Almond Biscotti Recipe

Introduction

Biscotti are a classic Italian cookie that are perfect for dunking in coffee or tea. These twice-baked cookies are known for their crispy texture and nutty flavor, and are surprisingly easy to make at home. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make almond biscotti from scratch, with step-by-step instructions and photos to guide you through the process.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need:

• 300g all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 170g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 200g granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 200g whole almonds

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the almonds.
5. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a 12-inch (30 cm) log. Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 3 inches (8 cm) apart.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the logs are lightly golden brown and firm to the touch.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Using a sharp knife, slice the logs into 1/2-inch (1 cm) slices on the diagonal.
8. Place the slices cut side down on the baking sheet, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the biscotti are crisp and golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before serving.

Variations

• Chocolate Almond Biscotti: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients, and use dark chocolate chips instead of almonds.
• Orange Almond Biscotti: Add 1 tbsp of orange zest to the wet ingredients, and use dried cranberries instead of almonds.
• Lemon Almond Biscotti: Add 1 tbsp of lemon zest to the wet ingredients, and use pistachios instead of almonds.

Vegan and Gluten-Free Options

To make these biscotti vegan, replace the butter with vegan butter and the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water = 1 egg).

For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1 tsp of xanthan gum to the dry ingredients to help bind the dough together.

Conclusion

Homemade almond biscotti are a delicious and impressive treat that are sure to impress your family and friends. With this easy recipe, you can make these classic Italian cookies at home and enjoy them with your favorite hot beverage.

FAQ

What is Almond Biscotti?

Almond biscotti are traditional Italian cookies that are twice-baked, resulting in a crisp and crunchy texture. They are made with almonds and have a distinctive oblong shape.

What ingredients do I need to make Almond Biscotti?

To make almond biscotti, you’ll need all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, sliced almonds, and unsalted butter.

What’s the best way to store Almond Biscotti?

To keep your almond biscotti fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for up to three months.

Can I substitute other nuts for the almonds in Almond Biscotti?

Yes, you can use other nuts in place of almonds. Try pistachios, hazelnuts, or walnuts for a different flavor.

Can I make Almond Biscotti without butter?

Yes, you can make almond biscotti without butter. Simply substitute an equal amount of oil for the butter called for in the recipe.

Can I make Almond Biscotti gluten-free?

Yes, you can make almond biscotti gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour called for in the recipe.

Can I add chocolate chips to Almond Biscotti?

Yes, you can add chocolate chips to almond biscotti for a delicious twist. Mix in 1/2 to 1 cup of chocolate chips with the sliced almonds before baking.

How long do I need to bake Almond Biscotti?

To get the perfect crunchy texture, almond biscotti should be baked twice. The first bake is for 25 minutes at 350°F, then the biscotti are sliced and baked again for 10-15 minutes at 325°F.

Can I make Almond Biscotti ahead of time?

Yes, almond biscotti can be made ahead of time. Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or freeze them for up to three months.

What do I serve with Almond Biscotti?

Almond biscotti are traditionally served with coffee, tea, or dessert wine. They are also delicious dipped in chocolate or spread with Nutella.