Authentic Italian Biscotti: Crisp Almond Cookies for Coffee Lovers

There’s something inherently comforting about homemade biscotti – those twice-baked Italian cookies that offer the perfect balance of crunch and flavor. This classic biscotti recipe produces wonderfully light, crisp cookies that are ideal for dipping in your morning coffee or afternoon espresso.

What Makes Traditional Italian Biscotti Special?

Authentic Italian biscotti, also known as “cantucci” in Tuscany, have been delighting palates for centuries. The name “biscotti” comes from the Latin “biscoctus,” meaning “twice-cooked” – which explains their signature crispness. The double-baking process removes moisture, giving these cookies their characteristic crunch and extended shelf life.

Unlike softer American-style cookies, traditional biscotti are meant to be dipped. Their firm texture holds up beautifully in hot beverages without falling apart, making them the perfect companion for coffee, tea, or even dessert wine.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Perfect Biscotti

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup whole almonds (toasted and coarsely chopped)
• 4 ounces dark chocolate for drizzling (optional)

Step-by-Step Biscotti Making Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. The dough will be sticky.
5. Fold in the chopped almonds until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Divide the dough in half. On the prepared baking sheet, shape each portion into a log about 12 inches long and 3 inches wide. Leave space between the logs as they will spread during baking.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the logs are firm and light golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (165°C).
9. Transfer the logs to a cutting board and use a serrated knife to slice each log diagonally into ¾-inch thick slices.
10. Place the slices cut-side down on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes.
11. Flip the biscotti over and bake for another 8-10 minutes, until they are golden and crisp.
12. Allow the biscotti to cool completely on a wire rack.
13. If desired, melt the dark chocolate and drizzle over the cooled biscotti. Let the chocolate set before serving or storing.

Tips for Biscotti Success

• For proper texture: Don’t rush the second baking. This is what gives biscotti their signature crunch.
• For clean slices: Let the logs cool just enough to handle but not completely – about 10 minutes. If too cool, they may crumble when cutting.
• For flavor variations: Try adding dried cranberries, orange zest, pistachios, or dipping one end in melted white chocolate.
• For even baking: Rotate your baking sheet halfway through each baking cycle.
• For gift-giving: Biscotti stay fresh for weeks in an airtight container, making them perfect for holiday presents.

The Secret to Perfectly Sliced Biscotti

The most challenging part of making biscotti can be getting clean slices after the first bake. Use a sharp serrated knife and cut with a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing down. Cutting at a diagonal not only gives you the traditional look but also creates a larger surface area for dipping.

Nutritional Information

Each biscotti cookie contains approximately:

• Calories: 96 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 4 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 47 mg

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Store your homemade biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Serve these crunchy delights alongside:

• Espresso or cappuccino for an authentic Italian experience
• Hot chocolate for a delightful winter treat
• Sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo, as is traditional in Tuscany
• Vanilla ice cream for a contrasting texture experience

Why You’ll Love These Classic Biscotti

These twice-baked cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet and crunchy, with toasted almonds adding delightful texture and flavor. Whether enjoyed as a morning treat with coffee or as an elegant dessert with wine, these versatile biscotti bring a touch of Italian tradition to any occasion. The optional chocolate drizzle adds a decadent touch that transforms these simple cookies into something truly special.