Vanilla Almond Biscotti Delight
Highlighted under: Artisan Bakery Recipes
I absolutely love making Vanilla Almond Biscotti, especially during the holiday season. The combination of rich vanilla and toasted almonds creates a beautiful aroma in my kitchen. While many recipes can be overly complex, I appreciate how straightforward this one is. It’s perfect for dipping into a cup of coffee or tea, or just enjoying on its own. I’ve found that the longer you bake them, the crunchier they get, which is how I prefer them. The satisfying texture paired with the heavenly flavor makes this recipe a go-to for me.
As I developed this Vanilla Almond Biscotti Delight recipe, I experimented with ratios of flour to sugar to achieve the perfect crunch. I found that using a mix of almond and all-purpose flour gives it that lovely nutty flavor while maintaining the right texture. During my last baking session, I added a touch of orange zest, and it elevated the flavor beautifully!
This biscotti holds up well to all sorts of dunking, which is key for a delightful coffee break. I’ve learned that letting them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container keeps them fresh and crunchy for longer. It’s a recipe I’m always proud to share with friends and family.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Deliciously crunchy yet light texture that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea
- The rich flavor of almonds combined with vanilla offers a comforting indulgence
- Perfect for gifting during the holidays or for sharing at gatherings
Mastering Biscotti Baking
Biscotti is often seen as a daunting task, but this recipe simplifies the process. One key to success is ensuring your dough is not overly dry—it should be slightly sticky but manageable. If you find your dough crumbling, a splash of water or an additional egg can help bring it together. Remember, the dough will become firmer as it bakes, so don’t be alarmed if it feels a little soft initially.
When shaping your logs, aim for a uniform thickness of about 10 inches. This ensures even baking and that each piece has a delightful crunch. A sharp knife is crucial for slicing the logs after the first bake; a serrated knife works best to cleanly divide the biscotti without crushing them. If they feel too hard to slice, allow them to cool for a few more minutes before cutting.
Ingredient Insights
The combination of all-purpose and almond flour plays a critical role in achieving the perfect texture. While all-purpose flour provides structure, almond flour adds moisture and a rich flavor profile, enhancing that nutty essence you expect from biscotti. If gluten is a concern for you, consider substituting with a blend of gluten-free flours, but keep in mind the texture may differ slightly.
The choice of extracts is equally important. Using pure vanilla and almond extracts elevates the flavor, making it rich and aromatic. I often recommend avoiding artificially flavored extracts, as they can overpower the delicate almond notes. You can also play with quantities—try reducing almond extract a touch if you prefer a milder flavor, or even add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, spiced twist.
Ingredients
Biscotti Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup almond flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Whisk Eggs and Flavors
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined.
Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms. Fold in the sliced almonds.
Shape the Dough
Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 10 inches long. Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet.
First Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until they are lightly golden.
Cool and Slice
Remove from the oven and let the logs cool for 10 minutes. Slice each log into 1-inch thick pieces.
Second Bake
Arrange the biscotti cut side down on the baking sheet and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. Flip them over and bake for another 5 minutes.
Cool and Enjoy
Allow the biscotti to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Pro Tips
- For an extra flavor twist, try adding chocolate chips or dried cranberries to the dough.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the best aspects of biscotti is how well it keeps. Store your cooled biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Just place the sliced biscotti in a freezer bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. They can last up to three months this way! To enjoy, you can either let them thaw at room temperature or pop them into a toaster oven for a few minutes to restore their delightful crunch.
If you're making these biscotti ahead of an event, consider baking them a day or two prior. That way, the flavors have time to meld, and you can also spend more time enjoying your gathering instead of baking. If you’ll be gifting them, wrapping them in colorful cellophane with a ribbon adds a lovely personal touch.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Vanilla Almond Biscotti are a perfect accompaniment to coffee or tea. For a more decadent treat, dip them in melted dark chocolate and allow to set before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor and sophistication, making them a wonderful gift or dessert for gatherings. You can even experiment with flavors; try dipping half in white chocolate and sprinkling with finely chopped pistachios for a colorful twist.
If you want to incorporate these biscotti into a festive dessert spread, consider serving them alongside a rich dessert wine or a shot of espresso. Their crunchy texture and nutty flavor provide a wonderful contrast to both hot beverages and sweeter treats, capturing the spirit of holiday indulgence beautifully. Don't forget to make a batch to share during festive brunches!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! Pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts work well as substitutes.
→ How should I store the biscotti?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks.
→ Can I freeze biscotti?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just ensure they're in a freezer-safe container.
→ What can I serve with biscotti?
Biscotti pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, and even dessert wines. Enjoy them as a light snack!
Vanilla Almond Biscotti Delight
I absolutely love making Vanilla Almond Biscotti, especially during the holiday season. The combination of rich vanilla and toasted almonds creates a beautiful aroma in my kitchen. While many recipes can be overly complex, I appreciate how straightforward this one is. It’s perfect for dipping into a cup of coffee or tea, or just enjoying on its own. I’ve found that the longer you bake them, the crunchier they get, which is how I prefer them. The satisfying texture paired with the heavenly flavor makes this recipe a go-to for me.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Artisan Bakery Recipes
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 24 biscotti
What You'll Need
Biscotti Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup almond flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms. Fold in the sliced almonds.
Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 10 inches long. Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until they are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let the logs cool for 10 minutes. Slice each log into 1-inch thick pieces.
Arrange the biscotti cut side down on the baking sheet and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. Flip them over and bake for another 5 minutes.
Allow the biscotti to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Extra Tips
- For an extra flavor twist, try adding chocolate chips or dried cranberries to the dough.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 135 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 3g