Almond Biscotti Recipe

I absolutely love this Almond Biscotti Recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between crunchy and flavorful. Whether you’re dunking these crispy delights in your morning coffee or serving them at a casual get-together, they always bring that satisfying snap and subtle sweetness I crave. What makes this recipe so special is how simple ingredients come together in a way that feels both elegant and homemade.

When I first tried this Almond Biscotti Recipe, I was amazed at how the toasty almonds and the light vanilla undertones played so well together. You’ll find that once you get the hang of folding and shaping the dough, it’s really an enjoyable process that yields consistently fantastic results. You might even catch yourself sneaking a slice or two as they cool—don’t blame me, it’s totally worth it!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together beautifully to create a biscotti that’s crunchy yet tender inside. Picking good quality almonds and fresh eggs makes a noticeable difference, so keep that in mind when shopping.

• Whole, unblanched almonds: Toasting them brings out deep flavor and essential crunch—don’t skip this step!
• Butter (for baking sheet): Helps keep biscotti from sticking while baking.
• Unbleached all-purpose flour: The base of the dough, unbleached gives a nice clean taste and texture.
• Granulated sugar: Adds the right sweetness without overpowering the almonds.
• Baking soda: Provides just enough lift for a light, airy bite.
• Fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and enrich the dough.
• Pure vanilla extract (optional): Adds warmth and subtle depth—definitely worth including if you have it on hand.

Variations

I like to mix things up sometimes with this Almond Biscotti Recipe, making it my own little canvas for flavors. Feel free to experiment with add-ins or switch up nuts according to what you have—baking is all about having fun and making it yours!

• Orange Zest Variation: Adding orange zest to the dough brings a refreshing citrus pop I discovered one winter—it brightens the biscotti wonderfully.
• Chocolate-Dipped Biscotti: After baking, dip one end in melted dark chocolate for a decadent touch my family goes crazy for.
• Nut Swaps: I’ve tried walnuts or pecans instead of almonds, which give a different but equally delicious crunch.
• Gluten-Free option: Substitute with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, just be mindful it may affect texture slightly.

How to Make Almond Biscotti Recipe

Step 1: Toast Your Almonds to Perfection

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and spreading the almonds on a baking sheet. Toast them for about 5 to 7 minutes—you’ll know they’re ready when you can smell their nuttiness filling the kitchen and their skins start to darken slightly. Let them cool completely before adding to your dough; this step is key for that rich almond flavor.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients and Eggs

Lower the oven to 300°F (150°C) and butter and flour your baking sheet to prepare it for the dough. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Reserve about 1/3 cup of this dry mix for later. In a separate bowl, lightly beat your eggs and stir in the vanilla extract. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, pour the eggs in, and gently draw the flour mixture in without overworking it—this keeps the dough tender.

Step 3: Shape and Add Almonds

Dust your workspace with the reserved flour, then turn the dough out and gather it into a rough disk, kneading just a little so it holds together. Pat it into a 7 x 5-inch rectangle and press the toasted almonds evenly over the surface. Fold the dough like a business letter, adding flour if sticky, then cut it in half lengthwise. Roll each half into a long rope, about 2 inches thick, and place them on your baking sheet with space between to avoid them sticking together while baking.

Step 4: First Bake, Slice, and Toast

Bake those dough ropes for 45 to 50 minutes until they’re lightly browned and feel almost bread-like when pressed. Immediately transfer each to a cutting board and slice diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces using a sharp chef’s knife. Lay the slices cut-side down back on the baking sheet and pop them into the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes to dry out and toast, which is what gives biscotti their signature crispness.

How to Serve Almond Biscotti Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little powdered sugar over the biscotti just before serving—it adds a touch of sweetness and makes them look fancy with almost no effort. Sometimes, I drizzle melted chocolate over half of them for a decadent contrast, which always impresses my guests.

Side Dishes

Biscotti pairs beautifully with hot beverages like espresso, cappuccino, or your favorite tea. For a brunch spread, I often include them alongside fresh fruit and soft cheeses—they’re a crunchy, delightful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like to stack the biscotti in clear mason jars tied with a rustic ribbon for a charming presentation. It works great as a gift, and the jar keeps them fresh while looking inviting on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover biscotti in an airtight container or classic cookie tin, which keeps them crisp for weeks. I always recommend letting them cool completely before storing to prevent any moisture buildup, which could soften that lovely crunch.

Freezing

Freezing biscotti works really well for long-term storage. I wrap batches tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw on the counter and crisp them up in the oven for a few minutes if needed.

Reheating

If your biscotti feels a bit soft after storage, a quick 5-minute toast in a 300°F oven revives that satisfying crunch. I find this step restores the freshly baked texture perfectly every time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Almond Biscotti Recipe has truly become a staple in my kitchen, not just for its delightful flavor but because it’s easy enough to make without fuss. I love sharing it with friends who always ask me for the recipe after tasting these crunchy delights. Give this a try—you might find, like me, that these biscotti become your new favorite snack to bake and share.

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