Description
Delightful anise almond honey biscotti blend Italian tradition with sweet Mediterranean charm. Crisp, golden cookies offer rich layers of flavor that invite warm coffee companionship and comfortable afternoon moments.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250 g / 8.8 oz) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (120 g / 4.2 oz) whole almonds, toasted and roughly chopped
- 2 large eggs
Sugars and Sweeteners:
- ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) honey
Flavor Enhancers and Baking Agents:
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon anise extract or 1 tablespoon anise seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal.
- Craft the dry mixture by thoroughly blending flour, baking powder, salt, and aromatic anise seeds in a large mixing bowl until evenly distributed.
- Create a separate bowl for wet ingredients, whisking eggs, honey, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture achieves a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
- Gradually integrate the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently to prevent overmixing. Delicately fold in the crunchy almonds, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape into an elongated log, approximately 12 inches long and 3 inches wide, maintaining consistent thickness.
- Carefully position the log on the prepared baking sheet and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the surface turns a rich golden brown and feels firm when touched.
- Remove the log from the oven and allow it to rest and cool for 10 minutes, which helps stabilize the structure for precise cutting.
- Using a serrated knife, slice the log into 1-inch thick pieces at a slight diagonal angle to create traditional biscotti shapes.
- Arrange the slices flat on the baking sheet and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, flipping midway to ensure uniform crispness and golden coloration on both sides.
- Extract the biscotti from the oven and transfer to a wire rack, allowing them to cool completely. The cooling process helps develop their signature crisp texture, perfect for dunking in coffee or tea.
Notes
- Experiment with different honey varieties like lavender or buckwheat honey to create unique flavor profiles that complement the anise and almond notes.
- Toast almonds before adding to the dough to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a deeper, more complex taste experience.
- For gluten-free adaptation, substitute all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend, ensuring the texture remains crisp and light.
- Store biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, maintaining their signature crunch and allowing flavors to develop further.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 138
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 25 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg