Biscotti allo Yogurt: A Soft and Fluffy Treat
Category: Desserts
Servings: 20 Cookies
This recipe for Biscotti allo Yogurt is a delightful, soft, and slightly tangy Italian cookie that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of yogurt and lemon zest gives these cookies a fresh and fragrant flavor, while the vanilla bean adds a warm, aromatic touch. With a light texture and a subtle sweetness, they are an irresistible treat with tea, coffee, or as an after-dinner snack. This step-by-step guide will help you create the perfect batch of these charming cookies.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (Farina 00) | 300g |
| Eggs | 60g |
| Low-fat yogurt (Yogurt magro) | 120g |
| Sugar | 90g |
| Baking powder | 8g |
| Vanilla bean (Baccello di vaniglia) | ½ pod |
| Sunflower oil (Olio di semi di girasole) | 50g |
| Lemon zest (Scorza di limone) | 1 lemon |
| Salt (Sale fino) | A pinch |
| Powdered sugar (Zucchero a velo) | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~75 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Saturated fat | 0.5g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Sodium | 50mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by sifting the all-purpose flour into a large mixing bowl to ensure there are no lumps. Add a pinch of salt to the flour and gently mix them together with a spatula. This is the base of your dough, so it’s important to evenly distribute the dry ingredients for a smooth texture.
Step 2: Incorporate the Sugar and Baking Powder
Now, add the sugar and baking powder to the bowl with the flour. These two ingredients will provide sweetness and leavening for your cookies, giving them that irresistible fluffiness. Stir everything well until all the dry ingredients are combined and evenly distributed.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, make a small well in the center of your dry mixture and crack the eggs into it. Add the low-fat yogurt and sunflower oil into the well as well. Carefully combine the ingredients, gradually bringing the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. As you mix, add the zest of one lemon for a bright, citrusy flavor, and scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod into the dough for that rich, aromatic scent. Stir everything together until you have a sticky but well-combined dough.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Once your dough is ready, use your hands to scoop out approximately 30g of dough at a time. Roll each portion into a small log shape, resembling a thick stick or “bigolo.” The dough will be slightly sticky, so you may want to lightly flour your hands or work surface to make this process easier. Place each formed cookie onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a small gap between each one to allow them to spread slightly while baking.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) in static mode. Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, place the tray in the center of the oven and bake for approximately 22 minutes. The cookies should turn a golden brown on the edges while remaining soft in the center. To test if they are ready, gently tap the top of one cookie—it should feel firm to the touch but still yield slightly.
Step 6: Cool and Finish
Once the cookies are baked, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This will help them set and firm up. Once they have cooled to room temperature, lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a delicate finish.
Tips for Perfect Biscotti allo Yogurt
- Vanilla Bean Substitute: If you don’t have a vanilla bean, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too sticky to handle, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to make it easier to shape.
- Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies toward the end of the baking time to prevent them from over-baking and becoming too dry.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to get creative! You can add small pieces of dark chocolate or dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for an extra burst of flavor.
These Biscotti allo Yogurt are perfect for any occasion and can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They are simple to prepare, yet full of flavor and texture, making them an excellent addition to your dessert table or a thoughtful gift for loved ones. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them with your morning coffee, or sharing them as a special treat, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
