If you’re on the hunt for a treat that’s ideal for both dunking and snacking on its own, look no further than Crispy Almond Biscotti. With a perfectly crunchy bite, rich almond flavor, and a delightful golden hue, these twice-baked Italian cookies capture the spirit of the classic dessert yet are wonderfully easy to make at home. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to biscotti, this recipe will walk you through every step, ensuring the unmistakable crispiness and aroma that makes Crispy Almond Biscotti a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every bite of this biscotti is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients coming together. Each component here has a special role—bringing flavor, texture, or color to elevate your Crispy Almond Biscotti into something memorable.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone that gives your biscotti their signature structure and crispness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens every bite while helping with that golden finish.
- Baking powder: Gives a gentle lift to the dough, ensuring bites aren’t too dense.
- Salt: Rounds out the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness to the dough.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the warm, sweet aroma that makes these cookies irresistible.
- Almond extract: Delivers that essential almond essence at the heart of every Crispy Almond Biscotti.
- Whole almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped: The stars of the show, providing irresistible crunch and nutty flavor.
How to Make Crispy Almond Biscotti
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets you up for nonstick, even baking and ensures your biscotti will come off the pan with those beautiful golden edges fully intact.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This simple step guarantees that every dry ingredient is evenly distributed, helping your Crispy Almond Biscotti bake up with the right texture from edge to edge.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the vanilla and almond extracts. The eggs add structure and both extracts infuse the mixture with a delicate sweetness and that signature almond aroma, setting the stage for an exceptional biscotti dough.
Step 4: Make the Dough
Gradually stir the egg mixture into the dry ingredients until you form a cohesive dough. Don’t worry if it feels a bit sticky—this is the sign of truly homemade biscotti! Gently fold in the toasted, coarsely chopped almonds for that all-important crunch throughout.
Step 5: Shape into Logs
Now, divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Placing the logs on your prepared baking sheet ensures they bake evenly. Remember, shaping doesn’t have to be perfect; rustic looks delicious too!
Step 6: First Bake
Bake the logs for 25 to 30 minutes until they’re lightly golden and firm when touched. This first bake helps set the shape and starts the crisping process that will make your Crispy Almond Biscotti unforgettable.
Step 7: Slice and Second Bake
After letting the logs cool for 10 minutes, use a serrated knife to slice them diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces. Arrange the slices cut side down back on the baking sheet and pop them back into the oven for another 10 to 12 minutes per side. This crucial double-baking is what gives biscotti their legendary crispiness.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Transfer your perfectly golden, crisp slices to a wire rack and let them cool completely. As they cool, they become even crunchier—the ultimate signature of true Crispy Almond Biscotti.
How to Serve Crispy Almond Biscotti
Garnishes
For an added touch of luxury, drizzle or dip your cooled Crispy Almond Biscotti in melted dark or white chocolate. A scatter of extra chopped toasted almonds or a dusting of powdered sugar can make each slice look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
These biscotti are tailor-made for dunking—serve them alongside steaming mugs of coffee, espresso, or hot chocolate. If you want something a little lighter, try pairing them with a dish of fresh berries or even a scoop of vanilla gelato.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Crispy Almond Biscotti in clear glass jars for a classic Italian café feel, or wrap bundles in pretty cellophane for a homemade gift. An elegant platter with assorted biscotti flavors can also be a showstopper on any brunch or tea table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Crispy Almond Biscotti hold up beautifully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crunchy and fresh for up to two weeks—if they last that long in your household!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these biscotti once they’re completely cooled. Place the slices in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Reheating
If your biscotti lose a touch of their signature crunch, a few minutes in a 300°F oven will revive them perfectly. Arrange the cookies on a baking sheet and warm for 5 to 7 minutes until crisp again.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of almonds?
Yes! While almonds are classic and the heart of Crispy Almond Biscotti, hazelnuts, pistachios, or even pecans make a fun twist. Just toast and chop them the same way.
What’s the secret to ultra-crispy biscotti?
The signature crunch comes from the twice-baked method—baking, slicing, then baking again. Letting them cool completely on a rack ensures that signature crispy texture stays locked in.
How thick should I slice the biscotti?
Aim for 1/2-inch slices. This thickness helps the cookies bake evenly and gives you the perfect balance of crunch and strength for dunking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Keep an eye on texture and add a splash more egg if the dough seems drier.
Should I peel the almonds for this recipe?
No need! The toasted skins add extra flavor and a hint of rustic charm to your Crispy Almond Biscotti. Just chop them coarsely for the best bite.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Almond Biscotti are the kind of treat that brings instant joy—whether you share them with friends over coffee or savor one quietly at the end of a long day. This recipe is straightforward, deeply satisfying, and opens the door to endless homemade biscotti adventures. Give it a try and enjoy the crisp, nutty perfection in every bite!
Print
Crispy Almond Biscotti Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 biscotti 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Almond Biscotti are a delightful treat with a satisfying crunch and a hint of almond flavor. Perfect for dipping into coffee or enjoying on their own!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Mix-Ins:
- 1 cup whole almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
- Combine and Shape: Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a dough forms, then fold in the almonds. Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide.
- Bake: Place both logs onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until lightly golden and firm to the touch. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Slice and Bake Again: Using a serrated knife, slice each log diagonally into 1/2-inch slices. Place slices cut side down on the baking sheet and bake for another 10 to 12 minutes per side, until crisp and golden.
- Cool and Serve: Transfer the biscotti to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, drizzle or dip the cooled biscotti in melted dark or white chocolate.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscotti
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
