This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
In Italian, biscotti (plural) biscotto (singular) simply translates into “cookies”. The shape of the biscotti (Italian cookies) is intentional. Biscotti are designed to be dunked in coffee or wine. Genius, I know. Every family has their own biscotti recipe and I’m particularly proud of this one. This recipe is crisp and golden on the outside with just the right amount of crunch. You shouldn’t need to see a dentist after eating a biscotto!
This biscotti recipe is loaded with almonds and brightened with a hint of fresh orange zest, plus a cozy mix of vanilla and almond extract that makes your kitchen smell like an Italian bakery! The This recipe highly customizable and makes approximately 22 biscotti, which means you’ll have plenty to share (or not!).
If you’ve never made biscotti before, don’t worry. It’s basically a twice-baked cookie — you shape the dough into logs, bake them once, slice them, and then bake again until crisp. Baking them twice prevents them from falling apart when dunked. Again, GENIUS!
Why You’ll Love This Biscotti
- Easy to make — No fancy equipment or techniques needed.
- Totally dunkable — Twice baked and crispy enough to dunk into your cappuccino or wine
- Bright and nutty — Orange zest and almonds make every bite pop.
- Perfect for gifting — Pack them in a tin or bag and share the love.
Ingredients
🧈Butter — Softened and creamed with sugar for a tender dough base.
Sugar — Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
🥚Eggs — To bind the dough and create structure.
Vanilla & almond extract — Classic flavors that bring depth and warmth.
🍊 Orange zest — This subtle citrus flavor brightens the biscotti and pairs well with the vanilla and almond flavor.
Baking powder — Helps the biscotti rise slightly and keeps them from becoming too dense.
🧂Salt — In my opinion a healthy pinch of salt is key in every dessert.
Almonds — Add crunch and a rich, nutty bite.
How to Make This Biscotti
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a dough forms.
Fold in the almonds and orange zest. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a ball. Divide in half.
Roll each portion into a 12-inch by 2-inch log (about 3/4 inch high). Place both logs on a parchment- or silicone-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 25 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Slice the logs into 1-inch pieces, turn each slice on its side, and return to the oven.
Bake for another 15 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool completely and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
Dip in chocolate for a sweet finishing touch!
Use a serrated knife to slice the biscotti cleanly after the first bake.
Toast the almonds beforehand to deepen the flavor.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItSubstitutions
- No almonds? Swap with pistachios or hazelnuts.
- Dairy free? Use vegan butter instead.
- Nut Free? Replace the almonds with cranberries or dates.
Best served with
Biscotti are made to be dunked! So grab yourself a cup of coffee or a glass of prosecco and get dunking! My mother’s first choice is prosecco!
- Cappuccino
- Latte
- Prosecco
How to Store Leftovers
Store your biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them — just pop them in a freezer bag and thaw them whenever you need a little treat.
Common Questions
Do I have to bake them twice?
Yes! The second bake is what gives biscotti their signature crunch and stops them from crumbling when you dunk them into your coffee!
Can I use a stand mixer?
Yes, but this dough comes together easily with just a hand mixer or even a wooden spoon.
Why did my biscotti crack?
Cracks on top are totally normal and part of their rustic charm!
Easy Biscotti Recipe
Equipment
- 1 hand mixer or standing mixer
- 2 large mixing bowls
- 1 large baking tray
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 tsp almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 1 orange, zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a dough forms.
- Fold in the almonds and orange zest. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a ball. Divide in half.
- Roll each portion into a 12-inch by 2-inch log (about 3/4-inch high). Place both logs on a parchment- or silicone-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Slice the logs into 1-inch pieces, turn each slice on its side, and return to the oven.
- Bake for another 15 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool completely and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
