Cantuccini AKA Almond Biscotti:  A terrific accompaniment to your cup of coffee or tea, these twice-baked cookies hail from Tuscany.

Cantucci make wonderful hostess gifts and keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months!

Cantuccini or Almond Biscotti perched next to a cup of hot tea

Why You’ll  Love this Almond Biscotti Recipe

  • This recipe comes from Nick Malgieri, one of my baking gurus. So I’m always delighted to find one of his recipes selected for Tuesdays with Dorie. This week’s pick was Cantuccini,  a simple almond biscotti.
  • These twice-baked cookies were flavored with vanilla and just a touch of cinnamon. A perfect dunking cookie.
  • They’re perfect to have on hand for guests. Malgieri recommended vin santo, an Italian dessert wine, but coffee or tea will work splendidly, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Difference Between Cantucci and Biscotti?

The terms are interchangeable. Biscotti are twice-baked cookies. Cantucci is not always twice-baked and the words cantucci or cantuccini (little cantucci) are often used when nontraditional ingredients are added to biscotti.

What Do You Dunk Cantucci In?

Vin Santo, a sweet Italian dessert wine, is often used for dunking cantucci. Coffee, tea, or even milk are other options.

How Long Do Biscotti Last?

Biscotti will keep well for up to 2 weeks in an airtight tin. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months if kept airtight.

Overhead view of two Cantuciini or Almond Biscotti next to a cup of tea

Tips for Making Almond Biscotti

  • I cut this cantuccini recipe in half when I realized it yielded 8 dozen. No one in my household will eat nuts except me, so I saw no reason to have a lifetime supply of almond biscotti at my disposal.
  • Malgieri’s notes stated that the dough might appear dry, but mine actually needed extra flour as it adhered to my hands while I attempted to knead it. That may have been due to my inaccurate measurement of half of an egg. But, no worries, they baked up just fine.
  • PRO-Tip: Use a serrated knife to slice your biscotti. A sawing motion works best.
  • PRO-Tip: Cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. If the log is too hot, it will crumble, and if too cold, it will be extremely hard to slice.
  • Slice at a slight angle for a nice presentation.
  • Cool on a rack completely before eating (or drizzling with chocolate).
  • I added some white chocolate drizzle just for fun…and sent most of them home with my coffee drinking son after he stopped by for dinner on Sunday night. Not sure he will eat nuts, but he has hungry friends who love home-baked treats.

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Cantuccini next to a cup of hot tea

Cantuccini AKA Almond Biscotti

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield 30 biscotti

A Tuscan Biscotti with almonds that's perfect with a cup of coffee or tea

Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 6 ounces (about 1 1/2 cups) whole unblanched almonds
  • 3  eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla

Instructions

  1. Preheat to 350 degrees.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon, Stir in the almonds.
  3. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with the vanilla then use a rubber spatula to stir into the dry ingredients until a stiff dough forms.
  4. Place the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and divide it in half. Roll each half under the palms of your hands into a cylinder a little shorter than your baking sheet. Place the logs of dough on the baking sheet, leaving space between them and also from the sides of the pan.
  5. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes  The logs are done when risen, almost doubled in size and when pressed with fingertip they feel firm. Place the pan on a rack and let the logs cool completely.
  6. Place one of the cooled logs on a cutting board and cut it diagonally into slices 1/3-inch thick. Arrange the biscotti on the prepared pans, cut side down. Bake the biscotti for about 15 or 20 minutes or until they are well toasted. Cool the pan on a rack.
  7. Store the cooled biscotti between sheets of parchment in a covered, airtight container

Notes

These keep well at room temperature for up to 2 weeks if kept airtight. They'll freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

15

Serving Size:

2 biscotti

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 119Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 66mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 1gSugar: 10gProtein: 3g

HOW MUCH DID YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE?

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[This Nick Malgieri recipe can be found here. All our Tuesdays with Dorie recipes can also be found in Baking with Julia (affiliate link) .