Orange Zest Almond Biscotti
Crunchy twice-baked Italian almond cookies with bright notes of fresh orange zest, perfect for dunking in coffee or tea. 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 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 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup, softened unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp, finely grated orange zest
- 1 cup, toasted and coarsely chopped whole almonds
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp pure vanilla extract and 1 tbsp finely grated orange zest. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Step 4: Fold in 1 cup toasted coarsely chopped whole almonds until evenly distributed.
- Step 5: Divide dough in half and shape each half into a log approximately 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Place logs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing apart.
- Step 6: Bake for 25 minutes until lightly golden and firm to the touch. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Step 7: Using a serrated knife, slice logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange slices cut side down on the baking sheet.
- Step 8: Bake sliced biscotti for an additional 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden. Cool completely on wire racks before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Orange Zest 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 Orange Zest 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 Orange Zest 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 Orange Zest Almond 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 Orange Zest 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.
