biscuits.