Zesty Citrus Walnut Biscotti: A Delightful Twist on Classic Italian Cookies! 🍊🌰

Sure! Get ready to indulge in the delightful aroma of freshly baked Orange Walnut Biscotti that are not only bursting with citrusy flavor but also crunchy with the goodness of walnuts. These biscotti, with their zesty orange and lemon zest, are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a gathering with friends. 🍊🌰

Orange Walnut Biscotti

Ingredients:

• 3 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/3 cups sugar
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
• Zest of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 eggs
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Meanwhile, prepare a large baking sheet by lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.

2. Combine all of the dry ingredients – flour, sugar, chopped walnuts, orange zest, lemon zest, baking soda, and baking powder – in a large mixing bowl. Stir them together until well incorporated.

3. In a separate small bowl, slightly beat the eggs and egg yolk together. Then, add them to the dry ingredients mixture along with the vanilla extract and melted butter.

4. Mix the ingredients by hand, either with a wooden spoon or your hands, until a dough forms. If the dough seems too stiff, you can add some juice from the zested orange to loosen it up and enhance the citrus flavor.

5. Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and lightly knead it. Then, divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a log.

6. Place the logs onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart slightly, and flatten them slightly with your hands.

7. Brush the tops of the logs with beaten egg white. This will give them a beautiful golden sheen as they bake.

8. Bake the biscotti logs in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and firm to the touch. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely.

9. Once cooled, use a serrated knife to slice each log diagonally into 1-inch thick slices. Use a gentle sawing motion to ensure clean cuts.

10. Place the sliced biscotti upright on the baking sheet and return them to the oven for an additional 7-10 minutes, or until they are crisp and golden brown.

11. Once the biscotti are fully baked and crisp, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

12. Serve these delightful Orange Walnut Biscotti with a cup of hot tea or coffee, or package them up beautifully to give as homemade gifts to friends and family. Enjoy the wonderful combination of citrusy zest and crunchy walnuts in every bite!

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 125
• Fat: 5.2g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 23.8mg
• Sodium: 41.4mg
• Carbohydrates: 17.7g
• Fiber: 0.6g
• Sugar: 7.6g
• Protein: 2.2g

Recipe Yield: Approximately 36 biscotti

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s bake up some delicious Orange Walnut Biscotti that will surely become a favorite treat for you and your loved ones! 🍪✨