Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread almonds on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes. Let cool. Chop half of them and leave the rest whole.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be slightly sticky. Gently fold in the toasted almonds.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the dough in half. Using lightly floured hands, shape each half into a log about 10 inches long and 2.5 inches wide, spacing them well apart.
- Bake the logs at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and let cool on the pan for exactly 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C).
- Carefully transfer the slightly cooled logs to a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, use a gentle sawing motion to cut the logs diagonally into 3/4-inch thick slices.
- Place the slices cut-side down back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 10-12 minutes. Flip each slice over and bake for another 10-12 minutes until dry and crisp.
- Transfer the biscotti to a wire rack to cool completely. They will harden further as they cool.
Notes
Do not skip toasting the almonds! It drastically improves the flavor. Slicing the logs with a serrated knife while they are still warm (but not hot) is the key to preventing them from crumbling.