Classic Biscotti with Almonds and Orange Zest
Crunchy twice-baked Italian cookies featuring toasted almonds and bright citrus notes from fresh orange zest, perfect for dunking in coffee or tea. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 65 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder 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 130 calories and feeds 20, 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 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 cup, toasted and roughly chopped whole almonds
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt until combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs with 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1 tbsp fresh orange zest until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix with a wooden spoon until dough forms, then fold in 1 cup toasted chopped almonds evenly.
- Step 5: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a 12-inch long, 2-inch wide log on the baking sheet.
- Step 6: Bake logs for 25 minutes until golden and firm to the touch.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes, then slice each log diagonally into 1/2-inch thick biscotti pieces.
- Step 8: Arrange biscotti cut side down on the baking sheet and bake again for 12 minutes, flip the biscotti, and bake another 12 minutes until dry and crisp.
- Step 9: Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Biscotti with Almonds and Orange Zest take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 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 Classic Biscotti with Almonds and 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 Classic Biscotti with Almonds and 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 Classic Biscotti with Almonds and Orange Zest for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 20 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 20). 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 Classic Biscotti with Almonds and 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.
