Italian Anise Biscotti

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
2 cups all-purpose flour
Baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
Salt
¼ teaspoon salt
Unsalted butter
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
¾ cup granulated sugar
Eggs
2 large eggs
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Aniseeds
2 teaspoons aniseeds

Method

Whisking dry ingredients
Step 1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Creaming butter and sugar
Step 2
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Adding eggs and flavourings
Step 3
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and aniseeds.
Combining wet and dry
Step 4
Gradually add the dry to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Use your hands if needed to bring it together.
Shaping logs
Step 5
Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, shape each into a 12" x 2" log. Place on a lined baking tray, leaving space.
First bake
Step 6
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for ~25 minutes until firm and golden. Cool 10 minutes.
Slicing biscotti
Step 7
Reduce oven to 325°F (160°C). Slice logs diagonally into ½" pieces. Lay cut-side down on the tray.
Second bake
Step 8
Bake another ~15 minutes until dry and crisp, flipping halfway for even browning.
Cooling biscotti
Step 9
Cool completely on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container for several weeks.

     Enjoy them as a delightful treat or gift them to friends and family.