Easy Biscotti Recipe - Sweetest Menu (2024)

By: Jessica Holmes

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Learn how to make crunchy Biscotti biscuits with my Easy Biscotti recipe. These twice-baked biscuits are flavoured with fresh orange zest and whole almonds. You don’t need an electric mixer – just a bowl and spoon – and they’re dairy-free too!

Easy Biscotti Recipe - Sweetest Menu (1)

Oh Biscotti! ❤️ I fell in love with you at the Mercato Centrale in Florence four years ago.

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These twice-baked Italian-style biscuits have a crisp, crunchy exterior, and an ever-so-slightly chewy middle. They’re perfect for snacking or dipping into your coffee or tea.

I’ve chosen classic orange and almond flavours here, but you can customise this basic recipe to make all kinds of Biscotti.

Why you will love this recipe

  • They’re quick and easy to make
  • You don’t need an electric mixer
  • Easily customisable to your favourite flavours
  • They keep well in an airtight container for up to a week
Easy Biscotti Recipe - Sweetest Menu (2)

Recipe testing

After tasting the real thing in Italy, I’ve longed for a good Biscotti biscuit. And while I’ve tried most of the storebought Biscotti I can find around town, the closest I can get to the real thing, is my easy homemade version.

I love how simple this Easy Biscotti recipe is to make. One thing that always frustrated me with packet or store-bought Biscotti was how dry and rock-hard they were.

But when I tried them in Florence, freshly made, they actually had a slight chew in the middle. Not chewy like a Chocolate Chip Cookie, of course, but they weren’t these stale, crunchy things I had tried before.

They did have that signature crispy crust, but in the middle, they had an almost spongy, chewy texture, that made them extremely moreish.

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My easy Biscotti recipe will give you exactly that. A twice-baked cookie that’s crispy and crunchy but a little chewy and packed with flavour.

I tested this recipe using both caster sugar and brown sugar. While caster sugar results in a very crisp cookie, I loved the extra flavour, colour and chew that brown sugar provides.

The best part is this recipe only requires a bowl and a spoon – no electric mixer. They’re ready in minutes and will fill up your cookie jar for the week. Win win!

Ingredients

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You only need a handful of ingredients to make these easy Orange Almond Biscotti. There’s no butter in them, so they’re dairy free too. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Plain flour: Or all purpose flour
  • Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds flavour and moisture. However, I have tested this recipe with caster sugar (granulated sugar) and it works well too. If you prefer a crispier biscuit, you can opt for caster sugar, but for more flavour, colour and a slightly chewy middle, go for brown sugar.
  • Baking powder
  • Orange zest: Freshly grated orange zest is best.
  • Almonds: You can use toasted or raw almonds in this recipe.
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

How to make Biscotti

This Easy Biscotti recipe is so quick and easy to make. Once you add all the ingredients into your mixing bowl, you simply mix until a soft, but slightly sticky dough forms.

Easy Biscotti Recipe - Sweetest Menu (5)
Easy Biscotti Recipe - Sweetest Menu (6)

Then it’s time to shape the dough and bake it. The cookies are then sliced and baked for a second time. Here’s a snapshot of how to make them (detailed instructions are included in the recipe card below):

  1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and fresh orange zest.
  2. Add eggs and vanilla and stir until a soft, sticky dough forms.
  3. Divide dough into two. Shape into two logs, approximately 20cm / 8-inches in length.
  4. Bake Biscotti for 20 minutes, then leave to cool for 5 minutes.
  5. Carefully slice diagonally into 1cm fingers. Bake again for 20 minutes.
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Easy Biscotti Recipe - Sweetest Menu (8)

Flavour ideas

You can use this recipe as a base Biscotti recipe and customise the flavours. Here are some ideas of alternative mix-ins you could use instead of orange zest and almonds. Though orange and almond is a classic for a reason!

  • Pistachios
  • Lemon zest
  • Dried cranberries
  • Dried cherries
  • Hazelnuts
  • Chocolate chips
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Frequently asked questions

My Biscotti dough was dry.

It can take a minute for your dough to come together, but if it’s too dry and crumbly to shape, you may have added too much flour. This can be easy to do if you use cups – I highly recommend using a baking scale to measure your flour.

How do I know when Biscotti are cooked?

When you bake Biscotti a second time, it is designed to dry out the middle of the biscuit and create a lovely, crispy crust. You’ll see the Biscotti darken in colour and firm up to the touch. And they’ll firm up even more as they cool.

How do I store Biscotti?

Keep Biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

More cookie recipes

  • Jam Drops
  • Lemon Cookies
  • Pinwheel Cookies
  • Sugar Cookies

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to rate the recipe andleave a comment below. Hungry for more? Join me onInstagram,Facebook,PinterestandTwitterfor more amazing recipe ideas.

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Let’s Bake

Easy Biscotti recipe

Yield Makes 14 biscotti 1x

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star 5 from 5 reviews

Prep: 40 minutesCook: 35 minutesTotal: 1 hour 15 minutes

Crunchy twice-baked Orange Almond Biscotti.

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Ingredients

  • 175 grams (1 and 1/4 cup) plain flour or all purpose flour
  • 135 grams (3/4 cup) brown sugar (see notes)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • Zest of 1 large orange (or 2 small ones), finely grated
  • 95 grams (1/2 cup) whole almonds
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 180 C (350 F) standard / 160 C (320 F) fan-forced. Line a large baking tray or cookie sheet with baking or parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, add flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, orange zest and almonds. Stir briefly.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla and stir until a sticky cookie dough forms. It may seem dry at first but just keep stirring, or use your hands to bring the dough together.
  4. Lightly flour your bench. Divide the dough into two. Then shape the dough into two even logs, roughly 20 cm / 8-inches long and 7.5 cm / 3-inches wide.
  5. Carefully transfer logs to prepared trays, ensuring they are not touching each other. Bake for 20 minutes.
  6. Remove biscuits from the oven and let them cool for 5-10 minutes. Turn the oven down to 160 C (320 F) standard / 140 C (285 F) fan-forced.
  7. Use a serrated knife to carefully slice the biscuits diagonally, approximately 1.5 cm / 1-inch wide. Arrange Biscotti (sides facing up) on baking tray lined with a new piece of baking or parchment paper.
  8. Bake Biscotti again for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch. Leave to cool completely.

Notes

Brown sugar: I tested this recipe with caster sugar and brown sugar. Both work well. I prefer brown sugar for colour, flavour and moisture, but for a crispier cookie, you can use 150 grams (3/4 cup)caster sugar or granulated sugar instead.

Almonds: You can use toasted or raw almonds.

Flavours: You can use this recipe as a base Biscotti recipe and customise the flavours. Other mix-in ideas include pistachios, lemon zest, dried cranberries or cherries, hazelnuts and chocolate chips.

Storage: Once cooled, keep Biscotti in an airtight container in the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 1 biscotti Calories: 133 Sugar: 9.7 g Sodium: 34.3 mg Fat: 4.2 g Carbohydrates: 20.8 g Protein: 3.6 g Cholesterol: 26.6 mg

Nutrition information is a guide only.

Author: Jessica HolmesCategory: BiscuitsCuisine: Italian

Recipe Card powered byEasy Biscotti Recipe - Sweetest Menu (11)

Easy Biscotti Recipe - Sweetest Menu (12)
Easy Biscotti Recipe - Sweetest Menu (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to making biscotti? ›

One of the reasons biscotti is the perfect crunchy treat is its double-baking process. After the initial baking, the biscotti is sliced and then baked again, which gives it its unique dry and crunchy texture. This makes it perfect for dunking into your favorite hot beverage without losing its shape or becoming soggy.

What is biscotti traditionally served with? ›

Since they are very dry, biscotti traditionally are served with a drink, into which they may be dunked. In Italy, they are typically served as an after-dinner dessert with a Tuscan fortified wine called Vin Santo. Outside of Italy, they more frequently accompany coffee, including cappuccinos and lattes, or black tea.

Is biscotti better with oil or butter? ›

Despite their centuries-old heritage, there is no one perfect way to make biscotti. Some recipes call for eggs only, which is the traditional method, while others swear by butter or oil. The choice is yours; just keep in mind that those made with butter or oil will have both a softer texture and a shorter shelf life.

What is the difference between American and Italian biscotti? ›

Biscotti can be either the traditional Italian type which is very crunchy and intended for dunking in coffee, tea, or wine. Or they can be the softer American type, eaten like any cookie. The Italian type keeps longer and has no butter, so they are much lower calorie and very low fat.

What does baking soda do in biscotti? ›

Baking soda – baking soda helps the biscotti rise and spread. Make sure that your baking soda isn't expired. Sugar- we used granulated sugar for this recipe. You can use caster sugar as well.

Should you chill biscotti dough? ›

Because the dough can be sticky and hard to form, it's important to chill the batter for a good 30 minutes before baking the first time.

What pairs well with biscotti? ›

Biscotti with warm spices like cinnamon or ginger find a soulmate in Tawny Port. The nutty and caramelized flavors of the port meld seamlessly with the spices, creating a cozy and comforting combination. The contrast of the biscotti's crunch with the velvety texture of the port makes for a truly indulgent experience.

What's the difference between biscotti and cantucci? ›

The main difference between Cantucci and Biscotti is their origin, Cantucci is from Tuscany, and Biscotti is from the region of Emilia-Romagna. Cantucci is typically made with almonds, while Biscotti are made with all-purpose flour and a variety of nuts and chocolate or nothing.

What do you dip biscotti in in Italy? ›

An Italian Food Rule — Only Dip Biscotti in Vin Santo, Not in Coffee. There is nothing more satisfying for dessert at the end of a long Italian meal than a couple of almond -studded biscotti and a small glass of Vin Santo. The hard biscotti become sweetly moist after a few seconds dipped in the sweet late-harvest wine.

Are biscotti healthier than cookies? ›

Unlike many traditional cookies, biscotti are often lower in fat and sugar. Add some heart healthy nuts and you have a satisfying and relatively light treat! This delicious cookie can easily be made vegan & vegetarian friendly.

How long will homemade biscotti last? ›

How Long Does Biscotti Last? Your homemade biscotti will last for up to one month in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep the biscotti longer, you can freeze it for up to three months.

Why does my biscotti crumble when I slice it? ›

A: Overbaking the logs of dough during the first baking can make the slices crumble as you are cutting them. Also, even if the logs of dough are perfectly baked, they will crumble if they are sliced while still warm, so be patient. The logs crumble when you use a dull knife, too.

What is the difference between biscotti and biscotto? ›

The answer requires a bit of context: in Italy, all cookies are called "biscotti" - it's the direct translation of the word "cookies". In a world where every single cookie is called a biscotto (the singular form of the word) there needs to be a word for what we know to be biscotti.

Why does biscotti taste like black licorice? ›

Anise extract is a popular flavoring used in Italian cakes, cookies and pastries. It's made from steeping star anise (you know it, it looks like a cute little wooden star) in alcohol to extract the natural flavor. The aroma is reminiscent of fennel or licorice, which most people assume is too strong.

What is the original biscotti? ›

Biscotti History

In medieval Italy, a variation of biscotti known as cantuccini was created in the Tuscan town of Prato. This version of biscotti was made with almonds and was typically enjoyed with a sweet dessert wine like vin santo.

Why do my biscotti crumble when I cut them? ›

A: Overbaking the logs of dough during the first baking can make the slices crumble as you are cutting them. Also, even if the logs of dough are perfectly baked, they will crumble if they are sliced while still warm, so be patient. The logs crumble when you use a dull knife, too.

How do you keep homemade biscotti crispy? ›

Just keep them at room temperature but in an airtight container. Biscotti that are baked with butter can be frozen, but they may lose some of their crunchiness when thawed.

What method is commonly used to achieve the desired light-airy texture in biscotti? ›

Like many cookies, biscotti is made with the creaming method — butter, sugar, and eggs beaten together to form a smooth emulsion that traps air. When baked, that trapped air expands to produce a fluffy, uniform texture.

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