There’s something charming about a sweet that is both rustic and elegant, crunchy yet just delicate enough to pair with your favorite coffee or wine. That’s why Almond Biscotti: A Perfect Italian Treat stands so close to my heart. These twice-baked beauties are everything you want in a classic biscotti—full of nutty goodness, perfectly crisp, and kissed with the fragrant flavors of vanilla and almond. This recipe brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen, and it’s easier than you might imagine. Let’s dive in and bake some biscotti magic together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the greatest joys of Almond Biscotti: A Perfect Italian Treat is the straightforward ingredient list. Every item is purposeful, shaping the texture and signature flavor of each crunchy slice. Here’s how each piece of the puzzle comes together:
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your biscotti, delivering that perfect crispness you crave.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps form a lovely golden crust.
- Baking powder: Lifts the dough just enough to keep the cookies light, not dense.
- Salt: Brings balance and enhances every other flavor in your biscotti.
- Large eggs: Bind the dough and contribute to that delightful firmness after baking.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a mellow undertone that plays beautifully with almonds.
- Almond extract: Gives the biscotti its signature aroma and deep, nutty taste.
- Whole almonds (lightly toasted & roughly chopped): The real star—toast them for a deeper flavor and extra crunch in every bite!
How to Make Almond Biscotti: A Perfect Italian Treat
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Tools
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This nonstick surface makes it easy to transfer hot biscotti without breaking them, and all those golden edges will thank you for it.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Take a moment to savor the simplicity of this step—combining classic pantry staples that will soon become something truly special.
Step 3: Beat the Eggs and Extracts
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with vanilla and almond extracts. This is where the first hint of intoxicating almond fragrance sneaks into your kitchen, setting the mood for what’s to come.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the egg mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until everything forms a cohesive dough. It might be sticky—don’t worry, that’s perfectly normal for authentic Almond Biscotti: A Perfect Italian Treat!
Step 5: Fold in the Almonds
Now it’s time for the best part: add your chopped, toasted almonds. Fold them in until they’re scattered throughout the dough, promising a delightful texture in every slice.
Step 6: Shape the Logs
Divide the dough into two equal portions. With slightly damp hands, shape each half into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Arrange them on your baking sheet, spacing them at least a few inches apart.
Step 7: First Bake
Slide your logs into the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. They should look lightly golden and feel firm to the touch. This first bake sets the shape for your biscotti and readies them for the signature double-bake method.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the baked logs rest for about 10 minutes—just enough to handle them comfortably. Lower your oven to 325°F (160°C). With a serrated knife, slice the logs on a diagonal into half-inch-thick pieces, revealing those gorgeous almond-studded centers.
Step 9: Second Bake for Crunch
Arrange the biscotti slices cut side down back onto your baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes per side until they’re beautifully crisp and golden. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely; resist nibbling for just a few minutes!
How to Serve Almond Biscotti: A Perfect Italian Treat
Garnishes
For an elegant touch, try dusting your Almond Biscotti: A Perfect Italian Treat with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle them light-handedly with melted dark chocolate. A few extra toasted almond pieces on top make a pretty and crunchy adornment.
Side Dishes
Traditionally, these biscotti shine alongside a cup of good espresso or a glass of Vin Santo (Italy’s dessert wine). They also pair wonderfully with a rich hot chocolate or even a scoop of vanilla gelato for a decadent dessert finale.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the biscotti in a clear jar tied with rustic twine for a beautiful homemade gift, or serve them on a chic platter with bowls of different dips—think chocolate ganache, sweetened mascarpone, or spiced honey—to turn Almond Biscotti: A Perfect Italian Treat into an interactive treat at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Almond Biscotti: A Perfect Italian Treat keeps its crunch for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Simply let the biscotti cool completely before sealing them up to preserve their delightful texture.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead, biscotti freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled slices in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a taste, just let them thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
To refresh leftover biscotti, pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps them regain their crunch and tastes as if they’ve just come out of the oven—ready for dunking or snacking!
FAQs
Can I use sliced almonds instead of whole ones?
Absolutely! Sliced almonds give a slightly different texture and look, but they work perfectly. Toast them lightly for extra crunch before folding into the dough.
Why are biscotti baked twice?
The double baking is what makes Almond Biscotti: A Perfect Italian Treat so satisfyingly crunchy. The first bake cooks the dough into a firm loaf, while the second bake dries out each slice for that iconic crispiness.
Do I need to peel the almonds?
Not at all! In fact, leaving the skins on adds extra flavor, color, and nutrients. Just give them a good toast for the best result.
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?
Definitely! Try adding citrus zest, mini chocolate chips, or even swapping in pistachios or hazelnuts for a fun twist, while still enjoying that classic biscotti experience.
Are these biscotti gluten-free?
As written, the recipe uses all-purpose flour, so they’re not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with your favorite gluten-free flour blends for baking—just note that the texture may vary.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing cookie recipe, Almond Biscotti: A Perfect Italian Treat is a must-try. With just a handful of ingredients and a little love, you’ll create a treat that’s crisp, flavorful, and authentically Italian—perfect for sharing (or savoring yourself)! Give it a go and bring a slice of tradition into your home.
Print
Almond Biscotti: A Perfect Italian Treat Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 biscotti 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious almond biscotti, a classic Italian treat that is perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. These crunchy, twice-baked cookies are flavored with almond and vanilla extracts, and studded with toasted almonds for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Additional:
- 1 cup whole almonds, lightly toasted and roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat eggs with vanilla and almond extracts until smooth.
- Combine ingredients: Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mix until combined, then fold in chopped almonds.
- Shape the dough: Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a log, and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and firm. Cool, then slice and bake again until crisp.
- Cool and serve: Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the almonds before adding them to the dough.
- Biscotti can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscotti
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
