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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 large eggs - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract - Optional: 1/2 cup sliced almonds - Optional: 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips Gathering the right ingredients is key to making perfect cinnamon vanilla biscotti. You need basic pantry items like flour, sugar, and baking powder. Ground cinnamon gives it that warm spice flavor. The butter adds a rich taste and helps with the texture. Having room temperature eggs and butter is important. It helps the dough mix better and rise nicely. Pure vanilla extract adds a sweet aroma that makes these biscotti special. You can choose to add sliced almonds for crunch or chocolate chips for sweetness. Both options make the biscotti even more delightful. Make sure to measure everything accurately. This step helps ensure that your biscotti will turn out just right. Enjoy the process of gathering these ingredients. They come together to create a treat you will love! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to keep biscotti from sticking. 3. In a bowl, whisk together: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt 4. Mix well to combine all the dry ingredients. Set this bowl aside for now. 1. In a new bowl, cream together: - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar 2. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. 3. Add in the eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. 4. Stir in: - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract until fully blended. 1. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined. 2. If you want extra crunch, fold in: - 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional) - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional) 3. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Shape each into a log about 12 inches long. 4. Place the logs on the baking sheet. Flatten them slightly for even baking. 5. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for golden, firm logs. 1. After baking, cool the logs on the sheet for about 10 minutes. 2. Use a sharp knife to slice each log diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces. 3. Lay the slices cut side down on the baking sheet. 4. Return them to the oven for another 10-15 minutes. Turn them halfway for even crispness. 5. Remove the biscotti when they are lightly browned and crisp. 6. Let the biscotti cool completely on a wire rack. This helps them get crunchy. To get the best texture, bake at the right temperature. I use 350°F (175°C). This heat makes the biscotti crisp but not burnt. Ensure the oven is preheated. I also line my baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking, making cleanup easy. Avoid overmixing the dough. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the biscotti tough. You want a light and airy texture. If you add nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in gently. For a twist on flavor, try adding orange zest. It pairs well with cinnamon. You can also use different nuts like walnuts or pecans. They add a nice crunch. If you want more sweetness, use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet. Baking at 350°F gives the best results. It allows the biscotti to rise and develop a nice golden color. Make sure to check them halfway through baking. This way, they cook evenly and avoid burning. For a lovely display, serve the biscotti in a clear glass jar. This adds charm to your table. You can also arrange them on a decorative plate. Pair biscotti with rich espresso for a classic touch. Tea also works well, especially with the cinnamon flavor. This combination makes for a delightful snack or dessert. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better emulsification, which results in a smoother batter and a lighter biscotti. Customize Your Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, spices, or even dried fruits to create unique flavor combinations tailored to your taste. Slice with Precision: Use a serrated knife to slice the biscotti after the first bake for perfectly clean edges and to avoid crumbling. Store for Freshness: Keep your biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crunchiness for up to two weeks. {{image_4}} If you want a nut-free treat, you can replace almonds with seeds. Try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nice crunch. You can also add dried fruits like cranberries or apricots to keep it tasty. For those with allergies, always check labels. It's key to ensure your add-ins are safe. You can change the flavor of your biscotti easily. Instead of cinnamon, try nutmeg or cardamom for a unique taste. You can also use almond or coconut extract in place of vanilla. If you love chocolate, swap in dark chocolate chunks or white chocolate. These changes keep the recipe fun and exciting. If you need gluten-free biscotti, use a blend of gluten-free flour. Almond flour works well and adds a nice flavor. You can also mix in a bit of cornstarch or tapioca flour to help with texture. Keep an eye on the dough; it may feel different. Adjusting your baking time can help achieve the perfect crunch. To keep your cinnamon vanilla biscotti fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from becoming soft. A clear glass jar works great for display and keeps them crunchy. You can also use a plastic container with a secure lid. If you stack the biscotti, place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. You can freeze biscotti for longer storage. Start by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This prevents them from clumping together. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a warm treat, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. Enjoy them crisp and fresh! Can I substitute butter with oil? Yes, you can use oil instead of butter. Use a light oil, like canola. This change will make your biscotti a bit softer, but they will still taste great. How long do biscotti last? Biscotti can last up to two weeks if stored right. Keep them in an airtight container to stay fresh. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can make biscotti ahead of time. They store well, so you can bake them a few days in advance. Why are my biscotti too soft? If your biscotti are soft, they might not have baked long enough. Make sure to bake them until golden. Also, check your oven temperature for accuracy. How can I make them crispier? To make your biscotti crispier, extend the second bake time. Bake until they are golden brown and feel firm to the touch. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet? Yes, dark chocolate can replace semi-sweet chocolate. It will add a richer flavor but be mindful of the sweetness balance. What can I use instead of eggs? You can use applesauce or mashed bananas as egg substitutes. Use 1/4 cup for each egg. This will change the texture a bit but adds moisture. Now you know how to make delicious biscotti. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You also learned about variations for special diets and how to store your treats. Final thoughts: Baking is fun and rewarding. Experiment with flavors and find what you love. Enjoy every bite of your homemade biscotti!

Cinnamon Vanilla Biscotti

Deliciously crunchy biscotti flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, perfect for dipping in coffee or tea.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 24
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 quarter teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup sliced almonds (optional, for crunch)
  • 0.5 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for a sweet addition)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This will ensure an even distribution of all dry ingredients. Set the dry mixture aside.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the eggs to the creamed butter mixture, one at a time, ensuring you mix well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Then, stir in the pure vanilla extract until fully combined.
  • Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined and being careful not to overmix. If you choose to add them, fold in the sliced almonds and chocolate chips at this stage for extra texture and flavor.
  • Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each half into a log approximately 12 inches long on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each log slightly to promote even baking.
  • Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the logs are golden and firm to the touch.
  • Once baked, remove the logs from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes to firm up slightly.
  • After cooling, use a sharp knife to slice each log at a diagonal angle into 1/2-inch thick biscotti pieces.
  • Lay the slices cut side down back onto the baking sheet. Return them to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, turning them halfway through to achieve an even crispness, until they are lightly browned and crisp all around.
  • Finally, remove the biscotti from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack, allowing them to dry out and develop their signature crunch.

Notes

For a charming presentation, serve the biscotti in a clear glass jar or elegantly arranged on a decorative plate. Pair with a side of rich espresso or soothing tea for a delightful indulgence!
Keyword biscotti, cinnamon, cookies, vanilla