Cherry Almond Biscotti
User Reviews
4.9
Cherry Almond Biscotti
Description
Cherry Almond Biscotti combine nuts, dried cherries, and white chocolate chips into a sturdy twice-baked cookie. The dough includes granulated sugar, butter, almond and vanilla extracts, eggs, and leavening agents. After mixing, the dough is shaped into logs and baked until firm. Slices are then cut and baked again to create the characteristic dry crunch. Toasting the almonds beforehand deepens their flavor and crunchiness. Carefully draining the maraschino cherries prevents excess moisture, which helps maintain the biscotti's crispness.
The biscotti slices are golden and crisp, ideal for pairing with hot beverages or as a snack. They can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for several weeks, making them a convenient make-ahead treat. Freezing is also possible for longer storage, with thawing recommended before serving.
Toast slivered almonds in a dry skillet until fragrant and browned to enhance crunch and flavor.Soften butter at room temperature or gently in the microwave at low power to blend evenly into the dough.Drain and pat dry maraschino cherries thoroughly to reduce moisture and preserve biscotti crunch.White chocolate chips complement the fruity cherries and toasty almonds but can be substituted or omitted as preferred.Store biscotti in an airtight container away from heat and sunlight for up to three weeks.Biscotti freeze well when wrapped tightly; thaw at room temperature before serving.Variations include omitting cherries for classic almond biscotti or substituting toasted hazelnuts instead of almonds.Flavor variations can include adding anise seed with lemon zest or orange zest in place of the almond and cherry elements.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almonds toasted if desired (see note 1, slivered
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup butter softened (see note 2)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 egg
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup maraschino cherries well drained, patted dry, and finely chopped (see note 3)
- 8 ounces white chocolate chips (see note 4)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a stand mixer fit with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl by hand, beat sugar, butter, almond extract, vanilla extract, and eggs until uniformly combined.
- Add flour, baking powder, and baking soda and mix well. Stir in almonds and cherries. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Gently knead 2 to 3 minutes or until dough holds together. Divide dough in half. Shape each half of dough into a rectangle about 10” x 3”, rounding the corners, and place each rectangle on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake about 25 minutes or until the center of the dough is firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and cool on cookie sheet for 15 minutes.
- Remove to a cutting board. Cut each rectangle into ½-inch slices using a serrated knife. Place slices, cut side down, on the ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake 15 minutes longer or until crisp and lightly browned. Immediately remove to a wire rack and cool completely.
- Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat the chocolate in the microwave in 15 to 20-second intervals, stirring with a rubber spatula between each interval. Make sure you stir each time, or the chocolate could scorch. Once completely melted, carefully dip one end of each biscotti. Set on a cooling rack over a rimmed baking sheet to dry.
Notes
- Toast slivered almonds to enhance their nutty flavor and crunch.
- Soften butter at room temperature or microwave briefly at low power before use.
- Drain maraschino cherries very well to maintain a crisp texture in the biscotti.
- White chocolate chips add sweetness but can be swapped or omitted if desired.
- Store biscotti in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks at room temperature.
- Freeze biscotti tightly wrapped for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
- For classic almond biscotti, omit cherries but keep quantities the same.
- Try hazelnuts instead of almonds or add citrus zest and spices for other flavor profiles.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 24cookies
Amount Per Serving
Calories 206 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cookie | |
| Calories | 206kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 30g | 10% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 25mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 85mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 74mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 15g | 30% |
| Vitamin A | 144IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 42mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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