top of page

Simple Italian Fennel Seed Cookies | Taralli Dolci al Finocchio

  • Writer: Pasta Grammar
    Pasta Grammar
  • Dec 1, 2024
  • 2 min read

This is a very old and traditional cookie recipe from southern Italy. The cookies are very quick and easy to make, aren't overly sweet, and they last a really long time. You can make a big batch and have a light snack on hand for weeks!


italian-fennel-seed-cookie-s-recipe-traditional-taralli-dolci-al-finocchio-pasta-grammar
Simple Italian Fennel Seed Cookies | Taralli Dolci al Finocchio

Perhaps the most difficult thing about making these sweet taralli is sourcing baker’s ammonia. This ingredient was used a lot in the past as a preservative, so when you see it in a recipe you know that you’ve found a very traditional food! Even if it isn’t locally available near you, it can be easily sourced online and is a good ingredient to have on hand if you plan to tackle any other historic baking projects.


Watch the Pasta Grammar video:






TARALLI DOLCI AL FINOCCHIO RECIPE


Makes: About 65 small cookies

Cook Time: 45 minutes


For this recipe, you will need:

  • ½ cup whole milk, or as needed

  • 1 teaspoon (4 g) ammonium bicarbonate (“baker’s ammonia”)

  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

  • 6 ½ tablespoons (80 g) sugar, plus extra for topping

  • 4 tablespoons (20 g) fennel seeds

  • 1 teaspoon (4 g) baking powder

  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) lard


Pour about half of the milk into a small bowl and add the baker’s ammonia. Stir until the powder dissolves completely.


In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, fennel seeds, baking powder, lard, and the milk/ammonia mixture. Knead the ingredients together in the bowl, and gradually add the rest of the milk as you continue to mix by hand. Add just enough milk to create a very soft dough that isn’t super sticky.


Once the dough is roughly formed, transfer it onto a clean work surface and knead until even and well-incorporated. Preheat the oven to 395° F (200° C).


On a surface lightly dusted with flour, roll the dough out with a rolling pin until it is about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick. With a knife, cut the dough into long strips that are about 1 ½ inches (3.8 cm) wide. Gently scrape a fork along the top surface of each strip to roughen the dough a little bit, then sprinkle some extra sugar on top, to taste.


Cut the strips in the opposite direction to create small squares. Place the squares on a large, parchment lined baking sheet. Bake the cookies for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.


Let the cookies cool and store in an airtight container for up to a month. They can be eaten as-is, or dipped in wine or coffee.


Buon appetito!



454 Comments


ChiraG DixitH
ChiraG DixitH
4 days ago

Reddy Book Club is a great way to explore betting with a free demo ID. It helps you learn and practice safely before placing real bets. Perfect for beginners and curious users! know more :- https://reddybook.space/

Like

ChiraG DixitH
ChiraG DixitH
4 days ago

Reddybook offers nonstop fun with games like Teen Patti, Rummy, and Slots. Whether you're a casual gamer or a serious player, Reddy Book provides an exciting and engaging experience that keeps you coming back for more. know more :- https://reddybook.space/

reddybook
reddybook

Like

haipeng feng
haipeng feng
5 days ago

Thanks for another informative post! If you want to solve Connections faster, try the connections bot for instant hints and solutions.

Like

MalavirA SherA
MalavirA SherA
Jul 14

Using the Mahadev Book App has been a game-changer for me. Fast registration, easy betting on cricket and casino games, and super quick withdrawals—everything works smoothly on my phone! know more :- https://mahadevboook.social/mahadev-betting-app/

Like

MalavirA SherA
MalavirA SherA
Jul 14

Mahadev Book Login was super quick and easy for me. I could instantly access live games and betting options. It’s secure, fast, and works great on both mobile and desktop know more :- https://mahadevboook.social/mahadev-book-login/

Like
bottom of page