Indulge in the deliciously crunchy and nutty flavor of Chef John's Almond Biscotti. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through the process of making these classic Italian cookies from scratch. With the perfect balance of sweetness and the delightful aroma of almonds, these biscotti will surely become a favorite in your household. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a truly satisfying treat!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until the dough comes together.
- Fold in the chopped almonds and mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a log, approximately 12 inches long and 2 inches wide.
- Place the logs onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the logs are golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick slices.
- Place the sliced biscotti back onto the baking sheet, cut side down.
- Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Allow the biscotti to cool completely before serving.
Interesting Facts
Biscotti means 'twice-baked' in Italian. They are called so because they are baked twice to achieve their distinct crispy texture.
Biscotti were originally created as a long-lasting food for travelers and soldiers due to their dry and hard nature.
Almonds are a popular choice for biscotti, but you can experiment with different nuts or add in flavors like chocolate or citrus zest.