Ultra-Crispy Almond Biscotti with Orange Zest

Introduction

Few treats transport you to a cozy European café quite like biscotti. With their satisfying crunch and sophisticated flavor combinations, they are the perfect partner to a hot cup of coffee or tea. This ultra-crispy almond biscotti with orange zest brings a citrusy twist to the traditional Italian favorite. Furthermore, the bold aroma of freshly grated orange peel mingles with the nutty richness of almonds in a crisp, golden cookie that stays delightfully crunchy for days. Whether you’re baking a batch to share with friends or simply treating yourself, this recipe is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love of Almond Biscotti with Orange Zest

This recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it delivers that classic biscotti crunch—twice baked to perfection—without being overly hard or dry. The addition of orange zest infuses a bright, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the almonds and butter. It’s not just delicious, it’s also incredibly versatile. Furthermore, you can easily swap ingredients or add your favorite mix-ins like dark chocolate chunks or dried cranberries. Also, these biscotti store well for weeks, making them perfect for gift giving, holiday baking, or everyday snacking. If you’re looking for an elegant, easy-to-make cookie that wows with every bite, this one checks all the boxes.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
• 1 cup whole or sliced almonds, toasted

Necessary Tools for of Almond Biscotti with Orange Zest

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer (optional but helpful)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Sharp knife or serrated knife
• Wire rack
• Microplane or zester

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

• Nuts: Swap almonds for pistachios, walnuts, or hazelnuts.
• Flavoring: Add a dash of cinnamon or cardamom for warmth.
• Zest: Lemon zest works beautifully if you don’t have orange.
• Mix-ins: Stir in chopped dark chocolate, white chocolate, or dried cherries.
• Flour: For a slightly nutty flavor, try half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat eggs, vanilla, almond extract, and orange zest until well combined.
4. Form the Dough: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir in the almonds until a dough forms. The dough will be sticky—this is normal.
5. Shape the Logs: Divide dough in half and shape into two 12-inch-long logs on the baking sheet. Flatten slightly to about 2 inches wide.
6. First Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and firm to the touch. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
7. Slice: Using a sharp or serrated knife, cut logs diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
8. Second Bake: Place slices cut-side down on the baking sheet and bake for another 10 minutes. Flip and bake 10 more minutes, or until dry and crisp.
9. Cool and Enjoy: Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before storing.

Pro Tips for Success of Almond Biscotti with Orange Zest

• Toast the Almonds: Always toast nuts beforehand to bring out their flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until ingredients are just combined to avoid tough biscotti.
• Use a Serrated Knife: For clean slices without crumbling.
• Cool Slightly Before Slicing: Warm, not hot, biscotti logs are easier to cut.
• Let Them Dry: After the second bake, cool completely to crisp up fully.

If you’re a fan of citrusy almond treats, you’ll love these Orange Almond Cookies by Marcellina In Cucina — a delightful variation that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or espresso.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with espresso or cappuccino for a classic Italian treat.
• Dunk in hot tea for a soothing afternoon snack.
• Moreover, serve alongside fruit compote or citrus sorbet for a light dessert.
• Furthermore, wrap in cellophane with a ribbon as a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Also, crumble over vanilla ice cream for added crunch.

Storing and Reheating Almond Biscotti with Orange Zest

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
• Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Re-crisp in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes if they soften.

Nutritional Information (per biscotti)

• Calories: 130
• Total Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 60mg
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 3g

FAQs – Almond Biscotti with Orange Zest

1. Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour? Almond flour makes the biscotti too crumbly. It’s best to stick with all-purpose flour.

2. Can I make them gluten-free? Of course, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

3. Why do I need to bake them twice? Biscotti are twice-baked to give them their signature crisp texture.

4. Can I make these without nuts? Of course, you can omit the almonds or substitute them with dried fruit.

5. How do I prevent the dough from sticking? Lightly flour your hands and use parchment paper when shaping the logs.

Conclusion

To sum up, ultra-crispy almond biscotti with orange zest are a timeless, crowd-pleasing treat that bring elegance and flavor to any occasion. Moreover, their delightful crunch, citrusy aroma, and toasty almond notes make them a standout addition to your baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed with coffee, tea, or on their own, these biscotti are a bite of sunshine with every crunch. So, try them once, and they just might become your go-to cookie recipe.

For another irresistible take on crunchy cookies, check out these Cornflakes Crunchy Butter Cookies — they offer a satisfying bite with every golden, buttery crunch.