Almond Amaretti Biscotti with Orange Zest
Crunchy almond biscotti with fragrant orange zest, perfect for dipping into coffee or dessert wine. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 57 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 cup whole almonds, chopped
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1/4 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt; set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 3/4 cup granulated sugar with 2 large eggs and 1 tsp almond extract until pale and thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp orange zest, then gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined. Fold in 1 cup chopped whole almonds evenly.
- Step 4: On a lightly floured surface, divide dough in half and shape each half into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Place logs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 5: Bake logs for 25 minutes until golden and firm to the touch. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Step 6: Using a serrated knife, slice logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick biscotti. Arrange slices cut side down on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 12 minutes, flipping halfway through until crisp and toasted.
- Step 7: Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Almond Amaretti Biscotti with Orange Zest take to make?
Total time is about 57 minutes (20 min prep + 37 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Almond Amaretti Biscotti with Orange Zest?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Almond Amaretti Biscotti with Orange Zest?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Almond Amaretti Biscotti with Orange Zest for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Almond Amaretti Biscotti with Orange Zest?
Italian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
