Almond Biscotti Recipe: Twice-Baked Perfection
Are you ready to bake some incredibly delicious and crunchy almond biscotti? This twice-baked treat is perfect for dunking in your favorite coffee or enjoying on its own. This recipe focuses on achieving that perfect balance of crispiness and almond flavor, guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is relatively straightforward, requiring ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- 3 large eggs: Room temperature eggs are crucial for proper emulsification.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor and complements the almonds.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your biscotti.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: For a slightly airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup sliced almonds: The star of the show! Use high-quality almonds for the best taste.
Instructions for Perfectly Crispy Biscotti:
Follow these steps carefully to achieve that signature biscotti crunch.
Step 1: Combining Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. This step is vital for achieving a light and airy texture.
Step 2: Incorporating Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Adding the Almonds
Gently fold in the sliced almonds. Ensure they're evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Shaping the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the dough to a lightly greased baking sheet and shape it into a log, approximately 12-14 inches long and 2 inches wide.
Step 5: First Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the log is lightly golden brown.
Step 6: Slicing and Second Bake
Remove the log from the oven and let it cool slightly on the baking sheet. Using a serrated knife, slice the log diagonally into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices, cut-side down, back on the baking sheet.
Step 7: The Final Crisp
Bake for another 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the biscotti are golden brown and completely crisp.
Step 8: Cooling and Enjoying
Let the biscotti cool completely on a wire rack before storing. Once cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips for Biscotti Success:
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough biscotti.
- Use a serrated knife: This will help create clean cuts and prevent the biscotti from crumbling.
- Let the biscotti cool completely: This ensures they maintain their crispness.
- Experiment with flavors: Add other nuts, dried fruits, or spices to customize your biscotti.
Serving Suggestions:
These almond biscotti are delicious on their own, but they're even better when paired with:
- A cup of hot coffee
- A glass of dessert wine
- A scoop of ice cream
Enjoy your homemade almond biscotti! They are perfect for gifting or enjoying as a delicious treat anytime. Let me know in the comments how yours turned out!
