Ethiopian Coffee-Inspired Cardamom and Clove Biscotti

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crunchy biscotti flavored with warm Ethiopian coffee spices cardamom and clove, perfect for dipping in coffee or tea. This african-inspired desserts ready in about 55 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 150 calories and feeds 12, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 12 African cuisine 150 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp ground cardamom, 1/2 tsp ground cloves, 1/4 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp finely ground Ethiopian coffee beans until combined.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs with 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
  4. Step 4: Divide dough into two equal parts. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, shape each half into a log about 12 inches long and 3 inches wide, flattening slightly.
  5. Step 5: Bake logs for 25 minutes until golden and firm to the touch. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Using a serrated knife, cut logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange slices cut side down on the baking sheet.
  7. Step 7: Bake biscotti for an additional 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp and toasted. Cool completely before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ethiopian Coffee-Inspired Cardamom and Clove Biscotti take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 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 Ethiopian Coffee-Inspired Cardamom and Clove 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 Ethiopian Coffee-Inspired Cardamom and Clove 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 Ethiopian Coffee-Inspired Cardamom and Clove Biscotti for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). 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 Ethiopian Coffee-Inspired Cardamom and Clove Biscotti?

African 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.

Related recipes