Almond Biscotti is a classic Italian treat known for its crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
These twice-baked cookies are perfect for dunking into coffee, tea, or dessert wine, making them a versatile and delicious option for any occasion.
With a hint of almond extract and a generous amount of sliced almonds, these biscotti are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Follow this simple recipe to create a batch of homemade Almond Biscotti that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup sliced almonds
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Sharp knife
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer or whisk.
Add Eggs and Extracts:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a stiff dough forms.
Fold in Almonds:
Gently fold in the sliced almonds until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shape Dough:
Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, shape each half into a log approximately 12 inches long and 2 inches wide.
Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart.
Bake First Time:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the logs are lightly golden and firm to the touch.
Cool and Slice:
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the logs cool for 10-15 minutes.
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick slices.
Bake Again:
Arrange the biscotti slices cut side down on the baking sheet.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the biscotti are golden and crisp.
Cool Completely:
Remove the biscotti from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, store the biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutritional Information:
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 40mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 14g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 3g
Health Benefits:
Almond Biscotti is a delightful treat that offers several health benefits.
Almonds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, and essential nutrients such as vitamin E and magnesium.
They may help lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and support overall health and wellbeing.
Enjoying almond biscotti in moderation as part of a balanced diet can contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
FAQs:
Can I use other types of nuts instead of almonds?
Yes, you can substitute other nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts in this recipe if desired.
How should I store almond biscotti?
Store almond biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Can I skip the almond extract?
While almond extract adds extra flavor to the biscotti, you can omit it if you prefer or substitute it with additional vanilla extract.
Can I dip almond biscotti in chocolate?
Yes, dipping almond biscotti in melted chocolate is a delicious variation. Simply melt chocolate chips or baking chocolate and dip one end of the biscotti into the melted chocolate. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
Can I make almond biscotti gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make gluten-free almond biscotti. Adjust the baking time as needed.