Grandmother’s Biscotti Recipe (Biscotti della Nonna)
Category: Desserts
Yield: 20 servings
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (Farina 00) | 550g |
| Brown sugar (Zucchero di canna) | 180g |
| Sunflower oil (Olio di semi di girasole) | 150g |
| Whole milk (Latte intero) | 120g |
| Eggs (Uova) | 165g |
| Ammonium bicarbonate (Ammoniaca per dolci) | 10g |
| Vanilla bean (Baccello di vaniglia) | ½ pod |
| Extra sugar for sprinkling (Zucchero) | to taste |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Vanilla Bean
Start by carefully splitting the vanilla bean pod lengthwise with a sharp knife. Scrape out the tiny seeds from the pod and set them aside. This will infuse the biscotti with a rich, aromatic flavor. -
Mix the Ammonia and Milk
In a small bowl, mix the ammonium bicarbonate into the whole milk. Stir until dissolved, setting this mixture aside for later use. The ammonia will help the biscotti become light and airy, while the milk adds moisture to the dough. -
Beat the Eggs and Sugar
Place the whole eggs into a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Begin mixing on medium speed, adding the brown sugar gradually in three parts. Continue mixing until the egg-sugar mixture becomes light and frothy. -
Add the Vanilla, Oil, and Milk Mixture
Once the egg mixture is fluffy, add the scraped vanilla seeds from the pod. Then, slowly drizzle in the sunflower oil, followed by the milk and ammonia mixture, keeping the mixer running. This step ensures a smooth incorporation of ingredients, creating a creamy base for the dough. -
Incorporate the Flour
Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour, folding it into the wet ingredients. Continue mixing until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky but still manageable. -
Shape the Biscotti
Transfer the dough into a pastry bag fitted with a 15mm star tip. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Pipe the dough onto the baking sheet in long, evenly spaced strips, about 4-5 inches in length. -
Bake the Biscotti
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the baking sheet in the middle of the oven. Bake the biscotti for 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them towards the end to ensure they do not over-brown. -
Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the biscotti from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. These delightful treats are ready to be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
Additional Notes
- These biscotti have a light, airy texture with a delicate vanilla flavor that will melt in your mouth.
- For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle a little extra sugar on top of the biscotti just before baking.
- Biscotti can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect for preparing in advance for gatherings or enjoying with family.
This Italian classic brings the comforting, homely flavors of traditional desserts right to your table. With its crunchy texture and subtle sweetness, it’s sure to become a favorite treat in your home.
