Almond biscotti is one of those delightful treats that brings a bit of Italian charm right to your kitchen. When you take that first bite, you immediately notice the wonderful crunch paired with the subtle sweetness that makes each morsel a joy to savor. It’s a cookie that’s perfect for dipping, allowing you to enjoy it alongside your favorite coffee or tea. In this recipe, we focus on creating that perfect almond biscotti with a crispy exterior and a tender bite inside. As you follow along, you’ll find that these biscotti are not just delicious; they also make beautiful gifts and elegant additions to any dessert platter. So, grab your apron, and let’s create some memorable Almond Biscotti together!
Why This Recipe Works
Almond biscotti is the quintessential Italian cookie that combines the delightful crunch of toasted almonds with the perfect balance of sweetness. This recipe allows the cookies to achieve that sought-after crunch while maintaining a tender crumb inside. The use of almond extract enhances the nutty flavor, making each bite incredibly aromatic and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Almond Biscotti
Not only does this almond biscotti recipe offer a comforting crunch, but it also pairs beautifully with your favorite beverages. Imagine dipping these delightful treats into a hot cup of coffee or tea. With the added layer of chocolate, each biscotti becomes a decadent companion for your afternoon snack or after-dinner indulgence.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup cane sugar
- 6 tbsp butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, plus more for topping
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
Start your baking adventure by mixing the dry ingredients. Grab a mixing bowl and combine 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking soda, and 1/4 tsp of salt. Whisk everything together to ensure the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed. Once that’s done, set the bowl aside for now.
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
Next, it’s time to make the butter and sugar mixture. In a separate bowl, cream together 6 tablespoons of softened butter and 1 cup of cane sugar. You want this mixture to become light and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air, making your biscotti lighter and giving them that delightful texture.
Adding Eggs and Flavor
Now, let’s add in some eggs. Beat 3 large eggs into the butter mixture, but do this one at a time. This ensures each egg is well mixed before adding the next. After you’ve added the eggs, pour in 1 tsp of almond extract. Trust me, this almond extract will bring out amazing flavors in your biscotti.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
It’s time to bring everything together! Gradually fold the dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Gently mix until combined; you don’t want to overwork the dough. After everything is mixed, add in 1/3 cup of sliced almonds. Make sure they are evenly spread throughout the dough for that delightful crunch in every bite.
Shaping the Biscotti Log
Now, with your dough ready, dust your hands with a little flour to avoid any stickiness. Shape the dough into a large log, about 12 inches long and 3 inches wide. Place this log on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. To finish this step, sprinkle more sliced almonds on top for added crunch. It will look lovely!
First Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once it’s hot, pop the biscotti log into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Look for a lightly golden color on the top. When it’s done, take it out and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes on the baking sheet. This cooling period helps them set up nicely.
Slicing the Biscotti
Once cooled slightly, it’s time to slice! Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 1-inch pieces. Arrange these cut pieces back onto the baking sheet, placing them cut side down. This will set us up for the second bake.
Second Bake
Return the baking sheet to the oven for the final bake. Bake those sliced biscotti for about 15 minutes, remembering to flip them halfway through for even crispness. When finished, they should be a beautiful golden brown and feel firm to the touch.
Melting the Chocolate
While the biscotti cool off, melt your chocolate. Use 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and 1 tsp of coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between until smooth and fully melted.
Dipping in Chocolate
Now comes the fun part! Once your biscotti have completely cooled, dip the ends into the melted chocolate. Place them on a cooling rack to allow the chocolate to harden. It takes about 30 minutes for the chocolate to set, so be patient; it’ll be worth it!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving, the sky’s the limit! Enjoy your almond biscotti with a piping hot cup of coffee, espresso, or your favorite tea. These treats make excellent gifts, too, or tasty additions to dessert platters at gatherings. They’re sure to impress anyone who tries them!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature; this helps them mix better.
- If you want to enhance the flavor further, consider toasting those sliced almonds before adding them to the dough for a deeper nutty taste.
- If you find the dough is too sticky, just lightly flour your hands while shaping it.
Variations
Let’s get creative! You can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a stronger almond flavor. Adding citrus zest, like orange or lemon, creates a bright, refreshing twist. Or, incorporate dried fruits, like cranberries or cherries for an extra dash of flavor and texture.
Storage Tips
To keep your almond biscotti fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze well. Just thaw them as needed, and they’ll still taste fantastic!
Pairing Ideas
These biscotti are perfect for pairing with:
– Classic Italian coffee
– Herbal teas, such as chamomile or mint
– Sweet dessert wines that complement the chocolate
FAQs
1. Can I use different nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely! You can swap out almonds for walnuts or hazelnuts. Each nut brings a unique flavor.
2. How should I store leftover biscotti?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crunch.
3. Can I make this biscotti gluten-free?
Of course! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
4. How do I know when the biscotti are done baking?
Look for a golden brown color and make sure they feel firm to the touch.
5. Can I skip the chocolate coating?
Definitely! The biscotti are delicious on their own, without chocolate too!
Almond biscotti is more than just a cookie; it’s an experience that invites you to slow down and indulge in the moment. With its delightful crunch and rich flavor, it pairs perfectly with a warm beverage, making it an ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning, hosting friends for a coffee date, or seeking a thoughtful gift, these biscotti will surely impress. Try this recipe today, and experience a journey of flavors that celebrate the joy of simple pleasures!
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Almond Biscotti
Almond biscotti offers a wonderful crunch and subtle sweetness, making it a perfect companion for coffee or tea. This recipe creates elegant treats ideal for gifting or special occasions.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 36 biscotti 1x
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup cane sugar
- 6 tbsp butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, plus more for topping
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in almond extract.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet, adding sliced almonds.
- Shape dough into a log and place on a baking sheet; top with more almonds.
- Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until golden.
- Slice cooled log into 1-inch pieces and return to oven for 15 minutes.
- Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil together.
- Dip biscotti ends in melted chocolate and let set.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Room temperature ingredients mix better.
Toast sliced almonds for deeper flavor.
Dust hands with flour if dough is sticky.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 25
