Cantucci Biscotti

Twice-baked almond biscuits, crisp and crunchy, infused with aromatic almonds and a hint of citrus, perfect for dunking in coffee or sweet wine, Cantucci Biscotti are a quintessential Italian treat, a testament to rustic charm and enduring flavour. This is not just a simple cookie recipe; it’s a journey into Italian baking tradition, perfectly capturing the satisfying crunch of a twice-baked biscuit with the warm, nutty aroma of almonds and a subtle touch of citrus zest, creating a confection that is both incredibly easy to prepare and utterly captivating to savour. Envision the delightful aroma of toasted almonds and citrus filling your kitchen, the satisfying snap as you break a biscotti in half, and the first dunk into your coffee releasing a wave of warm, comforting flavours, promising a baking experience that is both quick to create and utterly delightful to share. This recipe is your invitation to experience authentic Italian biscotti making, bringing the timeless appeal of Cantucci Biscotti to your table, ready to be enjoyed with your favourite beverage or as a delightful homemade gift with their signature crunch and effortless elegance.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Authentic Taste of Italy at Home

Embrace the genuine flavours of Italy with homemade Cantucci Biscotti. This recipe allows you to recreate the authentic taste of these classic Italian biscuits in your own kitchen, transporting you to a Tuscan bakery with every bite, offering a truly immersive and delicious culinary experience. Enjoy the satisfaction of baking a traditional Italian treat, bringing a touch of European charm and flavour to your home baking repertoire.

Perfectly Crunchy Texture for Dunking

Indulge in the signature twice-baked crunch of Cantucci Biscotti, a cookie designed for dunking in coffee, tea, or dessert wine, offering a satisfying textural contrast that enhances the flavour and creates a truly enjoyable ritual. The double baking process ensures an irresistibly crisp and hard texture, perfect for softening slightly when dunked in your favourite warm beverage. Savour the textural perfection that makes these biscuits ideal for dunking, offering a truly comforting and delightful eating experience.

Naturally Flavored with Almonds and Citrus

Discover the simple yet delightful flavour profile of Cantucci Biscotti, a cookie that relies on the natural flavours of toasted almonds and citrus zest for its distinctive taste, creating a warm, aromatic, and subtly sweet treat. The combination of almonds and citrus provides a balanced and refreshing flavour that is both comforting and subtly complex, making it a dessert that is both familiar and intriguingly delicious. Enjoy the natural and wholesome flavours that define this classic biscuit, offering a truly authentic and enjoyable taste sensation.

Long Shelf Life for Enjoyment Over Time

Appreciate the practical advantage of Cantucci Biscotti, a cookie known for its long shelf life, allowing you to bake a batch and enjoy them over several days or even weeks, making them perfect for make-ahead baking and convenient snacking. The twice-baked nature of these biscuits naturally extends their freshness and crispness, making them an ideal choice for stocking your pantry or preparing for gatherings in advance. Enjoy the convenience of having a delicious and long-lasting treat readily available, offering a truly practical and enjoyable baking solution.

Simple Ingredients, Impressive Results

Marvel at the transformative power of simple ingredients in Cantucci Biscotti, a recipe that utilizes basic pantry staples to create an incredibly flavourful and texturally satisfying cookie, showcasing the beauty of minimalist baking and delivering impressive results with minimal fuss. The short ingredient list belies the complex flavour and texture achieved through the double baking process, demonstrating that simple recipes can often be the most rewarding. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a delicious and impressive treat with readily available ingredients, offering a truly accessible and enjoyable baking experience.

Ingredients

this …

For the Aromatic and Crunchy Biscotti Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled. All-purpose flour provides the structure for the biscotti, creating a firm texture suitable for twice-baking. Spooning and leveling ensures accurate measurement and prevents dense biscotti.
• 1 cup granulated sugar. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and contributes to the crisp texture of the biscotti, caramelizing during the baking process. Adjust sugar level slightly to your preference.
• ½ cup whole almonds, unblanched, or blanched, toasted recommended. Whole almonds are the signature ingredient in Cantucci Biscotti, providing a nutty flavour and satisfying crunch. Unblanched almonds offer a slightly more rustic flavour, while blanched almonds are milder. Toasting almonds enhances their flavour and crispness.
• 3 large eggs, large eggs, at room temperature. Eggs provide structure, richness, and moisture to the biscotti dough, contributing to their firm texture and binding the ingredients together. Room temperature eggs emulsify better and create a smoother dough.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, neutral vegetable oil. Vegetable oil adds moisture and tenderness to the biscotti, contributing to their slightly less dry texture compared to traditional biscotti recipes. Vegetable oil provides moisture without adding flavour.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder. Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, contributing to a slightly lighter texture and preventing the biscotti from being overly dense. Baking powder is crucial for achieving the desired texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, pure vanilla extract. Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavour profile of the biscotti, adding a warm and aromatic note that complements the almond and citrus flavours. Pure vanilla extract provides the best flavour.
• 1 teaspoon anise extract, or ½ teaspoon anise seeds, ground (optional, for traditional flavour). Anise extract or ground anise seeds (optional) add a traditional anise flavour to the biscotti, providing a subtle licorice-like note. Anise flavour is optional but authentic to some Cantucci recipes. Adjust amount to your preference.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest, finely grated lemon zest, or orange zest. Lemon zest or orange zest adds a bright citrusy note to the biscotti, complementing the almond and anise flavours and adding a refreshing aroma. Freshly grated zest is crucial for the best flavour. Choose lemon or orange zest based on preference.
• Pinch of salt, kosher salt or sea salt. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavours in the biscotti, preventing a flat or overly sweet taste. Kosher salt or sea salt are preferred for their pure flavour and even seasoning. A pinch is sufficient to balance sweetness.

Optional for Serving and Garnishing

• Vin Santo, or dessert wine, or coffee, for dunking (traditional serving). Vin Santo, a traditional Italian dessert wine, is the classic accompaniment for dunking Cantucci Biscotti, softening them slightly and creating a delightful flavour pairing. Dessert wine or coffee are also excellent dunking options.
• Powdered sugar, confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional). Powdered sugar is a simple garnish for Cantucci Biscotti, adding a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. Powdered sugar provides a classic and elegant garnish.
• Chocolate drizzle, melted dark chocolate, or semi-sweet chocolate (optional). Chocolate drizzle adds a touch of decadence and visual appeal to the biscotti, complementing the almond and citrus flavours. Melted dark or semi-sweet chocolate are good options.

How to Make Cantucci Biscotti ?

Step 1: Prepare the Biscotti Dough

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheat oven to the specified temperature to ensure even baking of the biscotti logs.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the biscotti logs.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures even distribution of baking powder and salt throughout the flour.

In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, anise extract (or ground anise seeds), and lemon zest (or orange zest). In a separate bowl, whisk together wet ingredients: eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, anise extract (or ground anise seeds), and lemon zest (or orange zest). Whisking ensures even distribution of liquid ingredients and sugar.

Gradually add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Gradually add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Mix on low speed to prevent overmixing and gluten development.

Add whole almonds and mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Add whole almonds and mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Almonds are added last to prevent them from breaking down during mixing.

Dough will be slightly sticky. Biscotti dough is typically slightly sticky, which is normal.

Step 2: Shape and First Bake the Biscotti Logs

Divide dough in half. Divide dough in half to create two biscotti logs for baking.

On a lightly floured surface, shape each dough half into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. On a lightly floured surface, shape each dough half into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Shape logs by gently rolling and patting the dough.

Place logs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Place biscotti logs on the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for even baking and browning.

Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until logs are lightly golden brown and firm to the touch. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until logs are lightly golden brown and firm to the touch. First bake is to partially cook and firm up the logs for slicing.

Remove logs from oven and let cool on baking sheet for 10-15 minutes. Remove logs from oven and let cool on baking sheet for 10-15 minutes to make them easier to handle for slicing. Cooling slightly firms up the logs.

Step 3: Slice and Second Bake the Biscotti

Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (150°C). Reduce oven temperature for the second bake to dry out and crisp up the biscotti slices without burning.

Using a serrated knife, slice logs diagonally into ½-inch thick slices. Using a serrated knife, slice cooled logs diagonally into ½-inch thick slices. Serrated knife helps slice cleanly through the logs and almonds.

Arrange biscotti slices cut-side up on the same baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Arrange biscotti slices cut-side up on the same baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for even drying and crisping during the second bake.

Bake in preheated oven for 10-15 minutes per side, flipping halfway through, until biscotti are golden brown and very crisp. Bake biscotti slices for 10-15 minutes per side, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and very crisp. Second bake is to dry out and crisp up the biscotti slices, achieving their signature texture. Baking time may vary depending on desired crispness.

Remove biscotti from oven and let cool completely on wire rack. Remove biscotti from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack to allow them to crisp up fully and cool down before serving or storing. Biscotti crisp up further as they cool.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Dust Cantucci Biscotti with powdered sugar, if desired. Dust cooled biscotti with powdered sugar for added sweetness and visual appeal, if desired.

Serve Cantucci Biscotti with Vin Santo, dessert wine, or coffee for dunking. Serve with Vin Santo, dessert wine, or coffee for dunking, as traditionally enjoyed in Italy.

Enjoy each crunchy, almond-studded, and twice-baked bite.

Tips for Variations

Hazelnut Biscotti Nutty Twist

Substitute hazelnuts for almonds for a different nutty flavour profile. Hazelnuts offer a richer and slightly sweeter nutty flavour compared to almonds. Toast hazelnuts before adding to the dough for enhanced flavour.

Pistachio Cranberry Festive Biscotti

Add pistachios and dried cranberries to the dough for a festive and colourful biscotti variation, perfect for holidays. Pistachios add a vibrant green colour and slightly sweet nutty flavour, while cranberries add tartness and chewiness.

Chocolate Chip Biscotti Decadent Treat

Add chocolate chips, semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips, to the dough for a chocolatey biscotti variation. Chocolate chips add extra sweetness and chocolate flavour.

Anise Seed Intensity Boost

Use anise seeds, lightly toasted and coarsely ground, instead of anise extract for a more pronounced anise flavour and a slightly textured biscotti. Toasted and ground anise seeds offer a more intense and textured anise flavour.

Orange Cranberry Citrusy Festive Biscotti

Substitute orange zest for lemon zest and add dried cranberries to the dough for a citrusy and festive biscotti variation. Orange zest and cranberries create a bright and festive flavour combination.

Serving Suggestions

Vin Santo Dunking Classic Italian Style

Serve Cantucci Biscotti alongside a small glass of Vin Santo, a traditional Italian dessert wine, for dunking in classic Italian style. Vin Santo is the traditional and quintessential pairing for Cantucci Biscotti.

Coffee or Cappuccino Morning Treat

Enjoy Cantucci Biscotti with a cup of hot coffee or cappuccino for a delightful Italian-style breakfast or morning treat. Coffee or cappuccino are excellent everyday pairings for biscotti.

Tea Time Biscuit Afternoon Snack

Serve Cantucci Biscotti with a pot of hot tea for a comforting and satisfying afternoon snack or tea time biscuit. Tea is a versatile and enjoyable beverage pairing for biscotti.

Dessert Wine Flight Elegant Dessert

Include Cantucci Biscotti as part of a dessert wine flight, pairing them with different dessert wines like Moscato or Passito for an elegant dessert experience. Dessert wine flight offers a sophisticated and flavourful dessert experience.

Gift Basket Homemade Italian Gift

Package Cantucci Biscotti in a decorative gift basket along with a bottle of Vin Santo or Italian coffee beans for a thoughtful and homemade Italian-themed gift. Biscotti gift baskets make a charming and appreciated homemade present.

FAQ

Why are my biscotti too hard?

Biscotti are meant to be hard and crunchy, but if they are excessively hard, it may be due to overbaking in the second bake. Reduce baking time slightly in the second bake and ensure oven temperature is accurate. Overbaking in the second bake can lead to overly hard biscotti.

How do I get biscotti to be less hard?

If you prefer biscotti less hard, reduce the baking time in the second bake slightly. Also, adding a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to the dough can result in a slightly softer biscotti. Shorter second bake and added dairy can soften biscotti texture.

Can I make biscotti without nuts?

Yes, you can make biscotti without nuts. Simply omit the almonds or substitute them with other mix-ins like dried fruit or chocolate chips. Nut-free biscotti are suitable for those with nut allergies.

How long do Cantucci Biscotti stay fresh?

Cantucci Biscotti stay fresh for up to 2-3 weeks when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature. Their twice-baked nature extends their shelf life significantly. Airtight container is crucial for maintaining crispness.

Can I freeze Cantucci Biscotti?

Cantucci Biscotti freeze well. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Freezing is a convenient way to store biscotti for longer periods.

Print