Twice-baked almond cookies, also known as Italian almond cookies or biscotti, are a classic Italian treat that is enjoyed by people of all ages. These crispy, flavorful cookies are made with a combination of almond flour, sugar, eggs, and flavorings, and are often flavored with vanilla, lemon, or anise. The cookies are typically baked twice, which gives them their signature crunchy texture. This recipe provides detailed instructions for making almond cookies from scratch, including tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Additionally, there are variations included for chocolate almond cookies and gluten-free almond cookies, making this a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
TUSCAN BISCOTTI (CANTUCCI)
Otherwise known as biscotti di Prato, cantucci are twice-baked almond cookies from Tuscany. Martha ups the ante by adding pistachios and two kinds of dried fruit-apricots and cherries.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Cookie Recipes
Yield Makes about 3 dozen
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together eggs and granulated sugar until pale and thick, about 5 minutes. Mix in orange zest and vanilla. Gradually beat in flour mixture until combined. Mix in nuts and dried fruit.
- Divide dough evenly between two parchment-lined baking sheets, forming each half into a 9-by-5-inch rectangle. Brush tops with egg white and sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon sanding sugar.
- Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until golden all over and tops are firm to the touch, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer sheets to wire racks and let cool 30 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees.
- Working with one rectangle at a time, transfer dough to a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut on a slight diagonal into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Arrange, cut-side down, on fresh parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake, rotating sheets and flipping cookies halfway through, until lightly golden all over, about 40 minutes. Transfer sheets to wire racks and let cool completely. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 weeks.
JEWISH MANDELBROT
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350 F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper .
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt, and set aside. In another large bowl or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the eggs until well blended. Increase the speed to high and beat in the sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until mixture is thick and foamy, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add oil and extract(s) to the eggs and beat briefly to blend. Replace whisk with the paddle attachment and, on lowest speed, beat in flour mixture and almonds just until mixture holds together. It will be soft, but shouldn't be too sticky. If necessary, add a few more tablespoons of flour.
- Divide dough in half. Dampen hands lightly and form each half into a 3-inch x 2-inch log on the prepared baking sheet, spacing 4 inches apart. Bake about 45 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch. Remove from oven and let cool at least 10 minutes.
- Carefully place logs on a cutting board and cut diagonally with a serrated knife or a ham slicer into 1/2- to 3/4-inch slices.
- Place pieces cut-side down on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 5 minutes. Turn pieces over and bake 5 minutes longer or until completely dry. Cool completely on wire racks. Store in an airtight container for up to three months or freeze.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 208 kcal, Carbohydrate 24 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 175 mg, Sugar 9 g, Fat 11 g, ServingSize 30 mandelbrots (serves up to 30), UnsaturatedFat 0 g
ANNA'S TWICE BAKED ALMOND BISCOTTI
Anna migrated to Queens NY from Italy with her husband and lived in my Granny's house in the upstairs apartment. She had no children of her own so it gave her great pleasure to spoil us often with these baked goodies called "biscotti". Who knew these very traditional breakfast treats would turn into the very stylish biscotti found in the best coffee bars today! Thanks Anna for the memories :)
Provided by Gingerbee
Categories Dessert
Time 40m
Yield 24 biscuits
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add extract; gradually add dry ingredients and knead until a soft uniform dough is formed.
- Divide dough in half.
- Turn dough out onto a well-greased cookie sheet and form dough into a log about 9-inches long.
- Gently press down to flatten alittle.
- Brush with milk and Bake in a Preheated 350 degree oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and with a serated knife cut the biscotti into 1/2" diagonal slices.
- Lay the cookie flat side down and return to oven until light gold in color.
- Cool.
- Freezes very well.
Tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients: This will help the cookies bake evenly and prevent them from spreading too much.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing the dough will make the cookies tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the dough before baking: This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much.
- Bake the cookies until they are golden brown on the edges: The centers of the cookies should still be soft.
- Let the cookies cool completely before filling them: This will help the filling set properly.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days: The cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Conclusion:
Twice-baked almond cookies are a delicious and easy-to-make treat. They are perfect for any occasion, and they can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a little bit of planning and effort, you can make these cookies at home and impress your friends and family. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today!
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