Hazelnut biscotti

Hazelnut Biscotti: a crunchy delicacy for indulgent moments

If you're looking for a biscotti recipe that will delight your taste buds, you've come to the right place! Biscotti are those crunchy cookies, perfect for enjoying alongside a fragrant coffee or a warm tea. This hazelnut recipe is not only simple but also full of flavor and texture. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 20 biscotti

Necessary ingredients

- 400 g flour
- 225 g sugar
- 200 g hazelnuts (roasted)
- 35 g oil (preferably sunflower oil or olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon ammonia (for baking)
- 1 tablespoon warm milk
- 3 eggs
- Zest of one orange
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar

A bit of history

Biscotti, also known as "twice-baked cookies", have a history that spans centuries. This type of cookie was originally created to be stored for a long time, making them ideal for long journeys. Once baked, biscotti were crunchy and durable, making them perfect companions for hot beverages. Today, biscotti are loved worldwide and have evolved into countless variations, each bringing a touch of originality.

Step by step: how to prepare hazelnut biscotti

1. Preparing the hazelnuts: Start by roasting the hazelnuts at 160-170°C for 10-12 minutes until they become golden and fragrant. This will enhance the flavor and add a crunchy texture to your biscotti.

2. Preheating the oven: Once the hazelnuts have cooled, preheat the oven to 180°C.

3. Mixing the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and light yellow. This step is essential for achieving fluffy and airy biscotti.

4. Adding the ammonia: Dissolve the ammonia in the warm milk and add it to the egg mixture, stirring continuously. Ammonia is the secret to crunchy biscotti, so don't skip it!

5. Including the oil: Incorporate the oil into the mixture while continuing to stir.

6. Adding the dry ingredients: Now, sift the flour into the wet ingredient mixture and mix on low speed, just until the flour is fully absorbed. Finally, add the roasted hazelnuts and the orange zest, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon.

7. Shaping the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Don't worry if it feels a bit sticky; that's perfectly normal! Shape it into a log about 2-3 cm high and 4 cm wide. Do not add extra flour.

8. Initial baking: Place the log on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the surface starts to crack and turns golden.

9. Cooling and slicing: Let the log cool for 10-15 minutes, then use a sharp knife to cut it into diagonal slices about 1 cm thick. This step is essential for achieving evenly crunchy biscotti.

10. Final baking: Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and bake again at 160°C for about 10-15 minutes until they become dry and crunchy. Make sure to turn them once during baking to ensure they dry evenly.

11. Final cooling: Once the biscotti are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a rack. This will help maintain their crunchy texture.

Serving and variations

These hazelnut biscotti are perfect for serving alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. If you want to add a twist, you can serve them with warm chocolate sauce for dipping.

If you prefer to experiment, you can replace the hazelnuts with almonds, cashews, or even peanuts, depending on your preferences. Each variation will bring a distinct flavor and unique texture.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use raw hazelnuts?
It is recommended to use roasted hazelnuts, as they provide a much more intense flavor and a more pleasant texture. Raw hazelnuts may lack the crunchiness needed for biscotti.

2. How can I store the biscotti?
To keep them fresh and crunchy, store the biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid moisture, as it can affect the texture.

3. Can I freeze the biscotti?
Yes! Biscotti can be frozen to keep them for a longer time. Make sure to wrap them well in cling film, then in aluminum foil or a freezer bag.

Nutritional benefits

Hazelnut biscotti are a good source of protein and healthy fats, thanks to the hazelnuts. They are also high in fiber, making them a healthier choice compared to other types of sweets. Each biscotti has about 90-100 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Personal note

The greatest joy that biscotti bring is that they are very versatile. You can add dark or white chocolate, dried fruits, or spices like cinnamon to customize them to your taste. And remember, if you store them in a paper bag, the biscotti will absorb a bit of moisture and become less crunchy, but still delicious!

So, now that you have all the necessary information, don't hesitate! Put on your kitchen apron and prepare your hazelnut biscotti, adding a touch of love and creativity! I look forward to hearing how they turned out!

 Ingredients: 400 g flour 225 g sugar 200 g hazelnuts 35 g oil 1 tbsp ammonia 1 tbsp warm milk 3 eggs grated peel of one orange 2 packets of vanilla sugar

 Tags:  biscotti