Description
This Twice-Baked Limoncello Almond Biscotti recipe delivers crisp, golden Italian cookies bursting with vibrant lemon zest and a hint of Limoncello liqueur. Toasted almonds add a delightful crunch, making these biscotti perfect for dipping into coffee or tea. Easy to prepare with a two-step baking process, these biscotti are a flavorful treat for gatherings or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Limoncello liqueur
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-Ins
- 3/4 cup whole almonds, toasted and roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Combine Sugar and Lemon Zest: In a larger bowl, rub the sugar and lemon zest together until fragrant; this releases the oils from the zest, infusing the sugar with bright citrus flavor.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, Limoncello liqueur, and vanilla extract into the zested sugar mixture until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Form Dough: Gradually stir in the flour mixture until a sticky dough forms, ensuring not to overmix for tender biscotti.
- Incorporate Almonds: Fold in the toasted and roughly chopped almonds evenly, adding a satisfying crunch to the dough.
- Shape Logs: Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a log approximately 10 inches long and 2 inches wide. Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet.
- First Bake: Bake for 25 to 28 minutes until the logs are lightly golden and set. Allow them to cool on the pan for 10 minutes to firm up for slicing.
- Slice Logs: Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (150°C). Using a serrated knife, slice the logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces for classic biscotti shapes.
- Second Bake: Arrange the slices cut-side down on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, flip each piece, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until they are crisp and golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the biscotti cool completely on a wire rack to crisp fully before serving or storing.
Notes
- Be sure to toast the almonds before chopping to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Cooling the logs before slicing helps maintain the shape and prevents crumbling.
- The two-step baking is crucial for the biscotti’s signature crunch.
- Store biscotti in an airtight container to keep them crisp for up to two weeks.
- Feel free to substitute almonds with other nuts like pistachios or hazelnuts for variety.