Biscotti Recipe

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Biscotti are one of my favorite treats to bake, and for good reason. These Italian twice-baked cookies are delightfully crunchy, packed with flavor, and perfect for dunking in coffee, tea, or even a glass of wine. The combination of toasted almonds and just the right amount of sweetness makes them irresistible, while their sturdy texture ensures they stay fresh for weeks.

What I love most about biscotti is their versatility. Whether you enjoy them plain, dipped in chocolate, or loaded with nuts and dried fruit, there’s a version for everyone. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home with just a handful of pantry staples. If you’ve never tried baking biscotti before, you’re in for a real treat!

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Why You’ll Love This Biscotti Recipe

• Perfectly Crunchy – These biscotti have the classic crisp texture, making them ideal for dunking.
• Easy to Customize – You can switch up the nuts, add chocolate chips, or experiment with different flavorings.
• Great for Gifting – They store well and make a beautiful homemade gift for friends and family.
• Simple Ingredients – Made with everyday baking essentials, you won’t need anything fancy.
• Long Shelf Life – Unlike soft cookies, biscotti stay fresh for weeks, so you can enjoy them longer.

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What Kind of Nuts Should I Use for Biscotti?

The beauty of biscotti is that they pair wonderfully with a variety of nuts. Traditional recipes often use almonds, which give a classic crunch and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. However, you can easily swap them out for pistachios, hazelnuts, walnuts, or even pecans. If you want an extra depth of flavor, try toasting the nuts before mixing them into the dough—it enhances their natural oils and makes the biscotti even more aromatic.

If you have a nut allergy or prefer a nut-free version, you can skip them altogether and add dried fruit or chocolate chips instead. The biscotti will still turn out crisp and delicious!

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Options for Substitutions

Biscotti recipes are highly adaptable, making it easy to swap ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some great alternatives:

• Flour – Traditional biscotti use all-purpose flour, but you can substitute it with whole wheat flour for extra fiber or a gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly option.
• Sugar – Swap white sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener for a lower-glycemic version.
• Eggs – If you need an egg-free option, try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
• Flavorings – Classic biscotti often include vanilla or almond extract, but you can experiment with orange zest, anise, or even cinnamon for a unique twist.
• Add-Ins – Dried cranberries, raisins, mini chocolate chips, or even shredded coconut can bring a new dimension to your biscotti.

These simple swaps allow you to personalize your biscotti while keeping the same crisp and crunchy texture.

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Ingredients for This Biscotti Recipe

Every ingredient in this biscotti recipe plays an important role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and helps the biscotti hold their shape. You can also use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
• Sugar – Adds sweetness and contributes to the crisp texture when baked.
• Eggs – Act as a binding agent and give the biscotti a slightly rich flavor.
• Baking Powder – Helps the biscotti rise slightly, giving them a light yet firm crunch.
• Butter (Optional) – Some traditional recipes don’t use butter, but adding a little can make the biscotti slightly more tender.
• Vanilla & Almond Extract – These enhance the flavor and give the biscotti a deliciously aromatic touch.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.
• Almonds (or Other Nuts) – The star of the show! These add crunch, nuttiness, and visual appeal to the biscotti.
• Dried Fruit or Chocolate Chips (Optional) – If you want a twist, these can add sweetness and contrast to the crunchy texture.

These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create the perfect homemade biscotti—crunchy, flavorful, and perfect for dunking!

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Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the vanilla and almond extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a sticky dough forms. If using nuts or other add-ins, fold them in at this stage.

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Step 2: Shape the Dough

Lightly flour your hands and divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a log about 10-12 inches long and 2-3 inches wide, then place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Flatten the tops slightly to help them bake evenly.

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Step 3: First Bake

Bake the logs in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and firm to the touch. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10-15 minutes. Cooling helps prevent crumbling when slicing.

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Step 4: Slice the Biscotti

Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice the logs into ½-inch thick pieces. For the best texture, cut them at a slight diagonal to create longer biscotti. Arrange the slices cut-side down on the baking sheet.

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Step 5: Second Bake

Return the biscotti to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even crispness. Once they are golden and fully dried out, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.

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How Long to Cook the Biscotti

Biscotti require a two-step baking process to achieve their signature crisp texture. The first bake takes about 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C), during which the dough firms up into a golden loaf. After cooling slightly, the second bake—10-15 minutes per side—dries out the biscotti completely, giving them that satisfying crunch. If you prefer extra-crispy biscotti, leave them in the oven for an additional few minutes, but keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.

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Tips for Perfect Biscotti

• Use a Serrated Knife for Slicing – A gentle sawing motion prevents the biscotti from crumbling when cutting them into slices.
• Let the Logs Cool Slightly – Cooling for 10-15 minutes before slicing makes it easier to cut clean, even pieces.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough – Biscotti dough is sticky, but avoid overmixing to keep them light and crisp.
• Flip During the Second Bake – Turning the biscotti halfway through ensures they dry out evenly on both sides.
• Toast the Nuts First – Toasting almonds or other nuts enhances their flavor and gives the biscotti a deeper nuttiness.
• Experiment with Flavors – Try adding citrus zest, cinnamon, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
• Store for Maximum Freshness – Once completely cooled, store biscotti in an airtight container to maintain their crunch for weeks.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though biscotti are simple to make, a few common mistakes can affect their texture and flavor. Here’s what to avoid:

• Cutting While Too Hot – If you slice the biscotti straight out of the oven, they’ll crumble. Let them cool for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing.
• Using a Dull Knife – A dull knife will crush the biscotti instead of slicing cleanly. Always use a sharp, serrated knife.
• Not Baking Long Enough – If the second bake is too short, the biscotti will be soft instead of crispy. Make sure they are fully dry before removing them.
• Overmixing the Dough – Overworking the dough makes biscotti dense and tough. Mix just until combined.
• Skipping the Second Bake – The second bake is what gives biscotti their signature crunch, so don’t skip it!
• Adding Too Many Mix-Ins – While chocolate chips, nuts, and dried fruit are delicious, too many can make the dough difficult to work with and cause crumbling.
• Not Spacing Out the Logs – The dough spreads while baking, so leave enough space between logs on the baking sheet.

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What to Serve With Biscotti?

Biscotti pair beautifully with a variety of beverages and desserts. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy them:

1. Coffee

A classic pairing! Dip your biscotti into a hot cup of espresso, cappuccino, or black coffee for a delightful combination.

2. Tea

If you’re not a coffee drinker, try your biscotti with a warm mug of chai, Earl Grey, or green tea.

3. Hot Chocolate

The rich, creamy texture of hot chocolate perfectly complements the crunchy biscotti.

4. Dessert Wine

Traditionally in Italy, biscotti are served with Vin Santo, a sweet dessert wine perfect for dipping.

5. Ice Cream

Use biscotti as a crunchy topping or even as a spoon to scoop up your favorite gelato or ice cream.

6. Cheese Platter

For a unique twist, pair almond biscotti with mild cheeses like ricotta or mascarpone for a sweet and savory treat.

7. Yogurt & Berries

Crumble biscotti over Greek yogurt with fresh berries for a delicious and healthy breakfast or snack.

8. Nutella or Peanut Butter

Spread Nutella or peanut butter on your biscotti for an extra indulgent bite.

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Storage Instructions

Biscotti have an impressive shelf life, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat. To keep them fresh and crunchy, follow these storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Store biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent them from softening.
• Refrigerator: While not necessary, you can store biscotti in the fridge for up to three weeks if you prefer a longer shelf life. Just ensure they are in an airtight container to avoid moisture.
• Freezer: Biscotti freeze beautifully! Place them in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or reheat in a low oven for a few minutes.

If biscotti soften over time, simply pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to crisp them back up!

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Estimated Nutrition

While the nutrition will vary slightly depending on ingredients and mix-ins, here’s an approximate breakdown per biscotti (based on a standard almond biscotti recipe):

• Calories: ~100-120 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Fiber: 1g

If you add chocolate, dried fruit, or other mix-ins, the calorie and sugar content will be slightly higher. To make biscotti lower in sugar, you can reduce the sweetener or swap it for a sugar alternative.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are my biscotti too hard?

Biscotti are meant to be crunchy, but if they’re too hard, they may have been overbaked. Try reducing the second bake time or dipping them in coffee or tea to soften them slightly.

2. Can I make biscotti without nuts?

Absolutely! You can leave out the nuts and replace them with chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even coconut flakes for a different twist.

3. How do I make my biscotti less crumbly?

To prevent crumbly biscotti, let the logs cool slightly before slicing and always use a serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion. Also, avoid overmixing the dough.

4. Can I make biscotti gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

5. Why did my biscotti spread too much?

If your dough spread too much, it might be because the butter was too soft or there was too much moisture. Try chilling the dough for 15 minutes before shaping the logs.

6. Can I dip biscotti in chocolate?

Definitely! Melt dark, milk, or white chocolate and dip one end of each biscotti into it. Let them set on parchment paper until the chocolate hardens.

7. How long do biscotti last?

Biscotti last up to two weeks at room temperature, three weeks in the fridge, and three months in the freezer if stored properly in an airtight container.

8. Can I add different flavors to my biscotti?

Yes! Try adding orange or lemon zest, cinnamon, anise seeds, or even espresso powder for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.

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Conclusion

Baking biscotti at home is easier than you might think, and the results are well worth it! These crunchy, flavorful treats are perfect for dipping, gifting, or simply enjoying as a snack. Save this recipe on Pinterest and share it with your family and friends so they can enjoy homemade biscotti too. Happy baking!

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