Classic Almond Biscotti Recipe (Easy & Crunchy Homemade Biscotti)
Here’s my favorite perfect crunchy almond biscotti recipe. These authentic Italian biscotti are easy to make, filled with toasted almonds, and baked twice for an irresistible crispy texture. You can easily pair these homemade biscotti with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Biscotti, also known as cantucci in Italy, are classic double-baked Italian cookies that are firm, crunchy, and perfect for dunking. This recipe combines simple pantry ingredients like flour, eggs, sugar, and almonds to create the best almond biscuits you’ll ever taste. Adding almond extract enhances the nutty flavor, while the double-baking process ensures a crispy, golden finish that lasts for weeks. Learn more about biscotti history.
It’s highly customizable—try adding orange peel, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries for a delicious twist. So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s make a batch of these classic Italian almond biscuits—the ultimate coffee companion cookie full of flavor, crunch, and tradition.
Reasons To Love This Biscotti Recipe
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Authentic Italian Taste: This classic almond biscotti recipe delivers traditional flavor and crunchy texture that’s perfect for dunking in your morning coffee or evening espresso.
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Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, this homemade biscotti recipe is beginner-friendly and foolproof—no fancy equipment needed!
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Perfect for Gifting: Biscotti stores well, making it ideal for edible holiday gifts, cookie exchanges, and make-ahead treats for any special occasion.
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Customizable Flavors: Whether you prefer almond biscotti, chocolate chip biscotti, or pistachio cranberry variations, this base recipe is versatile and easily adaptable.
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Crispy, Crunchy Texture: Twice-baked for that signature crunch that makes biscotti irresistible—especially when dipped in coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
This easy almond biscotti delivers flavor, texture, and joy in every crunchy bite!
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Almond Biscotti
This easy homemade almond biscotti recipe uses pantry staples to give you the perfect crunchy texture and authentic Italian flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need:
2 cups all-purpose flour
The base of our classic biscotti dough.
1 cup granulated sugar
Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
1 tsp baking powder
Helps the biscotti rise slightly during the first bake.
1/4 tsp salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
3 large eggs
Binds everything together and adds richness.
1 tsp vanilla extract
Adds warm flavor notes to the dough.
1/2 tsp almond extract
For that signature nutty biscotti flavor.
1 cup whole almonds (toasted & chopped)
Crunchy texture and nutty richness in every bite.
Optional: Zest of 1 orange or lemon
Brightens the flavor with a hint of citrus zest.
👩🍳 Tip: Make sure to toast your almonds beforehand to enhance their natural flavor and crunch — it makes all the difference in a truly authentic Italian biscotti recipe.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Almond Biscotti
Follow this easy almond biscotti recipe to bake the perfect crunchy, twice-baked Italian cookies at home. This method guarantees crispy, golden biscotti every time!
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1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for an easy cleanup.
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2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
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3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat 3 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp almond extract until frothy. This adds rich flavor and aroma to your homemade biscotti.
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4. Combine to Form Dough
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Gently fold in 1 cup of toasted, chopped almonds and optional orange zest for extra flavor.
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5. Shape the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal parts. On a floured surface, shape each into a log—about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
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6. First Bake
Bake the logs for 25–30 minutes or until golden and firm. Let them cool for 10 minutes to make slicing easier.
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7. Slice and Second Bake
Using a serrated knife, slice each log diagonally into ½-inch thick pieces. Place slices cut-side down and bake again for 10 minutes, then flip and bake for another 8–10 minutes until crisp and crunchy.
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8. Cool and Enjoy
Let your classic almond biscotti cool completely on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer shelf life.
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Biscotti
Master the art of baking crispy, flaky, and delicious biscotti with these expert baking tips. These secrets will ensure perfection every time.
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Use a serrated knife for clean biscotti slices.
Allow the biscotti logs to cool for 10 minutes after the first bake, then slice gently with a serrated knife to avoid crumbling. This helps achieve evenly cut, professional-looking biscotti every time.
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For extra crunch, bake longer at a lower temp.
During the second bake, reduce oven temperature slightly (to 300°F / 150°C) for a crispier finish without burning. Crispy biscotti is perfect for dunking in coffee or espresso.
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Toast the nuts for maximum flavor.
Lightly toasting almonds or any nuts used will bring out a rich, nutty aroma that deepens the biscotti flavor. Just 5–7 minutes in a 350°F oven does the trick.
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Keep biscotti dry and crisp by storing it right.
After the biscotti has fully cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Avoid humid areas to maintain its crunchy texture. You can also freeze for up to 3 months.
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Add citrus zest or extracts for flavor twists.
Brighten up your biscotti with orange or lemon zest, or try a dash of anise or almond extract. These flavor enhancers keep the classic recipe exciting and aromatic.
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Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make transferring biscotti easier. This also helps with even baking and browning.
🍪 Flavor Variations You Can Try
Take your homemade almond biscotti to the next level with these creative and easy flavor twists.
🍫 Chocolate Dipped Almond Biscotti
Dip one side in melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with chopped almonds for an elegant coffeehouse-style treat.
🍒 Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
Add dried cranberries and chopped pistachios for a festive, colorful, and tangy biscotti variation.
🍋 Lemon Poppyseed Biscotti
Mix in fresh lemon zest and poppy seeds for a bright and zesty take on the classic Italian cookie.
☕ Hazelnut Espresso Biscotti
Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder and chopped hazelnuts for a rich, coffee-flavored biscotti.
🍊 Almond Orange Biscotti
Combine orange zest with toasted almonds for a citrusy, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with tea or espresso.
🎯 Pro Tip: Use the same base recipe and mix & match your favorite flavors to create your own unique biscotti combinations!
🍪 How to Serve Biscotti (Best Pairings & Ideas)
Wondering how to serve biscotti to impress your guests or enjoy them at home? These classic Italian cookies shine when paired with the right drinks and occasions.
- ☕ With Coffee or Espresso: Biscotti is famously served with espresso, cappuccino, or a latte. Dunk for a few seconds to soften and release the nutty almond flavor.
- 🍵 Tea Time Treat: Enjoy biscotti with your favorite herbal teas, black tea, or chai. It adds a perfect crunch to afternoon tea.
- 🎁 Biscotti as Edible Gifts: Pack them in festive jars or cookie tins for Christmas, birthdays, or hostess gifts. Add a tag with your homemade biscotti recipe!
- 🍨 Crumbled Over Desserts: Crush and sprinkle biscotti over ice cream, yogurt, or pudding for extra texture and a nutty almond crunch.
- 🍷 Serve with Dessert Wine: Italians love pairing biscotti with Vin Santo or sweet dessert wines. It’s a traditional and classy way to end a meal.
✅ Serving almond biscotti with coffee and creating a festive biscotti gift box with these Italian cookies is a great choice. Try pairing them with your favorite hot beverage or dessert and enjoy the delicious crunch!
Classic Almond Biscotti Recipe
This classic almond biscotti recipe is the perfect crunchy treat to enjoy with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Twice-baked for that signature crisp texture, these Italian cookies are lightly sweetened, loaded with toasted almonds, and easy to customize. Ideal for holidays, gifting, or a simple sweet snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1 cup whole almonds (toasted and coarsely chopped)
- Optional: zest of 1 orange or lemon
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 118Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 83mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 1gSugar: 9gProtein: 3g
🍪 Frequently Asked Questions About Biscotti
Biscotti is a traditional Italian cookie that is baked twice to give it a crunchy, dry texture. The first bake cooks the dough into a log, and the second bake—after slicing—dries out each piece for that signature crispness. This method makes homemade biscotti perfect for dipping in coffee or tea.
Yes! If you’re allergic to nuts or prefer a nut-free biscotti recipe, simply omit the almonds and try adding chocolate chips, dried fruits, or seeds for added texture and flavor.
Biscotti may crumble if it’s sliced while still too hot or if your knife isn’t sharp enough. Use a serrated bread knife and let the log cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into slices.
To get crunchy biscotti, ensure both bakes are done correctly. The second bake is key—bake the sliced cookies at a lower temperature (around 325°F/160°C) until completely dry and golden. Let them cool fully to harden.
Store your biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze the baked biscotti for up to 3 months in a sealed freezer bag.
Yes! You can freeze biscotti dough after shaping it into logs. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Almond pairs beautifully with vanilla, orange zest, lemon, anise, dried cranberries, pistachios, or chocolate. For a festive twist, dip your biscotti in melted dark or white chocolate.
Biscotti is generally lower in fat than other cookies because it doesn’t use butter or oil in many traditional recipes. Each piece is modest in calories (around 100–150 per serving) compared to typical cookies, making it a lighter treat for those watching their calorie intake.
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