Roans Chocolate Chip Almond Biscotti Recipe

We are sharing The Perfect Biscotti Recipe made for holiday gift giving, Plus festive Biscotti Decorating Ideas

Inspired by his grandfathers love of biscottis, his fathers love of anything Italian, and my love of anything sweet, my son Roan perfected this biscotti recipe and was sweet enough to let me share it with all of you. He even created a video tutorial to show you just how easy it can be to make the perfect biscotti. A nice break from the decadence of the holidays, this recipe hits just the right balance between sweet and savory we all love. Were sure you will love it too.

My son Roan LOVES to cook. Hes shown an interest in cooking since he was old enough to hold a fork, and started by helping me in the kitchen with some of my favorite baking favorites. While I prefer baking sweets, Roan is more interested in cooking healthy things. Biscotti seems to be the exception to this rule.

Inspired by his grandmother and grandfather who love to take fresh vegetables from their garden and cook simple, wholesome dinners, Roan started his own garden about four years ago. He grew vegetables like his grandparents but was especially interested in growing his own basil so he could replicate his grandmothers famous pesto recipe. Ill have to share that in another post.

Roans grandfather was the one who originally introduced him to biscotti. Roan watched his grandfather cooking these on weekends at their ranch. It was love at first crunch.

Biscotti Makes the Perfect Homemade Christmas Gift!

• They are quite solid after baking and do not break or crumble easily. This makes biscotti ideal for wrapping up and delivering to friends and neighbors.
• Biscotti stays fresh and crunchy much longer than normal cookies and other baked goods. Wrap them in festive plastic gift bags and tie with a bow. Not only will they look beautiful, but they will still be fresh enough for you to deliver to all your friends and still have that fresh-baked taste.
• Are you struggling to find unique gifts to throw in your kids stockings this year? Well, this long-lasting treat makes the perfect stocking stuffer for kids of all ages. I mean, who doesnt like sugar? Am I right?
• They put an extra special spin on your typical holiday cookie. This will make your friends feel like you went out of your way to make THEM feel extra special this holiday season. Dont worry, they dont have to know how easy they actually are to make.

Holiday Entertaining with Biscotti

If you are hosting your familys Christmas this year or simply hosting the annual Christmas party, biscotti is ideal for serving guests all day long. They can pass as a decadent breakfast, an afternoon treat or a late night snack! If youre looking for a fun activity to keep kids busy while the adults wrap presents or cook dinner, have them decorate a batch of these babies! Set out sprinkles, icing, candies, all the works. Have them compete to make the most beautiful cookie(s) and the adults can be the judges. Such a cute idea to pass the time on a cold winter day!

What is Biscotti?

Biscotti in Italian literally means twice-baked. Traditional cookies in Italy were probably created like this for two reasons. One reason is because the extra bake time takes excess moisture out of the cookies. Since moisture creates opportunity for bacteria to form, this allows the cookies to be stored for longer periods of time.

The second reason is that back then, it was harder to regulate oven temperatures. Baking once at a higher temperature and then a lower temperature ensured that the cookies were completely cooked without being overdone. The crunchy cookie also fits in nicely with the Italian practice of dipping their biscotti into coffee, hot cocoa or hot milk. Feel free to explore more about the history of biscotti.

What is the Origin of Biscotti?

The original biscotti was an almond biscuit from the city of Prato called Cantuccio. The word biscotti in modern Italian literally refers to any kind of cookie or biscuit. The cookie was known for its oblong shape and was originally dipped in Vin Santo (not coffee).

How to Make Your Own Biscotti

Biscotti Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Biscotti Instructions

• Bake about 40 minutes. Cool for 30 minutes.
• Place the cooled log on cutting board. Cut into -inch diagonal slices using a sharp serrated knife. Arrange the biscotti cut side down on the baking sheet. Bake 15-20 minutes until edges start to turn golden brown.
• Transfer to rack to cool completely.

Storing Your Biscotti

• Biscotti can be made ahead and stored in airtight container up to a week.
• Biscotti can also be frozen for several weeks. Wrap in foil and place in sealed plastic freezer bags.

Other Biscotti Mix-in Options

Try adding these mix-ins or toppings to your biscotti for more varieties.

• Different types of nuts like pistachios, walnuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts or other nuts you have on hand.
• Add a glaze or rich icing to all or part of your biscotti creations.
• Add cranberries, dates, raisins or other dried chopped fruit.
• Try different flavorings like anise, amaretto, lemon, lavendarthe list is endless.

Let your creativity take over and experiment creating your favorite biscotti combinations.

For more delicious Italian Christmas cookie recipes, visit the Farm Girl Gabs blog!

Biscotti Decorating Ideas

• dip ends in white (or dark) chocolate.
• coat long side edge in white (or dark) chocolate.
• drizzle with white (or dark) chocolate.
• sprinkle with colored sugar.
• sprinkle with coarse sea salt crystals.

These are all tasty ideas and add even more elegance to this sophisticated Italian cookie.

Please let us know how you like this biscotti recipe and if you made any changes. We would also love to know if you are interested in seeing more of Roans recipes. Your feedback is so helpful. Please comment, pin and use the I made it feature on Pinterest.

Happy Holidays and Happy Baking!

Chocolate Chip Almond Biscotti

My 14 year old son Roan breaks the myth that Biscotti is hard to make. He created this deliciously sweet and balanced Biscotti with his favorite ingredients. His simple video tutorial will help you realize how easy it is to make.