Classic Almond Biscotti Recipe: How to Bake the Perfect Crunchy Cookie

With its crunchy, nutty texture, Biscotti goes wonderfully with hot beverages. We can say that you are in for a real treat if you have ever wished you could make these traditional Italian cookies! So today, learn how to make classic almond biscotti with this recipe that has a crispy exterior, a deep almond flavor, and the perfect amount of sugar. If you've ever made biscotti or are just starting in the kitchen, this recipe will teach you all the necessary hacks.

Why Make Your Own Biscotti?

Although store-bought biscotti would be fine, nothing beats making your own. To start, you get to decide what goes into them. That means you can tweak the sugar level, add your preferred nuts, and even top them with chocolate if you desire. In addition, the aroma of freshly baked biscotti will fill your kitchen when you make them at home, which is, to be honest, half the fun.

Biscotti are surprisingly easy to make and taste delicious. Once you've mastered this process, just try out various flavor combinations. Now, let's get into it!

Dry Ingredients:

1 ¾ cups almond meal flour
½ cup oatmeal bran
¾ cup monk fruit sweetener (with erythritol)
1 tsp baking soda
¾ cup chopped pistachios

Wet Ingredients:

2 large eggs
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract
3 tbsp almond butter
3 tbsp coconut oil

How to Make Almond Biscotti?

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 335°F (170°C). Biscotti is traditionally baked at a lower temperature, allowing it to crisp up slowly without burning.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond meal flour, oatmeal bran, monk fruit sweetener, and baking soda. Please stir it to ensure all the dry ingredients are well incorporated. The almond meal flour will be the base of your biscotti, giving it that signature nutty flavor.

Step 3: Cut in the Coconut Oil and Almond Butter

Next, cut in the coconut oil and almond butter using a silicone spatula (we love using the Zulay Silicone Spatula Set for this). The texture should start to resemble coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving that crunchy biscotti texture we aim for.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and whisk together with the vanilla and almond extracts. This combination adds a lovely richness and helps balance out the nuttiness of the biscotti.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir to combine. The dough will be thick—don’t worry, that’s exactly what we want! Add the chopped pistachios and mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough. You may need to use your hands to knead it all together at the end to ensure everything is well incorporated.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Prepare a baking sheet lined with Zulay Silicone Baking Mats (trust me, these make life so much easier when it’s time to clean up). Transfer the dough onto the sheet and shape it into an oval dome about 1 inch thick. This will give your biscotti that classic log shape, perfect for slicing later.

Step 7: Bake the First Round

Pop the dough into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is firm, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The biscotti should be golden brown but not overly dark.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Once the biscotti is out of the oven, let it cool completely on a wire rack. This is important because slicing it while it’s still warm could cause it to crumble. After fully cooling, slice the biscotti into ¾-inch pieces using a sharp knife to ensure even portions.

Step 9: Bake Again

Lay the slices back onto the baking sheet and return them to the oven for the second bake. This round should take about 15 minutes at the same temperature. This gives the biscotti a delightful, crunchy texture, perfect for dipping in coffee or tea. Once they’re done, let them cool completely before serving.

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Your Almond Biscotti

Dipped in Coffee or Tea: Biscotti are known for their crunch, making them ideal for dunking in your favorite hot beverage.
Topped with Chocolate: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over your biscotti for a decadent treat.
With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar can add just the right sweetness and a touch of elegance.
Served with Fresh Fruit: Pair your biscotti with a bowl of fresh berries or sliced fruit for a light, refreshing dessert.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What sets this Almond Biscotti Recipe apart is almond meal flour and monk fruit sweetener. These ingredients keep the biscotti flavorful and lower carbs, making them a slightly healthier alternative to traditional recipes. The addition of pistachios adds a fun crunch and pop of color, making these biscotti even more visually appealing. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free, so they can be enjoyed by just about everyone!

Zulay's Final Thoughts

Making your own almond biscotti at home is one of the best things to happen. This recipe is easy, tastes great, and can be shared with others or kept to yourself (we won't judge!). These biscotti will become a favorite whether you eat them with your morning coffee or as a late-night snack.

Let Us Know What You Think!

Are you excited to try this recipe? Leave a comment below and let us know how your biscotti turned out! Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram at @ZulayKitchen and use #kitchenhappiness when you share your creations.