Almond Christmas Biscotti Recipe: A Delightful Holiday Treat
The holiday season brings with it the joy of baking sweet, aromatic treats that warm the heart and home. These Almond Christmas Biscotti, also known as Biscottini di Natale alle Mandorle, are a perfect way to celebrate the festive spirit. These delicate cookies combine the rich flavor of almonds with a hint of vanilla, making them an irresistible addition to your holiday dessert table.
This recipe yields approximately 40 biscotti, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season. The process is simple, yet the results are spectacular—crispy, buttery, and beautifully decorated, these biscotti will become a beloved tradition for years to come.
Ingredients for Almond Christmas Biscotti
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (Farina 00) | 300g |
| Almond flour (Farina di mandorle) | 120g |
| Sugar (Zucchero) | 120g |
| Unsalted butter (Burro) | 180g |
| Egg yolks (Tuorli) | 2 |
| Vanilla bean (Baccello di vaniglia) | 1 |
| Egg white (Albumi) | 1 |
| Powdered sugar (Zucchero a velo) | 120g |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount per Biscotti |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 8g |
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough
Begin by placing the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the bowl. Add the egg yolks to the mixture and start working the ingredients together using your hands. The dough should begin to form as you mix. -
Form the Dough and Chill
Once the dough has come together, transfer it onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until smooth. Shape the dough into a ball or log, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place the dough in the refrigerator to rest and chill for at least one hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and makes the dough easier to roll out. -
Roll Out the Dough
After the dough has chilled, sprinkle a little flour on a clean work surface and roll the dough out with a rolling pin. Aim for a thickness of about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch). The dough should be firm enough to hold its shape but soft enough to roll easily. -
Cut the Biscotti
Use a cookie cutter of your choice (a star or round shape works beautifully for the festive season) to cut out your biscotti. Carefully place the shaped cookies onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. The cookies should be spaced slightly apart to allow for even baking. -
Bake the Biscotti
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) with the convection setting off (static heat). Bake the biscotti for 6 minutes, or until they are lightly golden. The surface of the biscotti should remain pale—avoid letting them brown too much. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the biscotti to ensure they don’t overbake. -
Cool the Biscotti
Once baked, remove the biscotti from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This step is essential for achieving the perfect crispy texture. -
Decorate the Biscotti
Once cooled, transfer the egg white into a piping bag fitted with a fine, smooth nozzle. Gently pipe designs onto each biscotti, decorating them to your heart’s desire. You can use powdered sugar to dust the top for an extra festive touch, or get creative with your icing decorations. The biscotti can be decorated with a simple design or a more intricate pattern, depending on your preference and holiday spirit. -
Serve and Enjoy
After decorating, let the icing set for a few minutes. These almond biscotti are perfect for serving as a holiday treat, gifting to friends and family, or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. They’re crisp, flavorful, and sure to become a holiday classic in your home.
Baking Tips for the Perfect Biscotti
- Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill is a key step. It helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and prevents them from spreading too much.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your biscotti while they bake. Since they are thin, they cook quickly, and it’s easy to end up with overly browned cookies if you’re not careful.
- Decorate Creatively: While the biscotti are simple on their own, they offer a perfect canvas for creative decorations. Use sugar sprinkles, colored icing, or even edible glitter for an extra festive touch.
- Make Ahead: These almond biscotti store beautifully and can be made ahead of time. Keep them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage.
Why You’ll Love These Almond Biscotti
These Almond Christmas Biscotti combine the rich, nutty flavor of almonds with the comforting taste of vanilla and butter, making them a treat that everyone will love. They’re crunchy but not too hard, making them the ideal texture to dip in coffee, tea, or even a glass of dessert wine. Their simple yet elegant design makes them perfect for holiday gift-giving, and their subtle sweetness pairs wonderfully with other Christmas treats.
Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, sharing with friends, or just indulging in a sweet snack, these biscotti are sure to become a holiday favorite. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delightful Almond Christmas Biscotti!
