Roan’s Chocolate Chip Almond Biscotti Recipe

We are sharing The Perfect Biscotti Recipe made for holiday gift giving, Plus festive Biscotti Decorating Ideas

Inspired by his grandfather’s love of biscottis, his father’s love of anything Italian, and my love of anything sweet, my son Roan perfected this biscotti recipe and was sweet enough to let me share it with all of you. He even created a video tutorial to show you just how easy it can be to make the perfect biscotti. A nice break from the decadence of the holidays, this recipe hits just the right balance between sweet and savory we all love. We’re sure you will love it too.

Chocolate Chip Almond Biscotti Traditional Italian Christmas cookies recipe The Design Twins pin

My son Roan LOVES to cook. He’s shown an interest in cooking since he was old enough to hold a fork. He started by helping me in the kitchen with some of my favorite baking favorites. While I prefer baking sweets, Roan is more interested in cooking healthy things. Biscotti seems to be the exception to this rule.

Inspired by his grandmother and grandfather who love to take fresh vegetables from their garden and cook simple, wholesome dinners, Roan started his own garden about four years ago. He grew vegetables like his grandparents. He decided to grow his own basil so he could replicate his grandmother’s famous pesto recipe. I’ll have to share that in another post.

Roan’s grandfather originally introduced him to biscotti. Roan watched his grandfather cooking these on weekends at their ranch. It was love at first crunch.

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Here is Roan’s first-ever video cooking tutorial. We hope you enjoy it.

Biscotti Makes the Perfect Homemade Christmas Gift!

  • They are quite solid after baking and do not break or crumble easily. This makes biscotti ideal for wrapping up and delivering to friends and neighbors.
  • Biscotti stays fresh and crunchy much longer than normal cookies and other baked goods. Wrap them in festive plastic gift bags and tie with a bow. Not only will they look beautiful, but they will still be fresh enough for you to deliver to all your friends and still have that fresh-baked taste.
  • Are you struggling to find unique gifts to throw in your kids’ stockings this year? Well, this long-lasting treat makes the perfect stocking stuffer for kids of all ages. I mean, who doesn’t like sugar? Am I right?
  • They put an extra special spin on your typical holiday cookie. This will make your friends feel like you went out of your way to make THEM feel extra special this holiday season. Don’t worry, they don’t have to know how easy they actually are to make.

Holiday Entertaining with Biscotti

If you are hosting your family’s Christmas this year or simply hosting the annual Christmas party, biscotti is ideal for serving guests all day long. They can pass as a decadent breakfast, an afternoon treat or a late night snack. If you’re looking for a fun activity to keep kids busy while the adults wrap presents or cook dinner, have them decorate a batch of these babies. Set out sprinkles, icing, candies, all the works. Have them compete to make the most beautiful cookie(s) and the adults can be the judges. Such a cute idea to pass the time on a cold winter day.

What is Biscotti?

Biscotti in Italian literally means twice-baked. Traditional cookies in Italy were probably created like this for two reasons. One reason is because the extra bake time takes excess moisture out of the cookies. Since moisture creates opportunity for bacteria to form, this allows the cookies to be stored for longer periods of time.

The second reason is that back then, it was harder to regulate oven temperatures. Baking once at a higher temperature and then a lower temperature ensured that the cookies were completely cooked without being overdone. The crunchy cookie also fits in nicely with the Italian practice of dipping their biscotti into coffee, hot cocoa or hot milk. Feel free to explore more about the history of biscotti.

italian christmas cookie biscotti perfect for holiday gift giving

What is the Origin of Biscotti?

The original biscotti was an almond biscuit from the city of Prato called Cantuccio. The word biscotti in modern Italian literally refers to any kind of cookie or biscuit. The cookie was known for its oblong shape and was originally dipped in Vin Santo (not coffee).

How to Make Your Own Biscotti

Biscotti Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup chopped almonds
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Biscotti Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or dust with flour.

Mix the Dough

    • Whisk the flour and baking powder in a medium bowl. Set aside.
    • In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer (or mix by hand as Roan likes to do) to combine sugar, butter, lemon zest and salt. Beat in eggs one at a time.
    • Add the flour mixture just until combined.
    • Chop nuts. Stir nuts and chocolate chips into biscotti dough.

Form the Biscotti

  • Form the dough into a 13-inch-long 3-4 inch wide log on prepared baking sheet.
  • Biscotti Dough should be about 1 inch thick.
  • Roan’s Tip: If the dough is sticky just add a bit more flour.

biscotti makes the perfect stocking stuffer or party favor at all your holiday gatherings

Bake Your Biscotti

  • Bake about 40 minutes. Cool for 30 minutes.
  • Place the cooled log on cutting board. Cut into ½ – ¾-inch diagonal slices using a sharp serrated knife. Arrange the biscotti cut side down on the baking sheet. Bake 15-20 minutes until edges start to turn golden brown.
  • Transfer to rack to cool completely.

Storing Your Biscotti

    • Biscotti can be made ahead and stored in airtight container up to a week.
    • Biscotti can also be frozen for several weeks. Wrap in foil and place in sealed plastic freezer bags.

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Other Biscotti Mix-in Options

Try adding these mix-ins or toppings to your biscotti for more varieties.

  • Different types of nuts like pistachios, walnuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts or other nuts you have on hand.
  • Add a glaze or rich icing to all or part of your biscotti creations.
  • Add cranberries, dates, raisins or other dried chopped fruit.
  • Try different flavorings like anise, amaretto, lemon, lavendar…the list is endless.

Let your creativity take over and experiment creating your favorite biscotti combinations.

For more delicious Italian Christmas cookie recipes, visit the Farm Girl Gabs blog!

gift the gift of Italian cookie goodness with our easy homemade biscotti recipe

Biscotti Decorating Ideas

  • dip ends in white (or dark) chocolate.
  • coat long side edge in white (or dark) chocolate.
  • drizzle with white (or dark) chocolate.
  • sprinkle with colored sugar.
  • sprinkle with coarse sea salt crystals.

These are all tasty ideas and add even more elegance to this sophisticated Italian cookie.

Please let us know how you like this biscotti recipe and if you made any changes. We would also love to know if you are interested in seeing more of Roan’s recipes. Your feedback is so helpful. Please comment, pin and use the “I made it” feature on Pinterest.

Learn how to make biscotti from my 14 year old son with his easy video tutorial.
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Chocolate Chip Almond Biscotti

My 14 year old son Roan breaks the myth that Biscotti is hard to make. He created this deliciously sweet and balanced Biscotti with his favorite ingredients. His simple video tutorial will help you realize how easy it is to make.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time55 minutes
Total Time1 hour 55 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: almond, biscotti, chocolate chip, cookie, Italian dessert, nut recipe
Servings: 15 biscotti
Calories: 152kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • teaspoon baking powder
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ½ cup butter unsalted, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest grated
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs large
  • ½ cup almonds chopped
  • ¼ cup pecans chopped
  • 1 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet

Instructions

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or dust with flour.

Mix the Dough

  • Whisk the flour and baking powder in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl use an electric mixer (or mix by hand as Roan likes to do) to combine sugar, butter, lemon zest and salt. Beat in eggs 1 at a time.
  • Add the flour mixture just until combined.
  • Chop nuts. Stir nuts and chocolate chips into dough.

Form the Biscotti

  • Form the dough into a 13-inch-long 3-4 inch wide log on prepared baking sheet.
  • Dough should be about 1 inch thick.
  • Roan's Tip: If the dough is sticky just add a bit more flour.

Bake

  • Bake about 40 minutes. Cool for 30 minutes.
  • Place the cooled log on cutting board. Cut into ½ - ¾-inch diagonal slices using a sharp serrated knife. Arrange the biscotti cut side down on the baking sheet. Bake 15-20 minutes until edges start to turn golden brown.
  • Transfer to rack to cool completely.

Enjoying & Storing

  • Biscotti can be made ahead and stored in airtight container up to 4 days. Biscotti can also be frozen for up to 3 weeks. Wrap in foil and place in sealed plastic freezer bags.

Other Biscotti Options to Try

  • Other options: Try swapping out the nuts, adding cranberries, or dipping in white or dark chocolate. For a different look you can also drizzle with chocolate.

Video

Notes

My son Roan LOVES to cook. He's shown an interest in cooking since he was old enough to hold a fork and started by helping me in the kitchen with some of my favorite baking favorites....cakes, cookies and brownies. Do you sense a theme? Yes, I love anything sweet. But Roan is more interested in cooking healthy things. Inspired by his grand mother and grand father who love to take fresh vegetables from their garden and cook simple wholesome dinners, Roan started his own garden about 3 or 4 years ago. He grew vegetables like his grandparents but was especially interested in growing his own basil so he could replicate his grandmother's famous pesto recipe. I'll have to share that in another post!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 152kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 98mg | Potassium: 78mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 46IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 1mg

Be sure to try these other amazing Christmas cookie recipes…..

Candy Cane Thumbprint Christmas Cookies from Modern Glam // Mint Chocolate Candy Cane Kiss Cookies from The Happy Housie // Peppermint Meltaway Cookies from Inspiration for Moms // Chewy and Soft Ginger Cookies from Twelve On Main

Christmas Cookie Recipe from Happy Happy Nester // Maple Pecan Tassies from The DIY Mommy // Secret Ingredient Soft Gingerbread Cookies from Jenna Kate at Home // Molasses Ginger Cookies from Finding Lovely 

Jam-Filled Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies from Your Marketing BFF // Hello Dolly Bars from A Blue Nest // Chocolate Chip Almond Biscotti from The Design Twins // Oatmeal Whoopie Pies from She Gave It A Go

 

More Dessert Recipes You’ll Love:

White Chocolate Peppermint Holiday Cake

Holiday Ginger Spiced Nuts

 

Happy Holidays and Happy Baking!

jodie & julie
Chocolate Chip Almond Biscotti make the perfect homemade Christmas gift
 

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  5. Debbie says:

    5 stars
    Thanks Roan for sharing your recipe. I didn’t make it yet but I will. They look so yummy and my husband and I love biscottis. I plan on making them and sharing them with my family for Christmas. I watch all your cooking stories on IG. I love all your tips as well. Keep cooking because I will be watching. Have a wonderful Christmas with your family. ❤️👏🏻👍🏻

  6. Jennifer says:

    5 stars
    Thank you Roan, for your biscotti recipe and video tutorial! You make it look so easy. I never even thought about attempting to make biscotti because I always thought it would be too difficult. But I am going to try your recipe. Thank you again, for sharing it with us and keep up the good work!

  7. […] Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies from Your Marketing BFF // Hello Dolly Bars from A Blue Nest // Chocolate Chip Almond Biscotti from The Design Twins // Oatmeal Whoopie Pies from She Gave It A […]

  8. Elizabeth says:

    Great job on your video! You make it look so easy, you have inspired me to make some myself.
    Thanks for sharing your recipe!

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Elizabeth,
      Thank you for the sweet words on this post! You are too kind! We are so glad to hear that sweet friend. Of course.
      Happy Holidays,
      Jodie & Julie

  9. Linda Scoville says:

    Roan is adorable, so enjoyed his biscotti recipe! Loved that hi used a hand mixer, don’t see that often?! Hope he keeps his love of cooking up.
    Merry merry Roan🎄🎅⛄️

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Linda,
      Thank you so much for the kind words on this post! We are so glad you enjoyed the biscotti recipe! Yes, he is an old-fashioned baker that boy. We will pass the message along to Roan.
      Happy Holidays,
      Jodie & Julie

  10. […] Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies from Your Marketing BFF // Hello Dolly Bars from A Blue Nest // Chocolate Chip Almond Biscotti from The Design Twins // Oatmeal Whoopie Pies from She Gave It A […]

  11. Justin says:

    Great recipe. Friendly hint: Biscotti is already plural. If it were singular, it would be “Biscotto”

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Justin,
      Thank you so much! We are so glad you enjoyed this blog post. Oh thank you for the correction, we appreciate that! We want to give you correct information so this is very helpful. Hope to see you here in the future!
      Lots of love,
      Jodie & Julie

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  14. […] Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies from Your Marketing BFF // Hello Dolly Bars from A Blue Nest // Chocolate Chip Almond Biscotti from The Design Twins // Oatmeal Whoopie Pies from She Gave It A […]

  15. Pat says:

    Roan, I thoroughly enjoyed your video! I always thought that Biscotti was difficult to make and you made it look so easy! I will definitely be making this now! I do hope that you will continue to make these videos ~ great job!
    Pat

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