Italian Nut Biscotti
Description:
These biscotti are the epitome of Italian tradition, a recipe passed down through generations, cherished by families during the festive Christmas season, and adored for their crunchy texture and rich flavor. Inspired by the culinary legacy of my Daughter-in-law’s Mother, who lovingly crafted these treats for Christmas gatherings, this recipe has become a treasured favorite in my own kitchen. Infused with the warm essence of anise, these rusk-like cookies are generously speckled with nuts and delicately scented with vanilla, offering a delightful accompaniment to a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of fine wine. While they require patience and dedication due to their double baking process, the reward of their irresistible crunchiness makes every moment worthwhile.
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Recipe Category: Dessert
- Keywords: Cookie & Brownie, Fruit, Nuts, European, Christmas, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
- Aggregated Rating: 5 Stars
- Review Count: 14
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 73.8
- Fat Content: 3.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.3g
- Cholesterol Content: 16.3mg
- Sodium Content: 34.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 9.2g
- Fiber Content: 0.5g
- Sugar Content: 3.9g
- Protein Content: 1.6g
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup anise seeds
- 1/4 cup anisette
- 3 tsp vanilla extract
- 6 eggs
- 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 2 cups almonds, chopped
Instructions:
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In a large bowl, using a mixer, combine sugar, butter, anise seeds, anisette, and vanilla extract. Beat in the eggs until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder until well combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending thoroughly until a dough forms. Stir in the chopped almonds until evenly distributed.
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Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, allowing it to firm up.
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease baking sheets to prevent sticking.
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On prepared baking sheets, shape the chilled dough into flat loaves, approximately 1/2 inch thick, 2 inches wide, and as long as the baking sheets allow. Ensure the loaves are spaced 4 inches apart to allow for expansion during baking. This should yield about 6 loaves.
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Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until they are lightly browned.
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Remove the baked loaves from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets until they are cool enough to handle.
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Using a sharp knife, cut the cooled loaves diagonally into slices about 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick. Arrange the slices cut side down on the same baking sheets, placing them close together.
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Return the baking sheets to the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for an additional 15 minutes or until the biscotti are lightly toasted.
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Once baked to perfection, transfer the biscotti to wire racks to cool completely. Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy these Italian Nut Biscotti as a delightful treat alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea. They also make a charming addition to holiday gift baskets or a sweet ending to any dinner party. Share the joy of these beloved cookies with friends and family, continuing the cherished tradition for generations to come. Buon appetito! 🇮🇹🍪