Italian cookies called biscotti are one of my favorites. I used to buy them until I realized how easy they are to make. They have a dry crunchy texture, but when you dunk them they soften. They are absolutely delicious just as they are or after dunking them in coffee.
Biscotti are Italian cookies that are rectangular in shape and twice baked. They are somewhat dry like a biscuit, which makes them great for dunking. They originated in the city of Prato and are served for dessert with vino. Outside of Italy they are often served with coffee or tea. Coffee and biscotti please!
INGREDIENTS
4 Cups gluten free flour (Bob’s red mill)
1 1/2 teaspoons gluten free baking soda
2 teaspoons xanthan gum
1 1/2 Cups sugar
1 Cup crisco
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
1/3 cup craisins
1/3 almonds chopped
You can also add gluten free dairy free chocolate chips or another kind of nut.
Making Italian Biscotti
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
Italian biscotti are great for any time, but I always make them for Christmas!
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix the gluten free flour, xanthan gum and gluten free baking powder in a medium bowl. Get another bowl and mix together the butter, sugar, lemon zest, and salt. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the flour mixture and beat until blended. Stir in the almonds and craisins.
Divide the dough into 2 equal amounts. Form the dough into a roll, about 13 inches long and 3 inches wide and then put them on the prepared baking pan. Bake the biscotti logs for about 40 minutes, or until they turn a light golden brown color. Let the biscotti logs cool for 30 minutes.
Baking the Biscotti a Second Time
Now place the logs on a cutting board. Get a sharp serrated knife and cut the log into 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick slices. Arrange the biscotti cut side down on the baking sheet. Bake the biscotti until they turn a light golden brown color. This should take about 15 minutes. Transfer the biscotti to a cooling rack until they cool completely.
Once the biscotti are cool you can dip half the cookie in melted chocolate if you wish.
Italian biscotti make fantastic holiday cookies because you can make them ahead of time. The hard biscuit like cookie stays fresh longer and they don’t break apart easily. You can enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea.
Be sure to share them with family or friends.