Biscotti, a delightful Italian creation, is simply perfect for enjoying alongside your morning coffee or as an afternoon treat. These crunchy, yet slightly tender cookies are an absolute delight to bake and even better to eat. Today, we bring to you a wonderful twist on the classic biscotti recipe – Lemon Almond Biscotti. Filled with zesty lemon flavor and a delightful crunch from almonds, these biscotti make for a lovely addition to any tea time or dessert spread. Let’s get baking!
### Lemon Almond Biscotti
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Zest of 2 lemons
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup sliced almonds
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest until well combined.
3. **Incorporate Butter:** Add the softened butter to the flour mixture. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla extract together until well blended.
5. **Bring It Together:** Slowly pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms. It may seem a bit crumbly at first, but keep mixing until it comes together.
6. **Add Almonds:** Gently fold in the sliced almonds, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. **Shape the Biscotti:** Divide the dough in half. On the prepared baking sheet, shape each half into a log, roughly 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Ensure they are spaced apart as they will expand during baking.
8. **Bake:** Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the biscotti logs for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and set.
9. **Slice and Bake Again:** Remove the logs from the oven and let them cool for 10-15 minutes. Using a sharp knife, slice the logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Place the slices back on the baking sheet, cut side down, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are crisp and golden.
10. **Cool and Enjoy:** Once baked, transfer the biscotti to a wire rack to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
These delightful Lemon Almond Biscotti make a wonderful homemade gift or a sweet indulgence to have on hand for any occasion. Feel free to customize them by adding a drizzle of lemon glaze or dipping them in white chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy these treats with a steaming cup of tea or coffee to experience the perfect balance of citrusy zest and nutty crunch. Happy baking!
