Instructions
10 steps · tick them off as you cookPreheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, ¾ cup (150 g) sugar, 1 tsp baking powder and ¼ tsp salt.
In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs with 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter, 1 tbsp fresh orange juice, 1 tbsp orange zest, 1 tsp vanilla extract and ½ tsp anise seeds until smooth.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms, then fold in 1 cup (140 g) whole raw almonds.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly to bring it together, then divide in half and shape each piece into a log about 10 inches (25 cm) long and 2 inches (5 cm) wide.
Transfer logs to the baking sheet, spacing them 4 inches (10 cm) apart, and bake for 25 minutes until firm to the touch and lightly golden.
25 minutesRemove from the oven, let cool for 15 minutes, then transfer to a cutting board and slice on a slight diagonal into ¾-inch (2 cm) pieces using a serrated knife.
15 minutesArrange the slices cut-side down on the baking sheet and bake for another 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden on both sides.
10-12 minutesCool completely on a wire rack until fully hardened and shatter-crisp.
Melt 3 oz (85 g) dark chocolate with 1 tsp butter over a double boiler, then drizzle over the cooled biscotti and let set for 20 minutes before serving.
20 minutes
Chef's tip
Let the logs rest 15 minutes after the first bake before slicing: cutting them too warm crumbles the edges, but cutting them too cool cracks the cookies. That window gives you clean, professional slices.
Suggested pairing
Serve alongside a small glass of Vin Santo for classic dunking, or with an afternoon cappuccino.
About this recipe
Twice-baked almond biscotti perfumed with orange zest and a hint of anise, finished with a dark chocolate drizzle: perfect for dunking.
ItalianEasycrispybatch-cookingbudgetfamily-friendly
