Name: Cherry Almond Biscotti: A Sweet, Crunchy Treat You’ll Fall In Love With
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped; 1 cup sliced almonds (or whole almonds)

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There’s something truly special about a homemade biscotti—crispy, flavorful, and perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. Cherry Almond Biscotti is one of those treats that combines the richness of almonds with the sweet, tangy burst of dried cherries. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Cherry Almond Biscotti is a perfect balance of crunchy and sweet, with the almonds adding a nutty richness and the dried cherries offering a pop of fruity goodness in every bite. The recipe is incredibly easy to follow, and the result is a delightful treat that’s perfect for snacking or serving at your next get-together. Plus, these biscotti are made to last, so you can enjoy them for days to come.

Ingredients (Full list below)

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
1 cup sliced almonds (or whole almonds)

Full list of ingredients below.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the biscotti from sticking, and set it aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer or a stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This will help create that perfect crunchiness in the biscotti.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract, ensuring everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—biscotti dough should be a little thick and sticky, but not too wet.

Step 6: Fold in Cherries and Almonds

Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries and sliced almonds. This is where the magic happens—the cherries will add a chewy sweetness, while the almonds give the biscotti its signature crunch.

Step 7: Shape the Dough

Turn the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Using your hands, shape it into a long, slightly flattened log, about 12 inches long and 3 inches wide. Don’t worry if it’s a bit rough around the edges—the baking process will smooth it out.

Step 8: Bake the First Time

Bake the dough in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the log is golden brown and firm to the touch. It should not be soft in the middle. Once done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 9: Slice and Bake Again

Once the dough is cool enough to handle, slice it into 1/2-inch thick pieces using a serrated knife. Lay the slices flat on the baking sheet and bake them again for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden and crisp. Flip the biscotti halfway through to ensure even baking on both sides.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Let the biscotti cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, they’re ready to be enjoyed! Serve them with coffee, tea, or just by themselves as a perfect snack.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Crispier Biscotti: If you prefer your biscotti extra crunchy, feel free to bake them a bit longer in the second round. Just be careful not to burn them.
Flavor Boost: Add a tablespoon of orange zest or lemon zest to the dough for a fresh twist on the classic flavor combination.
Storage: Biscotti will keep for about 2 weeks in an airtight container, so they’re perfect for making ahead for holidays or gift-giving.
Dipping: For an extra special touch, dip the cooled biscotti in melted dark chocolate and let it harden before serving. It adds a decadent touch!

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Dried Fruit: If you’re not a fan of cherries, you can substitute dried cranberries, apricots, or even raisins.
Nuts: You can swap out the almonds for walnuts, pistachios, or even hazelnuts to give your biscotti a different flavor profile.
Flour: If you’re gluten-free, feel free to use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to replace the regular flour.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Cherry Almond Biscotti is perfect on its own with a hot drink, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of desserts or fruit. You could serve it alongside a fruit compote or with a bowl of creamy yogurt for breakfast. It’s also fantastic dipped in hot chocolate or coffee, making it an ideal treat for the holiday season.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Biscotti is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If you want to keep them longer, you can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their crunch.

4 FAQs

Can I make this recipe without almond extract?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have almond extract, simply substitute it with extra vanilla extract or a touch of cinnamon for a warm flavor.
Can I make these biscotti gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Be sure to check the flour blend for any other ingredients you might need to add.
How can I prevent my biscotti from becoming too hard?
Make sure you bake the dough just long enough the first time. Over-baking it during the first round can lead to too much crunchiness. Also, don’t bake them too long during the second round.
Can I dip the biscotti in chocolate?
Yes! Melt some dark or white chocolate and dip the cooled biscotti halfway for an extra indulgent treat. Let the chocolate harden before serving.

Conclusion

Cherry Almond Biscotti is the kind of treat you can feel proud to serve to family and friends. With the perfect balance of sweet and savory, this recipe is simple enough for an everyday snack yet special enough for a festive occasion. The cherries and almonds make a dynamic duo, and the crispy texture is simply irresistible. Try making a batch today—you might just find that you can’t stop at one!

Cherry Almond Biscotti: A Sweet, Crunchy Treat You’ll Fall In Love With

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Cherry Almond Biscotti is a delightful treat that combines the richness of almonds with the sweet burst of dried cherries. Crispy, flavorful, and perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, this homemade biscotti is always a crowd-pleaser and a lasting snack.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 24 pieces 1x
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Extracts: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Fold in Cherries and Almonds: Gently fold in chopped dried cherries and sliced almonds.
Shape the Dough: Shape the dough into a log, about 12 inches long and 3 inches wide, on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake First Round: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and firm.
Slice and Bake Again: After cooling for 10 minutes, slice the log into 1/2-inch thick pieces and bake again for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Cool and Serve: Let biscotti cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

Crispier Biscotti: For extra crunch, bake longer in the second round, but avoid burning.
Flavor Boost: Add orange or lemon zest for a refreshing twist.
Storage: Biscotti keeps well for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container or up to 3 months in the freezer.