Crunchy Almond Biscotti Recipe (2024)

These almond biscotti are a perfect cookie to pair with a cup of coffee or tea, You'll love them on your Christmas cookie tray, too.

Biscotti, with its Italian roots dating back centuries, is a cookie that people enjoy worldwide. These distinctive, twice-baked treats are renowned for their unique texture and versatility. biscotti is a delightfulwhether you're sipping on your morning coffee, enjoying an after-dinner dessert, or sharing a moment with friends.

Almond Biscotti Fresh from the Oven

When a biscotti is just right, it is crisp, with just the right amount of crumble in your mouth. It should hold up when dunked in a steaming cup of coffee or tea, but be flavorful enough not to need to be dunked.

Biscotti, derived from the Italian word "biscotto," meaning "twice-cooked," is a type of cookie that has been cherished for generations. Its claim to fame is its unique double-baked preparation, which results in a crisp, dunkable texture perfect for pairing with your favorite beverage. Of course, you'll want mugs like theseor cappuccino cups like these.

What sets biscotti apart is its adaptability. While almond biscotti is a classic choice, you can infuse your biscotti with various flavors like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or citrus zest to create a cookie tailored to your taste buds. Biscotti's enduring popularity lies in its ability to offer comfort, nostalgia, and a delightful crunch in every bite.

When and How to Serve Biscotti:

Biscotti's versatility makes it suitable for a variety of occasions:

1. As Part of Your Morning Ritual: Start your day on a sweet note by dunking almond biscotti into your coffee or tea. The crunchy texture complements the warmth of your morning brew perfectly.

2. Your Afternoon Indulgence: Biscotti is a wonderful afternoon pick-me-up. Enjoy it with a cappuccino, latte, or even a glass of wine for a touch of elegance.

3. A Dessert Delight: Biscotti makes an excellent dessert, either on its own or paired with gelato, sorbet, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Its simplicity contrasts beautifully with more elaborate sweets.

4. Gifts from the Heart: Homemade almond biscotti also make thoughtful gifts. Package them in a decorative tin or bag, and you have a delightful present to share with family and friends on special occasions.

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

This Classic Almond Biscotti recipe combines the rich, nutty flavor of almonds with the perfect balance of sweetness. Here's why you'll adore it:

Tips for Almond Biscotti Success:

You'll bake the best almond biscotti with these tips:

1. Precise Measuring: Use precise measurements to ensure the correct ratio of ingredients, which is crucial for texture and flavor.

2. Chop Almonds Uniformly: For even distribution of nutty goodness, chop your almonds uniformly. You can also toast them for enhanced flavor.

3. Handle the Dough Gently: Overworking the dough can result in tough biscotti. Handle it gently and avoid excessive kneading.

4. Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your biscotti during the second baking to prevent overbaking. They should be golden brown, not burnt.

5. Cool Completely: Allow your biscotti to cool completely before storing or serving. This helps them achieve their trademark crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do biscotti last?

Biscotti have a long shelf life when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or in the freezer for several months.

Can I make biscotti without nuts?

Absolutely! You can omit the almonds or replace them with your favorite nuts or other add-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruits.

How should almond biscotti be stored?

Almond biscotti should be stored properly to maintain their texture and flavor.

Allow your freshly baked almond biscotti to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial to ensure they develop their signature crisp texture. Once cooled, place the biscotti in an airtight container. A sealable plastic or glass container works well. Ensure the container's lid or seal is tightly closed to prevent air from getting in. If you're stacking the biscotti in the container, place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together.

Almond biscotti can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks. Make sure the storage area is cool and dry, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. If you want to keep your biscotti for an extended period, consider freezing them. Wrap individual biscotti or a few together tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe, airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. Properly stored, biscotti can stay good in the freezer for several months.

When you're ready to enjoy frozen biscotti, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. Once thawed, they should have the same delightful texture and flavor as when they were first baked.

Avoid storing almond biscotti in the refrigerator, as the moisture in the fridge can make them lose their crispness and become stale more quickly. Keeping them at room temperature in an airtight container is the best way to preserve their quality.

How to Make Almond Biscotti

Almond Biscotti with a Latte

Printer Friendly Recipe
About 16 cookies

1 1/4 cups sliced almonds, toasted
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons egg whites

Directions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Spread the almonds out on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet on the center rack of your oven for 5-10 minutes, just until the nuts start to brown slightly.
Remove the nuts from the oven to cool. Grind 1/4 cup of the almonds into a fine powder and set aside. Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F.

Mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground almonds in a medium bowl. Place the 2 whole eggs in the bowl of your stand mixer. Beat the eggs on medium-high speed until they become light in color and doubled in size, 3-6 minutes. Add the sugar, melted butter, almond extract, and vanilla, mixing well to combine.

Remove the bowl from the mixer. Fold in half of the flour mixture using a spatula until just combined. Add the remaining flour mixture and the almonds, continuing to fold until just combined. Set aside.

Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. I find it helps to spray the pan with cooking spray to hold the parchment paper in place. Divide the batter in half with your spatula and place each portion on your baking sheet in separate rectangles approximately 8x3 inches in size.
Flour your hands and pat the batter into a rectangular shape. You'll want to be sure each rectangle is the same size to ensure even baking. Brush each rectangle with the egg white.

Bake the biscotti on the center rack of your oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until lightly browned and the tops are beginning to crack. Remove from the oven to cool for 20-30 minutes on the baking sheet. When cooled, but still warm, place the biscotti on a cutting board. Cut each rectangle on the bias into 1/2-inch slices. Place the sliced biscotti onto a wire rack on a baking sheet and return to the oven to bake for another 30-35 minutes, until each side is lightly browned. Turn each biscotti over halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to a month.

Here is another post where you can find other specialty coffee drinks.

Dessert Coffees to Pair withAlmond Biscotti

This cranberry pistachio biscotti recipe is also a favorite of mine.

Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

My Favorite Coffee Mugs:

Glass-footed coffee mugs

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Enjoy!