Introduction
Classic Almond Biscotti is a timeless Italian treat that is perfect for dipping into coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. These twice-baked cookies have a satisfying crunch and a delicious nutty flavor, making them a favorite among biscotti lovers. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays, gifting them to a friend, or simply enjoying them as an everyday snack, this recipe will guide you through making the perfect batch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection: These biscotti have the ideal crunch, making them great for dipping.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this an approachable recipe.
- Customizable: Add dried fruits, chocolate chips, or spices for a unique twist.
- Long Shelf Life: They stay fresh for weeks when stored properly.
- Great for Gifting: A beautiful homemade treat perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients 🥄
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs 🥚
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿
- ½ teaspoon almond extract 🌰
- 1 cup (120g) whole almonds, toasted and roughly chopped
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Zest of 1 orange 🍊 (optional)
Necessary Tools 🔧
- Mixing bowls 🥣
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Baking sheet 🏺
- Parchment paper 📝
- Sharp knife 🔪
- Cooling rack 🍪
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
- Swap almonds for pistachios, hazelnuts, or pecans.
- Add dried cranberries or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
- Dip finished biscotti in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat eggs, sugar, vanilla, and almond extract until well combined.
- Combine: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir in almonds and orange zest.
- Shape the Dough: Divide the dough in half and shape into two logs about 12 inches long.
- First Bake: Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Slice & Second Bake: Slice into ½-inch pieces and lay them flat on the baking sheet. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until crisp.
- Cool Completely: Transfer to a cooling rack before serving.
Pro Tips for Success 🌟
- Use a sharp knife to slice biscotti cleanly.
- Let the logs cool slightly before cutting to avoid crumbling.
- For extra crunch, leave the biscotti in the oven after turning it off.
- Toast almonds beforehand for enhanced flavor.
Serving Suggestions 🍽
- Pair with Coffee: A perfect match for espresso or cappuccino.
- Gift-Worthy: Wrap in decorative bags for homemade gifts.
- Ice Cream Topping: Crumble over vanilla ice cream for extra crunch.
- Chocolate Dipped: Coat one end with melted dark or white chocolate.
Storing and Reheating
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed bag.
- Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes if needed.
Nutritional Information (Per Biscotti)
- Calories: 90
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 7g
FAQs
1. Why are my biscotti too hard? They may have been overbaked. Try reducing the second bake time by a few minutes.
2. Can I make biscotti without nuts? Yes! Simply omit the almonds or replace them with dried fruit.
3. How do I prevent biscotti from crumbling? Let the logs cool slightly before slicing, and use a sharp knife.
4. Can I make them gluten-free? Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
5. Why do I need to bake biscotti twice? The second bake ensures the crispy texture that makes biscotti unique.
Conclusion
Classic Almond Biscotti is a delightful treat that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or gifting them to loved ones, these crunchy delights never disappoint. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out!
