Delicate Almond Biscotti
Indulge in these Delicate Almond Biscotti, a lighter take on the classic Italian treat. Perfectly crunchy on the outside and slightly tender on the inside, these biscotti are infused with rich almond flavor, making them an ideal companion for your afternoon coffee or tea. Simple to prepare and beautifully aromatic thanks to toasted almonds and almond extract, they’re great to share with friends or to keep all for yourself. Enjoy the sweet aroma filling your kitchen as they bake, and savor each satisfying bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
finely chopped almonds
1/4 cup (toasted)
sugar
1/4 cup (granulated)
margarine
2 tablespoons (softened)
egg whites
4 (room temperature)
almond extract
2 1/2 teaspoons (pure)
all-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted)
baking powder
2 teaspoons (sifted)
cooking spray
as needed (for greasing pans and sheets)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Place the finely chopped almonds in a small baking pan and toast them in the preheated oven for about 6 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, then set aside to cool.
3
In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened margarine and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4
Add the egg whites and almond extract to the bowl, mixing well until fully combined.
5
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
6
Pour the egg white mixture and the cooled toasted almonds into the flour mixture, stirring gently until just blended.
7
Prepare two 9x5-inch loaf pans by spraying them with cooking spray. Divide the dough evenly between the two pans.
8
Using wet fingers, spread the dough evenly within each pan for a smooth surface.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
10
Remove the pans from the oven and let them cool slightly before turning the loaves out onto a cutting board.
11
Once the loaves are cool enough to handle, slice each loaf into 16 even slices.
12
Arrange the slices on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray, placing them cut side down.
13
Bake the slices for 5 minutes, then flip them over and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden and crisp.
14
Serve warm or allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Delicate Almond Biscotti?
They are a lighter version of the classic Italian treat, featuring a crunchy exterior and a slightly tender interior with a rich almond flavor.
What temperature should the oven be set to for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C) for all stages of baking.
How long do the almonds need to toast?
The finely chopped almonds should be toasted for about 6 minutes or until they are golden brown.
What type of fat is used in this biscotti recipe?
This recipe uses 2 tablespoons of softened margarine.
How many egg whites are required?
The recipe calls for 4 egg whites, ideally at room temperature.
What size pans should be used for the first bake?
You should use two 9x5-inch loaf pans sprayed with cooking spray.
How long do the loaves bake initially?
The dough loaves bake for approximately 15 minutes.
How can I tell if the biscotti loaves are done baking?
The loaves are done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Why should I use wet fingers to spread the dough?
Using wet fingers helps you spread the dough evenly and creates a smooth surface without the dough sticking to your hands.
How many slices does each loaf produce?
Each loaf should be cut into 16 even slices, making 32 slices in total.
How are the biscotti slices baked during the second round?
The slices are placed cut side down on a baking sheet and baked for 5 minutes per side for a total of 10 minutes.
What is the purpose of the second bake?
The second bake ensures the biscotti become golden, crisp, and have the traditional crunchy texture.
How much almond extract is needed?
The recipe requires 2 1/2 teaspoons of pure almond extract.
Should the flour be prepared in a specific way?
Yes, the recipe specifies 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
How much sugar is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of granulated sugar.
How much baking powder is included?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of sifted baking powder.
Can I serve these biscotti warm?
Yes, they can be served warm or allowed to cool completely.
How should I store the finished biscotti?
Store them in an airtight container once they have cooled completely to maintain their crispness.
What are some recommended pairings for these biscotti?
They are an ideal companion for afternoon coffee or tea.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients: almonds, sugar, margarine, egg whites, almond extract, flour, baking powder, and cooking spray.
Do I need to grease the baking sheets for the second bake?
Yes, the baking sheet should be coated with cooking spray before arranging the slices.
What type of almonds should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of finely chopped almonds.
What is the first step in the mixing process?
The first step is beating the softened margarine and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
Should the toasted almonds be hot when added to the dough?
No, the toasted almonds should be set aside to cool before being added to the flour mixture.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include biscotti, almond, dessert, light, italian, cookies, tea time, and snack.
Is this a traditional heavy biscotti?
No, this is described as a lighter take on the classic Italian treat.
When should I slice the loaves?
Slice the loaves once they have been turned out onto a cutting board and are cool enough to handle.
How do I prepare the egg white mixture?
Mix the egg whites and almond extract into the creamed margarine and sugar until fully combined.
How should the dry ingredients be mixed?
Whisk the flour and baking powder together in a separate large bowl before adding the wet ingredients.
Can I make these aromatic?
The combination of toasted almonds and almond extract naturally makes these biscotti very aromatic while baking.