Italian Almond Orange Biscotti
Crunchy twice-baked biscotti with fragrant orange zest and toasted almonds for dipping in coffee or dessert wine. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 70 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 110 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 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp, finely grated orange zest
- 1 cup, toasted and chopped whole almonds
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat 3 large eggs with 1 tsp vanilla extract and 2 tbsp finely grated orange zest until combined.
- Step 3: Pour the egg mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms, then fold in 1 cup toasted and chopped whole almonds.
- Step 4: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 5: Bake logs for 25 minutes until lightly golden, then remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Step 6: Using a serrated knife, slice each log diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces and place them cut side down back on the baking sheet.
- Step 7: Bake the slices an additional 10-12 minutes per side, flipping halfway through, until crisp and golden brown.
- Step 8: Cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian Almond Orange Biscotti take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (20 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 Italian Almond Orange 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 Italian Almond Orange 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 Italian Almond Orange Biscotti 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 Italian Almond Orange 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.
