Save Classic Italian biscotti are crisp twice-baked cookies that deliver the perfect satisfying crunch for coffee breaks or pairing with dessert wine. I reach for this recipe whenever I want a treat that keeps for days and always feels a little special whether for holiday platters or everyday snacking.
Biscotti first entered my family routine when I baked a batch for a brunch and watched guests come back for thirds. Since then my tin has rarely been empty friends know to expect a fresh batch when they visit.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: gives the cookies their structure and satisfying snap look for unbleached flour for the purest flavor
- Granulated sugar: sweetens and creates the golden crisp edges choose fine baking sugar for a smoother crumb
- Baking powder: provides the essential lift for those iconic airy centers always check your baking powder is fresh
- Salt: enhances every flavor note use a good sea salt if possible
- Large eggs: bind the dough and create that classic golden hue always use roomtemperature eggs for the best rise
- Pure vanilla extract: brings warm sweetness highquality vanilla makes all the difference in aroma
- Almond extract (optional): adds classic biscotti aroma or leave out for less pronounced nutty notes
- Whole almonds: add crunch and true Italian authenticity toast and coarsely chop for maximum flavor
- Orange zest (optional): brightens the biscotti try to use an organic orange for the best fragrance
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper Make sure you cover the surface completely so the biscotti do not stick
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together the flour sugar baking powder and salt in a large bowl Mix thoroughly to ensure the leavening is distributed evenly which helps with the delicate rise
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl beat the eggs with vanilla and almond extracts Keep mixing until the liquid is uniform and lightly frothy This ensures every bite of cookie will have balanced flavor
- Form the Dough:
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients Use a sturdy spoon or your hands to combine just until a sticky dough forms It should look shaggy and thick but cohesive
- Add Almonds and Zest:
- Fold in your toasted chopped almonds and the orange zest if using Make sure they are evenly distributed so every slice gets plenty of nuts
- Shape the Logs:
- Lightly dust your work surface with flour Turn out the dough divide into two equal pieces Shape each half into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide Pat gently to even the tops
- Bake the Logs:
- Place the logs onto your prepared baking sheet leaving a few inches between them Bake for 25 minutes They should look lightly golden and just set on top
- Cool Down:
- Remove the pan from the oven and let the logs cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes This step makes slicing possible without crumbling
- Lower the Oven:
- Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees Fahrenheit You need this cooler heat for the classic second bake
- Slice the Biscotti:
- Using a serrated knife slice the cooled logs diagonally Each piece should be about half an inch thick Cutting on a diagonal gives the biscotti their elegant look
- Second Bake for Crispiness:
- Lay the slices cut side down back on the baking sheet Bake for 10 minutes flip each slice then bake for another 10 minutes This double baking creates that signature crunch
- Final Cooling:
- Transfer the biscotti to a wire rack and let them cool completely They will continue to harden as they cool giving you a perfect crispy cookie for dunking
Save I love the toasty almond aroma that fills the house These cookies remind me of my grandmother who always dipped hers into sweet wine before nibbling Biscotti now mark every holiday and special gathering for us
Storage Tips
Biscotti need to be stored in an airtight container at room temperature to keep their signature crunch Humidity will soften them so I add a little packet of foodsafe silica gel if storing for over a week If they do soften just pop back in the oven for a few minutes to refresh
Ingredient Substitutions
You can easily swap out almonds for pistachios hazelnuts or even chocolate chips For nutfree biscotti dried fruit like cherries or cranberries works beautifully Almond extract is optional and can be omitted or replaced with anise or citrus extracts for a twist
Serving Suggestions
Serve biscotti with strong espresso coffee or a small glass of dessert wine like Vin Santo They are also delicious dipped into hot cocoa or crumbled over gelato For parties I sometimes dip one end in melted chocolate before serving
Cultural Context
Biscotti originated in Tuscany and their hard crisp texture was prized for long shelf life making them ideal for travelers Their name literally means twice cooked and they have become a festive favorite in many Italian and Italian American homes
Seasonal Adaptations
Add dried cranberries and pistachios for a holidaythemed biscotti Try lemon zest and chopped hazelnuts in springtime Mix in mini chocolate chips and orange zest for a treat any time of year
Success Stories
After learning the basics friends have started gifting these biscotti at holidays with custom mixins One even served them as wedding favors For my family everyone now expects a biscottifilled jar at the kitchen counter and it disappears fast
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can freeze biscotti after the first bake Simply cool the logs wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month When ready to finish slice and bake straight from frozen adding two extra minutes to each side during the second bake
Save Baking these always makes me feel connected to my Italian roots with each dunk into my morning coffee
Common Questions
- → How do you achieve the classic biscotti texture?
Biscotti's crunch is a result of twice baking: first as logs, then sliced and baked until golden.
- → Can I substitute almonds with other ingredients?
Absolutely. Swap almonds for hazelnuts, pistachios, or chocolate chips based on your preference.
- → Why add orange zest to biscotti?
Orange zest provides a citrus aroma and flavor that complements the nutty notes, enhancing the taste.
- → How should biscotti be stored for freshness?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay crisp and delicious for up to two weeks.
- → What is the best way to slice biscotti?
Use a serrated knife to cut logs diagonally while slightly warm to minimize crumbling.