Olive Oil Biscotti
Category: Desserts
Servings: 35 Pieces
These Olive Oil Biscotti are a delightful twist on the traditional Italian treat, offering a light yet flavorful texture, perfect for those who enjoy the richness of olive oil in their sweets. The dough is subtly enhanced with the zest of lemon and the aromatic essence of vanilla, creating a beautiful harmony of flavors that will captivate your taste buds. Whether youโre enjoying them with a cup of coffee or as an after-dinner treat, these biscotti are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (Farina 00) | 280g |
| Extra virgin olive oil (Olio extravergine d’oliva) | 50ml |
| Granulated sugar (Zucchero) | 100g |
| Whole eggs (Uova) | 2 |
| Baking powder (Lievito in polvere per dolci) | 10g |
| Salt (Sale fino) | 1 pinch |
| Lemon zest (Scorza di limone) | 1 lemon |
| Vanilla bean (Baccello di vaniglia) | 1 |
| Egg yolk (Tuorlo) | 1 |
Nutritional Information (Per Biscotto):
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Proteins: 2g
- Fats: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 20mg
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
Begin by placing the whole eggs and the extra egg yolk into a large mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar and whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined and slightly frothy. This step will help create a smooth and airy dough for the biscotti. -
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and the baking powder. This ensures that there are no lumps in your flour and that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the dough. Add a pinch of salt to the sifted flour mixture. -
Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the egg and sugar mixture. Begin mixing gently until the dough starts to come together. You should use a wooden spoon or your hands to knead the dough into a soft, slightly sticky consistency. If the dough is too sticky to handle, add a little extra flour, a teaspoon at a time, until the texture is manageable. -
Incorporate the Olive Oil and Flavorings:
Once the flour mixture is mostly combined with the eggs, pour in the extra virgin olive oil. Add the zest of one lemon and the seeds scraped from the vanilla bean pod. Knead everything together until fully incorporated, ensuring that the olive oil, lemon zest, and vanilla are evenly distributed throughout the dough. -
Roll and Shape the Dough:
Dust your work surface with a light coating of flour. Turn the dough out onto the surface and roll it out to a thickness of about half a centimeter (5mm). The dough will be a bit soft, so take your time in rolling it out evenly. Once the dough is flattened, use a round cookie cutter (around 5cm in diameter) to cut out individual biscotti shapes. -
Prepare for Baking:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the shaped biscotti on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece to allow for expansion during baking. The biscotti will not spread too much, but giving them room ensures they bake evenly. -
Bake the Biscotti:
Preheat your oven to 180ยฐC (350ยฐF). Once the oven is fully preheated, place the baking sheet with the biscotti into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. The biscotti should turn golden brown around the edges and become firm to the touch. If you prefer a crispier texture, you can bake them for a few additional minutes. -
Cool and Serve:
After baking, allow the biscotti to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Once they are cool enough to handle, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The biscotti will crisp up further as they cool.
Tips for Perfect Olive Oil Biscotti:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. The olive oil is a key ingredient in these biscotti, so its taste will influence the overall result.
- Vanilla Substitute: If you donโt have a vanilla bean, you can substitute with 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. However, the vanilla bean gives a more intense flavor.
- Storage: These biscotti can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time.
These Olive Oil Biscotti are simple to make and feature a lovely blend of Mediterranean flavors, perfect for those who appreciate light yet indulgent desserts. The addition of olive oil offers a unique richness, while the vanilla and lemon provide refreshing notes, making these biscotti a delightful treat for any occasion.
