Vanilla Almond Biscotti

Biscotti is an Italian name for any cookie. Its called biscotti as 'bis' means twice in italian. So anything, baked twice is called biscotti. But everywhere else, this version of cookie is treated as biscotti.

I love these. But buying it from outside, even a small box costs a lot. So I try to make them at home as much as I can. And it gives me reason to experiment with flavors too. So far this is my favorite flavor.

So presenting to you all, Vanilla Almond Biscotti. It is a perfect tea-time snack. Cruncy and delicious. Soak it in your tea, like any other biscuit and eat it.

Do leave me suggestions or comments below if any.


Ingredients:

11/2 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla essence
3/4 cup almonds
2 eggs
1/3 cup unsalted butter - at room temperature


Recipe:

For Almonds:

1. Pre-heat oven at 350 F.
2. Place almonds on a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper. Keep in mind almonds should be in a single layer.
3. Bake these for 9-10 minutes or until almonds start to change color.

4. Take these out. Let them cool to room temperature.
5. Once cooled, chop them roughly.

For Biscotti:

1. Pre-heat oven at 350F.
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
3. In a standing mixer with paddle attachment, add butter and sugar. Mix them until combined into a creamy mixture.
4. Add eggs and vanilla essence to this. Combine until a smooth mixture is formed.
5. Now add all the dry ingredients except almonds. Mix everything until just flour is incorporated fully. Do not over mix it.
6. Add almonds and mix for 15 seconds so that they are incorporated in the mixture.
7. This mixture is going to be sticky. Do not worry about it. Spread some flour on the counter and take the mixture out using a spatula.

8. Dust your hands too with flour. Now start combining the dough, till it is not sticky anymore. Do not over do this, because if you do this longer than mixture will again become wet and you need to add more flour..
9. Cut this into two pieces, and shape each of them in a rectangular bar shape. Place it on the sheet and bake them for 35 minutes.

10. After 35 minutes, take these out and let it cool to touch about 15 minutes.

11. Once cooled, cut into 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick diagonal slices.

11. Place them on baking sheet in a single line and bake it for 9 minutes. After 9 minutes, take it out and turn them over. Bake it again for 9 minutes. Take it out and let it cool to room temperature completely.

12. Enjoy it as a tea-time snack or anytime of the day you want :)