Easy Biscotti Recipe - Daily Appetite (2024)

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Here is an easy recipe for biscotti. This vanilla biscotti recipe is the perfect base to add all types of flavor variations. I have listed out ingredient variations from almonds to cranberries so you can create your own unique recipe.

Easy Biscotti Recipe - Daily Appetite (1)

Make this delicious classic Italian treat easily at home with this vanilla biscotti recipe. Get baking and add in your favorite flavors and spices to make your own delicious homemade biscotti.

What is biscotti?

Biscotti is a crunchy cookie that is baked twice and most often paired with coffee. Coffee and cookies…Yes Please!

This classic combination of coffee and cookies is an absolute treat. Biscotti means “twice cooked” in Italian, and this tasty treat embodies what makes it so special.

Biscotti is crunchier than other cookies due to its double baking process, which also gives it a longer shelf life. This makes the biscotti a perfect pairing with coffee, tea, or espresso since its crunch will hold up in the hot liquid.

Whether you enjoy it with a latte or just by itself as a snack, biscotti is a delicious treat that can bring a little bit of cozy comfort to any day.

Easy Biscotti Baking Tips

Follow these tips for making the best biscotti.

  • Biscotti is actually really simple to make. It is just like making cookies. You just have to bake it twice to get it nice and crunchy.
  • You can use a Biscotti Pan
  • Using a rubber spatula (because the dough is sticky) and a rolling pin I formed the dough into an oblong shape and rolled the dough starting from the outside edges and rolling towards the middle. This formed the classic biscotti oblong shape.
  • It is very important to let the biscotti completely cool before slicing it otherwise it will crumble.

Easy Biscotti Recipe Ingredients

As mentioned before, these are just the base ingredients for vanilla biscotti. There are so many ways you can flavor biscotti.

  • 6 Tbs butter
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

If you don’t have butter you can substitute it with vegetable oil.

Easy Biscotti Recipe Directions

Learn how to make a classic Italian treat with this step-by-step guide.

First, get prepped. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease one large cookie sheet orBiscotti Pan. You will also want to gather your ingredients and measure them out.

In a mixing bowl, beat the butter, sugar, salt, vanilla, and baking powder until the mixture is smooth.

Mix in any additional ingredients you desire. This could be chopped nuts or spices like cinnamon. See the list below for all variations.

Next, beat in the eggs. The batter may look curdled. Put your mixer on low speed and add the flour, stirring until smooth.

Place the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape the dough into one oblong log or divide the dough for shorter biscotti cookies.

Straighten the logs, and smooth their tops and sides with a rubber spatula and rolling pin.

Bake the dough for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven. Reduce the oven heat to 325F. While the oven heat is reducing let the dough cool on the counter.

Once the dough has cooled down use a serrated knife and cut the dough into 1/2-inch wide slices.

Separate the biscotti slices and place them back in the oven. Bake for 30 more minutes at the reduced temperature.

Remove from the oven and place on a rack to cool and store in an airtight container.

Variations:

You can add kinds of fruits, nuts, and spices to your biscotti recipe. Since this is a basic vanilla biscotti recipe here are some variations to try.

  • Dried fruit: Apple pieces, cranberry, figs, cherry
  • Nuts: Almonds, pistachio, walnuts, hazelnut
  • Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin spice, anise
  • Extracts: Almond, lemon, orange.
  • Chocolate: Melt the chocolate and dip the biscotti or mix in chocolate chips.

A Note about adding other ingredients:

  • A good starting point when adding spices is with one teaspoon.
  • When adding dried fruit or nuts a good amount is 1/4 cup.
  • Adding additional extracts start with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon.

After you get used to making homemade biscotti and experimenting with flavors you can add more to your taste.

How to Shape the Biscotti Dough by hand

  • Lightly grease the largest size cookie pan you have. I shaped the dough directly on the pan.
  • The shape you want is a rectangle with rounded corners. With the dough slightly higher down the middle. Like a little hill.
  • The dough is sticky so I use a rolling pin and a rubber spatula.
  • With the rubber spatula, I keep the rectangle sides straight. I use the rolling pin to smooth out the dough starting from the outside working in. This pushes the dough to the center to create the little hill.

Easy Vanilla Biscotti Recipe

Easy Biscotti Recipe - Daily Appetite (6)

Easy Vanilla Biscotti

Yield: 16

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Make this delicious classic Italian treat easily at home with this vanilla biscotti recipe. Get baking and add in your favorite flavors and spices to make your own delicious homemade biscotti.

Ingredients

  • 6 Tbs butter
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups all purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease one large cookie sheet or Biscotti Pan.
  2. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter, sugar, salt, vanilla and baking powder until the mixture is smooth.
  3. Mix in any additional ingredients you desire. *See notes below.
  4. Beat in the eggs. The batter may look curdled.
  5. Put your mixer on a low speed and add the flour, stirring until smooth.
  6. Place dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Shape the dough into one log or two depending on how big you want your biscotti.
  8. Straighten the logs, and smooth their tops and sides with a rubber spatula and rolling pin.
  9. Bake the dough for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven.
  10. Reduce the heat to 325F. While the oven heat is reducing let the dough cool on the counter.
  11. Once cooled down use a serrated knife and cut the dough into 1/2 inch wide slices.
  12. Separate the biscotti slices and place back in the oven.
  13. Bake for 30 minutes.
  14. Place on a rack to cool and store in an airtight container.

Notes

Since this is a basic biscotti recipe here are variations.
Dried fruit: Apple pieces, cranberry, figs, cherry
Nuts: Almonds, pistachio, walnuts, hazelnut
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin spice, anise
Extracts: Almond, lemon, orange
Chocolate: Melt the chocolate and dip the biscotti or mix in chocolate chips.

ANoteabout adding other ingredients:
A good starting point when adding spices is with one teaspoon.
When adding dried fruit or nuts a good amount is 1/4 cup.
Adding additional extracts start with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon.

Read the article above for all tips and tricks for making the perfect biscotti.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 16Serving Size: 1 grams
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 139Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 162mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 0gSugar: 9gProtein: 2g

All amounts are estimates and DailyAppetite takes no responsibility for actual figures since calculations vary by packaging and supplier.

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Easy Biscotti Recipe - Daily Appetite (2024)

FAQs

Are biscotti a healthy snack? ›

Biscotti boasts a health-conscious edge. Packed with nutrients, it can be a smart snack option for those looking to infuse their diet with goodness and can order it from our cookie shop. Almonds provide essential vitamins and minerals, making this delightful biscuit not just a tasty indulgence but a nutritious one too.

What is the secret to making biscotti? ›

12 Tips For Making The Absolute Best Biscotti
  1. Use room-temperature ingredients. ...
  2. Boost the flavor with spices, extracts, and zest. ...
  3. Toss in some add-ins for flavor and texture. ...
  4. Let the dough chill before shaping. ...
  5. Use floured or greased hands to shape the dough. ...
  6. Shape the dough into a smaller loaf than you want.
May 29, 2023

Is butter better than oil in biscotti? ›

Oil: This biscotti recipe uses vegetable oil instead of butter, which results in a lighter and crispier finished product. Eggs: Eggs add moisture and help bind the biscotti dough together.

Are biscotti good for breakfast? ›

They make an excellent healthy breakfast with your morning coffee but can also be enjoyed as a mid-morning or afternoon snack. Store the rest of the biscotti in an airtight container so you can save some for later.

Are biscotti healthy to lose weight? ›

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.

Are biscotti healthier than cookies? ›

In terms of health regular cookies are a high-calorie treat because of their higher moisture content, which also causes them to contain more fats and sugars. However, because of their drier texture, biscotti usually have lower fat and sugar content. However, it is vital to practice portion control, for both options.

How long do homemade biscotti last? ›

We recommend keeping the biscotti in an airtight container in the cupboard. If stored properly, the biscotti will stay fresh for 30+ days. This is possible because of the twice baked nature of the cookie.

How long will homemade biscotti stay fresh? ›

Although they will keep at least two weeks in an airtight container, these biscotti are especially good when eaten the same day they are baked.

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. Prepare a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper then dust it with a little flour. Transfer the batter to the baking sheet and chill in the fridge.

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.

How do you keep homemade biscotti crispy? ›

Before placing the biscotti in an airtight container, line it with paper towels. This helps absorb any excess moisture that may seep into the biscotti, keeping it crispy. 1.> Sealing the biscotti in an airtight bag such as a polypropylene bag after they have cooled to room temperature will help to keep them fresh.

What is a substitute for vegetable oil in biscotti? ›

Melted butter also works as a 1:1 swap for vegetable oil in baked goods — try browning the butter for even more flavor! If you are cutting calories or fat from your diet, here's another great sub for vegetable oil: In baked goods, replace up to half of the vegetable oil with plain unsweetened applesauce.

What do Italians eat biscotti 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.

Can you freeze homemade biscotti? ›

Yes, you totally can! For best results, allow biscotti to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer (without touching) on a baking sheet or large plate. Freeze the biscotti first, then once completely chilled, they can be transferred to a sealed container or freezer bag of your choice.

What do people eat with biscotti? ›

Named after its traditional method of cooking, biscotti are generally baked twice, rendering the rather dried out and hard version associated with the cookie. This is why biscotti are often served alongside an espresso or vin santo as dipping helps to soften the cookie's texture.

When should I eat biscotti? ›

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.

How many calories are in a biscotti? ›

Biscotti (1 cookie) contains 19.7g total carbs, 18.6g net carbs, 6.3g fat, 2.9g protein, and 145 calories.

Why do people eat biscotti? ›

Biscotti can be a sweet accompaniment to various beverages, such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or even a glass of wine. Some people like to dip their Biscotti in the drink for added flavor. It also can be served as a side dish for breakfast or brunch with items such as yogurt, fruits, or granola.

Why is biscotti so good? ›

The hardness of the biscotti is perfect for absorbing the heated liquid of your coffee and combining the bitter beans with the sweetness of your dessert (or breakfast) as the case may be. The Vino Dunk – Purists would say the only liquid to dip your biscotti in is wine.

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