Coffee Hits Different with this Biscotti Recipe

Coffee hits different with biscotti

While coffee tastes amazing all on its own, it can be elevated to new heights when paired with biscotti. This iconic Italian biscuit is known the world over for its distinctive taste and simplicity to make. So, if you crave an Italian culinary adventure of your own, but are stuck at home, here’s our take on a simple biscotti recipe that’ll transport your taste buds directly on an Italian getaway!

The Brilliant Background of Biscotti

Originating from the Tuscan city of Prato, Italy, Biscotti are almond biscuits that are usually oblong in shape. The brittle and crunchy texture of this Italian delight can be attributed to its unique preparation method, whereby it is twice-baked. 

Though biscotti are often associated with quaint cafes and upscale bakeries these days, they were once actually prepared solely for practical reasons. Unlike typical biscuits, biscotti were made without eggs and fat in the past, which helped them to maintain a long shelf life. Roman soldiers, sailors, and fishermen who often traveled large distances would take long-lasting biscotti on their travels. This is, essentially, how this simple biscuit gained global prominence. 

Today, biscotti are consumed en-masse and are known for being the perfect biscuit to dunk into your favorite cup of coffee. Here’s a simple biscotti recipe that will make your coffee taste extra special!

Biscotti Ingredients

The modern iteration of biscotti does away with old-school practicality in favor of a little more decadence. Eggs are used in today’s version of biscotti, though you still won’t need much in the way of dairy to craft the perfect biscotti recipe. Below are the key ingredients you’ll need to bake a batch of about 25 delicious biscotti:

• 1 vanilla bean cut in half lengthways
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup room temperature unsalted butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ cup finely chopped almonds

Baking Up Your Biscotti

There are three major steps to this biscotti recipe. First, we’ll go over how to set up your oven, then we’ll discuss the best way to mix up your ingredients, and finally, we will outline how to bake your biscotti.

Oven Prep

• Heat your oven up to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius) 
• Place your baking tray in the center of the oven

The Mixing Process

• Scrape out the seeds of your vanilla bean with a knife and place them in a small bowl
• Add ¾ cup of sugar into the same bowl, mix with the vanilla beans, and set aside
• In a separate bowl, cream your ½ cup of butter with a mixer until it is light and fluffy
• Add in the vanilla and sugar mixture to the mixed butter
• Add in your 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and mix until smooth
• In a separate bowl, mix together the 2 cups of flour, 1 ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of sea salt, and ¼ cup of almonds.
• Add the dry mixture into the wet mixture

Baking Your Biscotti

• Line your baking tray with parchment paper
• Separate your dough into 3 even pieces
• Lightly flour a flat surface and roll each piece of dough into a log
• Place the logs onto the baking tray and separate them as far as possible
• Leave in the oven for 30 minutes until light brown
• Let your biscotti logs cool and then cut each log into diagonal pieces
• Place your cut pieces of biscotti back onto the baking sheet with the cut side facing down
• Bake again for 15 minutes and turn each piece once during that time
• Transfer your biscotti to a rack to cool
• Store in an airtight container for maximum freshness if you want to keep your biscotti for later

What Coffee Pairs Best with Biscotti?

Now that you’ve put in so much effort to follow this biscotti recipe and bake up a sumptuous batch of biscuits, it’s important to pair them with the right type of coffee. Here are five great coffee pairings for this biscotti recipe that you can make from the convenience of your at-home espresso machine or french press. However, you can use whatever coffee suits you best. Who knows, you might just discover the next great biscotti and coffee combination!

Cappuccino

Contrastingly creamy, a little bitter, and mildly sweet, cappuccinos are a great accompaniment to your milder biscotti.

Americano

Crisp and refreshing, try pairing your biscotti with Americano for an appetizing mix of bitter and sweet.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee

This cool, sweet beverage works perfectly in tandem with biscotti, especially on hot summer days to create a unique fusion of international flavors!

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Elevate your biscotti with a little hint of pumpkin spice when dipping them into this delicious coffee.

Espresso Shots

Powerful and punchy espresso shots can be paired with the gentle flavor of your biscotti for the perfect balance. 

A Match Made in Heaven

This simple biscotti recipe lets your biscuits shine on their own or elevate the flavor profile of your favorite coffees.  If you’re a coffee-lover who has never experienced this iconic pairing, you owe it to yourself to collect a few key ingredients, fire up your oven and let your creativity flow. Trust us, it’s worth it to risk it for the biscuit!