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Almond Biscotti Recipe

Almond Biscotti, a delightful Italian treat, has won the hearts of cookie enthusiasts around the world. With their satisfying crunch and delightful almond flavor, these double-baked cookies have become a favorite companion for coffee and tea lovers alike.
Prep Time15 minutes
Active Time35 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free
Keyword: Almond Biscotti
Yield: 24 Biscotti
Calories: 120kcal
Author: Sharon2

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Electric Mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber Spatula

Materials

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 cup whole almonds toasted
  • ½ cup sliced almonds optional, for topping

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, lightly beat two eggs with the vanilla extract and almond extract. Reserve the third egg for later use.
  • Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a few drops of water until it comes together.
  • Fold in the whole toasted almonds into the dough, distributing them evenly.
  • Divide the dough into two equal parts. On a lightly floured surface, shape each portion into a log, approximately 12 inches long and 2 inches wide.
  • Transfer the logs onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them.
  • In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg and brush it over the top of each log. If desired, sprinkle sliced almonds on top for an attractive finish.
  • Bake the logs for 20-25 minutes or until they turn a light golden brown.
  • Remove the logs from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
  • Using a sharp knife, cut the logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick slices.
  • Place the sliced cookies cut-side down on the baking sheet and return them to the oven.
  • Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the biscotti are dry and crisp. For extra crunchiness, you can flip them halfway through the baking time.
  • Once done, remove the biscotti from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Video

Notes

  • Toasting the almonds before adding them to the dough enhances their flavor and adds a delightful aroma to the biscotti.
  • For an even richer taste, you can use almond meal instead of whole almonds, which will also give the biscotti a smoother texture.
  • Ensure to remove the biscotti from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
  • Storage: Italian almond biscotti keeps very well for about 2 weeks. However, humidity might ruin them, please store them in an airtight container, metal tins are the best!
  • Substitutions: traditionally made with almonds, you can replace the almonds with chocolate chips, hazelnuts, pine nuts or dried fruits like figs or sultanas. The possibilities are endless. Anise seeds are a must for the classic Italian almond biscotti, however, feel free to omit them if you wish.
  • Almonds: I highly recommend to toast the almonds to bring out their amazing flavor. I used whole almonds and I didn’t chop them, but if you bake biscotti for the very first time you might chop your almonds, which will make the cutting easier.
  • Anise seeds: aniseed is optional, but it adds a lovely and refreshing note. I love it and I’m sure you would love it too. Give them a try!
  • You can easily replace white sugar with unrefined cane sugar and all-purpose flour with light spelt flour, which tastes delicious and has a nutty flavor. Plus, spelt is a nutritious whole grain, and easier to digest than wheat