Biscotti Alle Mandorle Almond Cookies

During the festive season, Italian households come alive with the delightful aromas of traditional Christmas baking. One beloved treat that graces many holiday tables is Biscotti Alle Mandorle, sweet almond cookies that are perfect for serving alongside a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of vin santo. These crisp, yet tender cookies are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to delight your guests. Let’s dive into the world of Italian Christmas baking with this delicious recipe for Biscotti Alle Mandorle.

Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup almonds, coarsely chopped
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and chopped almonds. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, almond extract, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and well combined.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently to form a soft dough. If the dough seems too sticky, you can add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.
5. Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a long log, about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
6. Bake the logs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and firm to the touch.
7. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the logs cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
8. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the logs on the diagonal into 1-inch-thick slices. Arrange the slices on the baking sheet, cut side down.
9. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and bake the cookies for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden and crisp.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Enjoy these Biscotti Alle Mandorle with a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine for a truly indulgent treat that captures the essence of Italian holiday baking. These almond cookies are not only delicious but also make wonderful gifts for loved ones when wrapped in pretty packaging tied with a festive ribbon. Embrace the spirit of the season with these delightful Italian Christmas cookies that are sure to become a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire.