Biscotti
Ingredients
- 1vanilla bean
split in half lengthwise
- ¾ cgranulated sugar
- ½ cunsalted butter
at room temperature
- 2eggs
- 2 tspvanilla extract
- 2 call-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tspbaking powder
- ½ tspfine sea salt
- 1 ¼ cslivered almonds
coarsely chopped
Directions
- 1
Heat the oven to 325 degrees. Position rack in center of oven. With a small knife, scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean and place in a small bowl. Add the sugar and use your fingers to mix the vanilla evenly into the sugar. Set aside. With an electric mixer, cream the butter until light. Add the vanilla sugar and mix until fluffy. Add the eggs and the vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Stir together the flour, baking powder, salt and almonds and stir into the butter mixture.
- 2
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the dough into 3 pieces. On a lightly floured surface, shape each piece of dough into a log that is about 1 1/4 inches in diameter. Place the logs on the baking sheet, spacing them as far apart as possible. Bake in the center of the oven until lightly browned, about 30 minutes.
- 3
Place the logs on a cutting board and let them cool slightly. With a serrated knife, cut the logs on the diagonal into 1/2-inch-thick pieces. Place on the baking sheet, cut side down. Bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes, turning once. Transfer the cookies to a rack to cool. Store in an airtight container.
Biscotti
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About this Recipe
Craving a classic Italian treat that's perfect for dipping and gifting? These elegant Biscotti deliver that satisfying crispness and rich flavor you adore, making them an ideal make-ahead dessert or a delightful accompaniment to your morning coffee.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines thanks to its traditional twice-baked method, which is the secret to achieving perfectly firm yet tender cookies that hold their shape beautifully. The infusion of vanilla bean alongside vanilla extract creates a deeply aromatic base, while the generous amount of almonds provides a delightful crunch in every bite, setting these apart from any ordinary cookie.
What to Expect
You'll find these Biscotti to be wonderfully crisp, with a satisfying snap that gives way to a tender interior. The flavor profile is a harmonious blend of sweet vanilla and nutty almonds, a comforting and sophisticated taste that's never overly sweet. They are sturdy enough for dipping into espresso, tea, or even a glass of vin santo, and they'll fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma during baking. Each cookie provides a delightful texture contrast that is truly addictive.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to make these cookies uniquely yours! Swap out the slivered almonds for hazelnuts or pistachios for a different nutty twist. For extra sweetness or a festive touch, stir in mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries to the dough, or add a teaspoon of citrus zest for a bright note. For an over-the-top finish, drizzle the cooled cookies with melted dark or white chocolate, glaze with a simple icing, or dust with decorative sprinkles, perfect for a Christmas cookie platter or special occasion.
Serving & Context
These classic Italian cookies are excellent for any occasion, from a quiet afternoon tea to a festive holiday gathering. Because they travel and keep well, a pile of them makes an excellent Christmas gift wrapped in a cellophane bag and tied with a ribbon. Enjoy them on their own, or alongside your favorite hot beverage for a truly comforting experience.