How to Make Almond Vanilla Biscotti (Easy Recipe)

There are very few treats rival the timeless allure of a perfectly crafted biscotti. Nothing quit ‘dunks’ the same. Nothing has quite the same unrelenting ‘crunch.’ Few other cookies so easily transition between breakfast, dessert, and snacking. And hardly any other treat is so easy to tailor to one’s ‘in the moment’ preference.’ Want a chocolate covered biscotti? Simply dip it in melted chocolate and let it set. Paired with wine? Delicious. Paired with coffee? Also delicious. Paired with milk? Yes, still delicious. In the mood for a biscotti with chocolate chips? Raisins? Walnuts? Amaretto? Mixed nuts? Coffee infused? Poppy seed covered? Dark chocolate and coffee infused? No matter your favorite flavors, It’s all the same (or virtually the same) recipe.

This recipe produces a Vanilla Almond Biscotti characterized by a crisp texture and a rich almond flavor. The double baking process ensures that the biscotti achieve the characteristic hardness that makes them ideal for dunking. The addition of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. The combination of vanilla, eggs, and chopped almonds creates a traditional Italian biscotti with a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness. The biscotti's unique characteristic lies in its double baking process, which imparts a distinct texture that makes it perfect for dipping into coffee, tea, or dessert wine.

It’s all equally elegant, and all equally delicious. What’s more, it’s so blissfully easy. This recipe is about as simple as cookie recipes come, but with extra step or two thrown in, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers alike. With a short list of ingredients and straightforward instructions, it's a great introduction to baking biscotti. The simplicity is balanced by the sophistication of the final product.

Whether you're a coffee connoisseur, a tea enthusiast, or someone who appreciates the finer notes of a dessert wine, our Almond Biscotti Elegance is the ideal companion. The versatility of these biscotti ensures they elevate any moment, from a quiet afternoon indulgence to a sophisticated evening gathering.

Now, without further delay, let’s make some biscotti. Read on for an ingredient checklist, prep tips, pairing suggestions, and a printable recipe card.

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Ingredient Checklist – Everything You’ll Need

The following combination of wet ingredients and dry ingredients should yield a firm and dry cookie dough. As the biscotti dough will be undergoing a first bake followed by a second bake, we require a sturdy dough to hold up through this process.

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract:
  • Note: Opt for pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
  • Substitution: ​Almond extract for additional almond flavor. Vanilla bean paste or pods also work.
• 3 eggs:
  • Tip: Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation into the dough. Be aware that we are 'not' applying an egg wash to today's biscotti.
• 1 cup sugar:
  • Tip: Simple granulated sugar is all you need, you can mix in a little brown sugar for added depth if desired.
• 2 cups flour:
  • Note: All-purpose flour works best for a balanced texture.
• 1/2 cup almonds, chopped:
  • Tip: Toast the almonds for enhanced nutty flavor.
  • Note: I'm using whole almonds, which I then chopped by hand. You can slivered almonds, naturally, but I do prefer the chunkier texture that's achieved by chopping them myself.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder:
  • Note: Ensure freshness for optimal leavening.
  • Tip: Yes, baking powder does indeed go bad. So, check the date.
• 1/8 teaspoon salt:
  • Tip: I recommend fine-grain sea salt, which complements the sweetness without overpowering.
• Powdered sugar for dusting:
  • Note: Dust lightly for a decorative touch and added sweetness.
• Parchment paper for baking pans:
  • Tip: Line baking sheets to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.

Prep Tips – Making the Best Biscotti Every Time

This is a basic recipe that uses only basic ingredients and a simple baking process to achieve delectable cookies. However, below are some tips for making sure that these biscotti cookies come out perfect every time. No special biscotti pan or exotic ingredients needed to make these classic Italian cookies. While some recipes call for an egg wash, we are not doing that in this recipe, it simply isn't needed in this instance.

• Use Fresh Ingredients:
  • Ensure that your baking powder, nuts, and other ingredients are fresh for optimal flavor and texture. I know this sounds like an obvious point, but baking ingredients have a tendency to sit in the pantry for protracted periods of time and the stuff 'does' go bad.
• Room Temperature Eggs:
  • Bring eggs to room temperature before using to achieve better emulsification in the dough.
• Quality Vanilla Extract:
  • Choose pure vanilla extract for a rich and authentic flavor.
• Toasted Almonds:
  • Toasting the almonds enhances their nutty flavor. Consider toasting them lightly before incorporating into the dough.
• Precise Baking Powder Measurement:
  • Use the correct amount of baking powder and ensure it's not expired for proper leavening.
• Fine-Grain Salt:
  • Opt for fine-grain sea salt to balance the sweetness without overwhelming the palate.
• Uniform Logs:
  • When forming the dough into logs, aim for uniform thickness to ensure even baking. You 'also' want to ensure uniformly cut slices.
• Uniform Slices:
  • To reiterate, using a sharp knife, be sure to cut the biscotti into uniform slices. If the slices are not uniform, they will bake unevenly.
• Monitor Baking Time:
  • Keep a close eye on the biscotti during the final baking to achieve optimal crunchiness and a nice golden color.
• Cooling on Baking Sheet:
  • Allow the biscotti to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them firm up.
• Parchment Paper:
  • Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
• Powdered Sugar Dusting:
  • Dust the biscotti with powdered sugar just before serving for a decorative finish and added sweetness.

Pairing Suggestions – Delicious Combos

All the usual favorites apply.

1. Cup of Coffee or Espresso:
   • The classic pairing. The sturdy texture of biscotti complements the rich flavors of coffee or espresso.
2. Hot Chocolate:
   • Dunking almond biscotti in hot chocolate adds a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
3. Dessert Wine:
   • Sip on a sweet dessert wine, such as Vin Santo or Moscato, alongside these almond biscotti for a sophisticated treat.
4. Almond Liqueur:
   • An almond-flavored liqueur, like Amaretto, complements the almond notes in the biscotti.
5. Vanilla Gelato or Ice Cream:
   • Serve biscotti on the side or crumble them over vanilla gelato for a heavenly dessert.
6. Fruit Compote:
   • Accompany biscotti with a side of fruit compote, such as fig or cherry, for a burst of fruity sweetness.
7. Cheese Plate:
   • Pair biscotti with a cheese plate featuring mild cheeses like mascarpone or a creamy brie.
8. Yogurt Parfait:
   • Break biscotti into smaller pieces and layer them in a yogurt parfait for added crunch.
9. Chocolate Fondue:
   • Dip biscotti into a pot of warm chocolate fondue for a luxurious and indulgent experience.
10. Citrus Sorbet:
    • Enjoy the contrast of flavors by pairing biscotti with a refreshing citrus sorbet.

Equipment - Only The Basics

Nothing fancy, I promise. Here's everything you'll need.

1. Mixing Bowls: For combining and mixing the ingredients, I recommend a simple medium bowl.
2. Whisk or Electric Mixer: To beat the eggs and combine the wet ingredients.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients.
4. Lined Baking Tray: A cookie sheet or baking tray lined with parchment paper to bake the biscotti on.
5. Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet, preventing sticking.
6. Serrated Bread Knife: I recommend a sharp serrated knife for slicing the baked logs into biscotti.
7. Cooling Rack: To cool the biscotti after baking.
8. Cutting Board: For cutting the biscotti long on.
9. Airtight Container: For storing the cookies, which keep for about a week.

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And that’s our homemade biscotti recipe. If you enjoyed today’s post, or have any questions or suggestions, be sure to let us know in the comments below. We always love hearing from you!

Happy Baking!