Rustic Apple Biscotti: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Italian Treat
Category: Desserts
Servings: 9 biscotti
Preparation Time: 30 minutes (plus resting time)
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Rustic Apple Biscotti are a wonderful treat combining the natural sweetness of apples with the delicate flavors of hazelnuts and almonds, all wrapped in a buttery, slightly sweet dough. These biscuits are perfect for an afternoon tea, a special breakfast, or simply as a cozy snack to enjoy with your favorite hot drink. The contrast of the crunchy biscuit with the soft, cinnamon-spiced apple filling is simply irresistible.
Let’s dive into the recipe and create these delightful biscotti that are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole wheat flour | 300g |
| Brown sugar | 100g |
| Butter (cold, cut into pieces) | 100g |
| Egg whites | 70g |
| Acacia honey | 20g |
| Vanilla bean (seeds from ½ pod) | ½ |
| Baking powder | 3g |
| Salt | 3g |
| Royal Gala apples | 2 |
| Hazelnut flour | 30g |
| Almond flour | 30g |
| Chopped hazelnuts | 30g |
| Orange juice | 50g |
| Extra brown sugar for topping | To taste |
| Ground cinnamon | ½ tsp |
| Whole egg (for brushing) | 1 |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Biscotti Dough
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Begin by making the dough for the biscotti. In a stand mixer (or large mixing bowl), combine the brown sugar and cold butter pieces. Add a pinch of salt and mix using the paddle attachment (or your hands) until the mixture becomes crumbly.
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Add the egg whites and the seeds scraped from the vanilla bean. Continue mixing until everything is well combined and you have a smooth, cohesive dough.
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Once the dough has come together, transfer it to a clean surface. Compact the dough slightly, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time will help the dough firm up and be easier to work with.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
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While the dough rests, prepare the apple filling. Start by washing and slicing the Royal Gala apples in half. Remove the cores, and chop the apples into small chunks.
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Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the chopped apples, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir in the fresh orange juice and cook for about 5 minutes until the apples soften slightly.
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Once the apples are tender, use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the mixture into a smooth, uniform filling.
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Stir in the chopped hazelnuts and both the hazelnut and almond flours. Set this filling aside to cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Biscotti
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After the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and lightly flour your work surface. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin to about 1/4-inch thickness.
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Using a piping bag, create a line of the apple filling along one long edge of the dough.
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Carefully roll the dough up to enclose the filling, making sure the edges are sealed. Repeat this step to make two more rolls.
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Place the rolls in the refrigerator for another 5 minutes to firm up before slicing.
Step 4: Slice and Bake the Biscotti
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Once the dough has chilled and firmed up, remove the rolls from the refrigerator and cut each roll into 3 equal pieces, each about 10 cm (4 inches) long.
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Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops of each with a beaten egg.
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Sprinkle a little extra brown sugar over the top for added sweetness and crunch.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the biscotti are golden brown and firm to the touch.
Step 5: Cooling and Serving
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Once the biscotti are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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These rustic apple biscotti are best served at room temperature. Enjoy them on their own, or pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Storage: These biscotti can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They also freeze well if you want to make them ahead of time.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the apple filling for a sweet twist.
- Glaze: For an extra touch, drizzle the biscotti with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of milk.
Nutritional Information (per biscotto)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 20mg |
| Sodium | 90mg |
Rustic Apple Biscotti are a perfect balance of sweet and savory, offering a satisfying crunch with the warmth of cinnamon and the freshness of apples. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply as a cozy snack, these biscotti will surely delight everyone who tastes them. Enjoy the rustic charm of this Italian-inspired treat with a modern twist!
