Ah, Christmas baking! It’s that magical time of year when the kitchen fills with warmth and the sweet aroma of treats baking away. One of my all-time favorite holiday delights is Christmas Almond Biscotti. Seriously, these crunchy, nutty cookies are just the perfect companion for a cozy cup of coffee or tea. I remember my first attempt, excitedly mixing the ingredients and relishing the rich almond scent wafting through my home. Each bite of these biscotti brings back such joyful memories, and trust me, they’re a unique treat that truly captures the spirit of the season—crunchy, flavorful, and utterly delightful! 
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – this is the base for your biscotti, giving it that delightful crunch.
- 1 cup almonds, chopped – use raw or toasted almonds for a nutty flavor that really shines through.
- 1 cup sugar – this provides the necessary sweetness to balance the almond flavor.
- 3 large eggs – I always use large eggs for the right moisture and binding.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – it adds a lovely depth of flavor; don’t skip it!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – this helps your biscotti rise just enough to get that perfect texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – a hint of salt enhances all the flavors beautifully.
How to Prepare Christmas Almond Biscotti
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because an evenly heated oven ensures your biscotti bake perfectly, giving them that lovely crunchy texture we all love. So, go ahead and turn it on while you get everything else ready!
Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk it lightly to combine everything well; this helps ensure that your biscotti rise beautifully and have a uniform texture. I always get excited at this stage, imagining how delicious the end result will be!
Mix Wet Ingredients
Now, grab a larger bowl and whisk the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This can take a minute or two, but oh, it’s worth it! Once you see that lovely pale color, add in the vanilla extract and give it a quick stir. The aroma will make your heart sing!
Combine Ingredients
Next, it’s time to bring it all together. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Don’t overdo it; we want to keep that tenderness! It’s okay if you see a few flour streaks; we’ll be folding in the almonds next.
Incorporate Almonds
Now for my favorite part! Fold in the chopped almonds carefully until they’re evenly distributed. This step is essential because those crunchy bits are what make these biscotti so delightful. Take your time here—every bite deserves a piece of almond goodness!
Shape and Bake
Time to shape the dough! On a lined baking sheet, form the dough into a log, about 12 inches long and 3 inches wide. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but make sure it’s compact. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. The smell that fills your kitchen? Pure bliss!
Slice and Second Bake
After the initial baking, it’s time to slice! Remove the log from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing it into biscotti pieces—about 1 inch thick works best. Place the slices back on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This second bake is what gives them that signature crunch! Just wait until you taste them!
Tips for Success
To make your Christmas Almond Biscotti truly shine, here are some of my go-to tips! First, make sure your dough isn’t too sticky; if it is, sprinkle a little extra flour on your hands while shaping the log. This helps maintain that perfect shape! Keep an eye on your baking times—every oven is a little different, so check for that lovely golden color. And when serving, don’t forget that these biscotti are fantastic dipped in chocolate or paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They make for an elegant holiday treat that everyone will love!
Nutritional Information
Let’s take a look at the nutritional values for each delightful piece of Christmas Almond Biscotti. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Here’s what you can expect:
- Serving Size: 1 biscotti
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 3g
So, while you indulge in these crunchy treats, you can enjoy them guilt-free, knowing they pack a delightful flavor without overwhelming your calorie count. Happy baking!
FAQ Section
How can I store my biscotti?
Storing your Christmas Almond Biscotti properly is key to keeping them fresh and crunchy! I recommend placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about two weeks—if they last that long! Just make sure they’re completely cool before sealing them up to avoid any moisture buildup, which can make them lose their delightful crunch.
Can I substitute other nuts?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of almonds or just want to mix it up a bit, you can use other nuts like hazelnuts, walnuts, or pistachios. Each will bring its unique flavor and texture to the biscotti, so feel free to get creative! Just chop them up similarly to the almonds, and you’re good to go!
How long do biscotti last?
When stored correctly in an airtight container, your Christmas Almond Biscotti can last for up to two weeks at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy, and they’ll be just as delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
- A delightful holiday gift that’s sure to impress friends and family.
- Pairs beautifully with your favorite coffee or tea, making every sip a treat.
- Features a satisfying crunchy texture that you just can’t resist!
- Rich almond flavor that brings a festive touch to your dessert table.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your Christmas Almond Biscotti, the options are as delightful as the treats themselves! I absolutely love pairing these crunchy cookies with a steaming cup of coffee or a soothing cup of tea. The rich flavors of the almonds complement the warmth of the beverages perfectly, creating a cozy experience. You could even set up a little biscotti bar at your holiday gatherings—imagine a selection of flavored coffees, teas, and maybe some hot chocolate for a festive touch!
Feeling a bit more indulgent? Dip them in melted chocolate or drizzle some over the top for an extra treat! They also make a wonderful addition to a dessert platter, alongside other holiday sweets like cookies or mini pastries. Whatever you choose, these biscotti are sure to elevate the moment, bringing a little crunch and a whole lot of joy to your holiday celebrations!
Print
Christmas Almond Biscotti: 5 Crunchy Joys to Savor
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 biscotti 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Christmas treat with a crunchy texture and almond flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup almonds, chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until light.
- Add vanilla extract to the egg mixture.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients.
- Fold in chopped almonds.
- Form the dough into a log on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then slice the log into biscotti pieces.
- Return the biscotti to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best served with coffee or tea.
- Can be dipped in chocolate for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscotti
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Christmas Almond Biscotti