Classic Italian Amaretti Almond Biscotti
Crunchy twice-baked biscotti infused with almond extract and crushed amaretti cookies for a nutty, sweet finish perfect for dipping. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 60 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 150 calories and feeds 16, 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
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 3/4 cup crushed amaretti cookies
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- optional powdered sugar, for dusting
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 cups all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 6 tbsp softened unsalted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in 1 tsp almond extract.
- Step 3: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a dough forms. Gently fold in 3/4 cup crushed amaretti cookies and 1/2 cup sliced almonds by hand.
- Step 4: Divide dough in half and shape each half into a 12-inch long, 2-inch wide log on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten logs slightly with your hands.
- Step 5: Bake for 25 minutes until golden and firm. Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes.
- Step 6: Using a serrated knife, slice logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick biscotti. Arrange slices cut side down on baking sheet and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp and dry.
- Step 7: Cool completely on wire racks and optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Italian Amaretti Almond Biscotti take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 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 Italian Amaretti Almond Biscotti?
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 Italian Amaretti Almond Biscotti?
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 Italian Amaretti Almond Biscotti for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). 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 Italian Amaretti Almond Biscotti?
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.
