Nothing beats the cozy comfort of enjoying a hot cup of coffee or tea with a delightful snack. Hazelnut biscotti are a classic Italian treat that perfectly complements your favorite hot beverage. These crunchy, nutty cookies are twice-baked to achieve the perfect texture for dipping. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, this hazelnut biscotti recipe is a must-have in your baking repertoire.
Hazelnut Biscotti
Ingredients:
– 1 cup whole hazelnuts
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until fragrant. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Rub the hazelnuts with a kitchen towel to remove the skins. Chop the hazelnuts roughly and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Gently fold in the chopped hazelnuts until evenly distributed.
5. Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, shape each portion into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Place the logs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart.
6. Bake the logs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool for about 10-15 minutes.
7. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C). Using a sharp knife, slice the logs diagonally into 1/2 inch thick pieces. Place the biscotti cut side down on the baking sheet.
8. Bake the biscotti for an additional 15-18 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are crisp and golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
9. If desired, melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water or in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled biscotti and allow it to set before serving.
Enjoy these hazelnut biscotti with your favorite hot beverage or package them up beautifully to give as a thoughtful homemade gift. The combination of toasted hazelnuts and orange zest in these biscotti creates a delightful flavor profile that is sure to impress. With their crunchy texture and sweet aroma, these biscotti are the perfect treat for any occasion.
