Honey Biscotti Recipe – A Sweet Italian Delight
Honey Biscotti are a delightful treat that brings the warm, comforting flavors of honey, spices, and a delicate crunch to your taste buds. Perfect for afternoon tea or a sweet snack, these biscotti are incredibly easy to make and result in a batch of cookies that are both aromatic and satisfying. Whether you choose to decorate them with a glossy glaze or opt for a simple almond topping, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients (for 50 pieces)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter | 100g |
| Honey | 50g |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground Cloves | ½ teaspoon |
| Sugar | 150g |
| Baking Powder | 5g |
| All-purpose Flour (00) | 350g |
| Water | As needed |
| Powdered Sugar (for glazing) | As needed |
| Decorative Sprinkles (Codetta) | As needed |
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough: Start by placing 300g of flour on a clean surface or into a large mixing bowl, forming a well in the center. Add the sugar, butter, honey (preferably a more solid variety), eggs, cinnamon, cloves, and baking powder. Using your hands or a spoon, mix the ingredients together. If the dough feels too soft and sticky, gradually add the remaining flour (up to 50g) until it reaches a firmer consistency.
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Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step will make the dough easier to handle when shaping the biscotti.
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Shape the Biscotti: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the dough has rested, remove it from the refrigerator and divide it into smaller portions. Roll each portion into a log shape, about 1-2 inches in diameter, and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave about 2-3 cm of space between each piece to allow for spreading as they bake.
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Bake the Biscotti: Bake the biscotti logs in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they do not over-bake. The texture should be lightly crisp around the edges but still soft in the middle.
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Cool and Glaze (Optional): Once baked, remove the biscotti from the oven and allow them to cool completely. If you wish to glaze them, prepare an icing by mixing a little water with powdered sugar until it reaches a smooth consistency. Use a teaspoon to drizzle the glaze over the cooled biscotti. You can also decorate them with colorful sprinkles or sugar crystals for an extra touch of sweetness.
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Alternative Decoration (Optional): For those who prefer a more traditional look, instead of glazing, you can place half a peeled almond in the center of each biscotto before baking. Brush the tops of the dough logs with a beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish after baking.
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Storage: Once the glaze has set, store your honey biscotti in a tin or airtight container. They will stay fresh for several days, making them a great option for preparing ahead of time for special occasions or a daily treat.
Tips for the Perfect Biscotti:
- Choose the Right Honey: The type of honey you use can greatly influence the flavor of your biscotti. Opt for a honey that is slightly firmer to prevent the dough from becoming too sticky.
- Resting the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest helps develop the flavors and makes it easier to shape the biscotti without the dough sticking to your hands.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment with other add-ins like chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or chocolate chips. For a fun twist, you can also dip the biscotti in melted chocolate after baking for a decadent finish.
With this easy recipe, you’ll have delicious homemade honey biscotti that are perfect for sharing or enjoying alone with a hot beverage. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply craving something sweet, these biscotti will add a touch of warmth to your day.
