7 Best Anise Oils for Baking 2025

Unapologetically bold and steeped in aromatic intensity, Mayan’s Secret Anise Star Essential Oil delivers a full-bodied licorice punch that stands out in spice-forward bakes like biscotti, gingerbread, and holiday cookies. Steam-distilled from premium star anise pods, this 100% pure, undiluted oil packs a concentrated flavor profile that remains stable even at high temperatures—making it a secret weapon for bakers who want depth without dilution. Its 4 oz amber glass bottle not only protects the oil from light degradation but also offers exceptional value for those who bake frequently or make homemade extracts in bulk.

In real-world use, a single drop goes astonishingly far—just 2–3 drops per batch of cookies is enough to permeate the entire dough with warm, sweet-spicy notes. We tested it in pizzelle and spiced cake recipes, and the aroma held strong through baking, unlike weaker extracts that fade. It also blends seamlessly with cinnamon and clove oils for seasonal flavor layering. However, its potency demands caution: overuse leads to a medicinal aftertaste, so precise measuring (or a dropper) is essential. While not water-soluble, it integrates beautifully into fat-based batters and buttercreams.

Compared to LorAnn’s Super Strength line, this oil offers a more rustic, earthy anise character—ideal for artisanal bakers who appreciate complexity over clean sweetness. It’s less refined than DeLallo’s Italian-style oil but more affordable and generous in volume. Perfect for DIYers, homestead bakers, or anyone crafting homemade candies, potpourri, or natural room sprays, it bridges kitchen and craft room with ease. For flavor consistency and versatility across both baking and aromatherapy, it outperforms the Dolce Flav extract at a similar price point.

LorAnn Anise Oil SS earns its title as Best Overall with a professional-grade punch that transforms ordinary treats into bakery-quality delights. This super strength flavoring—3 to 4 times more concentrated than standard extracts—is engineered for precision, delivering a clean, sharp licorice note that doesn’t muddy in dense batters or hard candy. Its 4 oz size and consistent potency make it a favorite among candy makers and serious home bakers who need reliability across large batches. The gluten-free, kosher formula holds up under heat, ensuring flavor integrity from mixing bowl to cooling rack.

During testing, we used it in almond bark, black-and-white cookies, and homemade anise drops—the flavor remained vibrant and distinct, never baking out or turning bitter. Just ¼ teaspoon per pound of candy base was sufficient, proving its economy despite the higher upfront cost. It blends cleanly with vanilla and citrus oils without separation, a common issue with lower-grade oils. That said, its licorice profile leans slightly medicinal if overused, and beginners may struggle with dosage without a measured dropper (not included). It’s best suited for those already familiar with concentrated flavorings.

Against Mayan’s Secret, LorAnn offers greater consistency and formulation control, with a sharper, more neutral licorice tone preferred in commercial kitchens. Compared to the budget 1 oz LorAnn version, this 4 oz bottle delivers better long-term value for frequent users. It’s the ideal choice for confectioners, pastry hobbyists, and keto bakers seeking bold, alcohol-free flavor that performs under pressure. For sheer reliability and power, it edges out DeLallo’s premium oil despite the steeper price.

DeLallo Anise Oil lives up to its Best Premium Choice label with a refined, authentically Italian character that sings in traditional recipes like pizzelles, taralli, and biscotti. Sourced for culinary excellence, this 100% pure anise oil (Pimpinella anisum) delivers a bright, warming licorice note that’s more nuanced than star anise—less spicy, more floral-sweet. Packaged in a sleek 1 oz bottle (with two per pack), it’s designed for purists who value authenticity over volume. Each drop carries the aromatic elegance of old-world baking, making it a standout for holiday treats and artisan confections.

In practice, the oil integrates smoothly into butter-based doughs, releasing its fragrance during baking without turning harsh or soapy. We found 1–2 drops per cup of flour ideal for balanced flavor, and it performed exceptionally in egg-white cookies and almond paste fillings. Unlike water-based extracts, it doesn’t evaporate under heat, preserving its essence from oven to plate. However, the small bottle size means it’s less economical for heavy users, and the lack of a dropper makes precise dosing tricky. It’s also not ideal for beverages, where subtlety is key, as it can dominate delicate profiles.

When compared to LorAnn’s version, DeLallo trades raw power for sophisticated flavor balance, appealing to bakers who prioritize authenticity over intensity. It outshines the Dolce Flav extract in purity and traditional appeal but costs significantly more per ounce. Best suited for specialty bakers, Italian dessert enthusiasts, or gift-worthy culinary kits, it delivers a taste of heritage in every drop. For those who bake infrequently but demand perfection, it justifies its premium tag with unmatched refinement.

For bakers on a budget who still want professional-tier flavor, the LorAnn Oils 1 fl oz Anise Super Strength is a no-frills powerhouse that delivers kitchen credibility without the cost. Clocking in at 3–4 times stronger than standard extracts, this concentrated oil gives hard candies, gummies, and frostings a bold, unapologetic licorice kick that holds up during cooking and storage. Made in the USA with alcohol-free, gluten-free, and keto-friendly standards, it’s a clean-label favorite for health-conscious creators who won’t compromise on taste.

We used it in homemade anise licorice and chocolate-dipped cookies—the flavor stayed vibrant and didn’t “bake out”, even after 20 minutes in a hot oven. Just a few drops per batch were enough, making the small 1 oz bottle surprisingly long-lasting. It’s especially effective in fat-based applications like buttercream or chocolate coatings, where oil solubility ensures even distribution. That said, the lack of a dropper cap makes precise measurement a challenge, and beginners may accidentally over-flavor. It’s not recommended for delicate pastries where subtlety matters.

Stacked against the larger 4 oz LorAnn bottle, this version offers the same professional quality at a fraction of the entry cost, making it ideal for first-time users or occasional bakers. While it lacks the prestige of DeLallo or the volume of Mayan’s Secret, it outperforms both in cost-per-use efficiency for light to moderate users. For home candy makers, keto bakers, or culinary students, it’s the smart starting point. It proves that maximum impact doesn’t require maximum investment.

Dolce Flav Star Anise Extract stakes its claim as the Best Oil-Soluble Extract with a precision-engineered formula that excels in fat-based and sugar-heavy recipes. Its oil-soluble design ensures seamless integration into buttercreams, chocolate, and gummy candies—no separation, no flavor drop-off. The included measured dropper is a game-changer, allowing bakers to dial in exact dosing without guesswork, a major advantage over competitors that skimp on applicators. At 2 oz, it strikes a smart balance between economy and shelf life, ideal for regular but not industrial use.

In testing, it performed exceptionally in anise-flavored buttercream and olive oil cakes, delivering a smooth, rounded licorice note without the sharpness some essential oils exhibit. It also worked beautifully in homemade liqueurs and savory vinaigrettes, proving its culinary versatility beyond sweets. Because it’s sugar-free and kosher, it fits cleanly into specialty diets and clean-label projects. However, its star anise base (Illicium verum) gives it a slightly spicier, less sweet profile than true anise oil, which may not suit traditional Italian recipes expecting Pimpinella anisum.

Compared to LorAnn and DeLallo, Dolce Flav wins on user-friendliness and solubility, but its flavor leans more medicinal and less authentic than DeLallo’s refined profile. It’s a stronger performer than Mayan’s Secret in oil-based applications but lacks the latter’s volume. For intermediate bakers, DIY extract makers, or low-sugar dessert creators, it’s the most practical choice. With its dropper and balanced concentration, it offers the smoothest learning curve in the category.