There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, especially when it comes to filling your home with the tantalizing scents of freshly baked treats. Italian cuisine is known for its rich flavors and delightful sweets, making it the perfect inspiration for our festive baking adventures. Today, we are going to dive into the world of Italian Christmas baking with a classic recipe that will transport you to the streets of Rome or the piazzas of Florence. Get ready to embrace the warmth and coziness of the season with our mouthwatering Cantucci Di Natale Christmas Almond Biscotti.
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1 cup whole almonds, toasted
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and use your fingers to rub it into the mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and orange zest together until smooth.
5. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring well to form a dough. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
6. Gently fold in the toasted whole almonds until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each portion into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
8. Bake the logs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are set and just beginning to turn golden brown.
9. Remove the logs from the oven and let them cool for about 10-15 minutes on a wire rack. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
10. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the logs on the diagonal into 1-inch-thick pieces. Arrange the biscotti cut side down on the baking sheet.
11. Bake the biscotti for an additional 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the baking time, until they are crisp and lightly golden.
12. Allow the Cantucci Di Natale Christmas Almond Biscotti to cool completely before serving. These delightful treats are perfect for dunking in your favorite hot beverage or enjoying as a sweet snack on their own.
Enjoy the festive spirit of the season with these delicious Italian Christmas biscotti that are sure to become a beloved tradition in your home. Share the love by gifting them to family and friends or simply savor them during quiet moments of reflection. The warmth of the holidays is captured in each crunchy bite of these almond-laden delights. Buon Natale!
