Simple Decorated Biscotti – A Sweet Delight for Every Occasion
When it comes to crafting homemade cookies that are both delicious and visually captivating, the “Simple Decorated Biscotti” recipe is a perfect choice. These delicate, buttery biscuits, adorned with colorful icing, make an ideal treat for festive occasions, celebrations, or whenever you want to indulge in a delightful homemade dessert. Not only are they a feast for the eyes, but their rich flavor and tender texture will surely make them a family favorite.
Recipe Overview
- Category: Desserts
- Servings: 60 pieces
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes (plus 2 hours resting time)
- Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
Ingredients
The simplicity of this recipe is mirrored in the ingredients used, combining pantry staples and a dash of creativity with food coloring to bring these biscotti to life.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 00 Flour (all-purpose) | 300g |
| Icing Sugar (for the dough) | 100g |
| Butter (cold, cubed) | 100g |
| Eggs | 110g (about 2 large eggs) |
| Lemon Zest (grated) | ½ lemon |
| Baking Powder | 2g |
| Icing Sugar (for glazing) | 250g |
| Water | 40g |
| Food Coloring | As needed (for decoration) |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
Start by preparing the shortcrust dough, which serves as the base for these biscotti. On a clean work surface, place the flour and icing sugar. Add the zest of half a lemon for a fresh, citrusy aroma. Then, cut the cold butter into small cubes and incorporate it into the flour mixture. Use the tips of your fingers to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Next, add the eggs to the dough mixture and quickly combine them to form a cohesive dough. Work swiftly to avoid warming the dough too much with your hands. Once all the ingredients are incorporated, knead the dough briefly to bring it together. Shape it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator to rest for at least 2 hours.
2. Roll and Cut the Dough
After the resting period, remove the dough from the fridge. Place it on a sheet of parchment paper and gently tap it with a rolling pin to soften it. Then, cover it with another sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking and roll it out to a thickness of about 3-4 mm (approximately 1/8 inch).
Using your favorite cookie cutters, cut out shapes from the dough. Traditional round shapes work beautifully, but you can experiment with stars, hearts, or any other fun shapes to suit the occasion. Arrange the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave a little space between them to allow for expansion during baking.
3. Bake the Biscotti
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking. Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
4. Prepare the Icing
While the cookies are cooling, it’s time to prepare the colorful icing. In separate bowls, divide the icing sugar evenly. Gradually add water, a teaspoon at a time, stirring until you achieve a thick, yet pourable consistency. If you want to create different colors, add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl. You can use as many colors as you like to create a vibrant, artistic design on your biscotti.
5. Decorate the Biscotti
Once the cookies are fully cooled, it’s time to bring out your inner artist and decorate them. Using the colorful icing, start by outlining the edges of the cookies with a fine line of icing. You can use a piping bag or a plastic cone made from parchment paper for better control. After outlining, fill in the center with more icing, creating designs such as hearts, flowers, or abstract patterns. If you’re feeling creative, you can even pipe small dots to form intricate designs or create petals for a floral motif.
Let the icing dry completely before serving or storing. This usually takes about 1 hour, but you can leave them overnight for a perfectly set finish.
Tips for Success
-
Dough Consistency: If your dough feels too soft after mixing in the eggs, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a firm, workable consistency.
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Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step. It helps the dough set, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes. It also helps to maintain the texture of the biscotti after baking.
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Icing Colors: Choose vibrant food colors for a festive look, or keep it simple with pastels for a more subtle effect. If you’re decorating for a holiday, tailor your icing shades to match the occasion—red and green for Christmas, pink and white for Valentine’s Day, or orange and black for Halloween.
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Storage: These decorated biscotti will last for several days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can also freeze the undecorated cookies and ice them later.
Nutritional Information (per piece)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 kcal |
| Total Fat | 4g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 20mg |
(Note: The nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Final Thoughts
These Simple Decorated Biscotti are a charming and delightful way to bring some homemade sweetness to any gathering. Whether you’re making them for a special celebration or simply as an afternoon treat, they’re sure to impress both in taste and appearance. The best part is that they are highly customizable, so you can adjust the flavor and color to fit your personal style. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite of these delightful biscotti!
For more creative recipes like this, visit Love With Recipes—where every recipe is crafted with love, joy, and a touch of culinary magic!
