If you love biscotti as much as I do, then this Cherry Almond Biscotti recipe is about to become your new favorite. Perfectly crunchy, with just the right balance of sweet cherry and nutty almond, these biscotti make the ideal treat to pair with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make and will fill your kitchen with the most wonderful aroma as they bake!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something so special about biscotti—it’s crispy, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweet. These Cherry Almond Biscotti are no exception! The sweet cherries add a burst of fruity flavor that pairs beautifully with the almond, while the crunchiness makes them perfect for dipping. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or gifting them to someone special, they’re sure to impress. Plus, they store well, so you can enjoy them for days—or even weeks—after baking!
Ingredients
Here’s a quick peek at the ingredients you’ll need to make these irresistible Cherry Almond Biscotti. For the full list of ingredients, make sure to scroll down below!
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Butter
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Almond extract
- Dried cherries
- Sliced almonds
You can find the full list and measurements down below!
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate, larger bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the almond extract, followed by the flour mixture, and mix until just combined.
Step 2: Add the Cherries and Almonds
Once your dough has come together, gently fold in the dried cherries and sliced almonds. These are the two star ingredients that give your biscotti the perfect flavor and texture. Don’t overwork the dough—just mix until the cherries and almonds are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into two equal portions and roll each into a log, about 12 inches long. Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet, making sure there’s some space between them. Flatten each log slightly with your hands so they’re about 1 inch high. This will help them bake evenly.
Step 4: First Bake
Bake the dough in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the logs are golden and firm to the touch. You’ll know they’re ready when they start to turn slightly golden around the edges. Remove the logs from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes on the baking sheet.
Step 5: Slice and Second Bake
Once the logs have cooled slightly, use a sharp knife to slice them diagonally into about 1-inch wide pieces. Be gentle when slicing, as biscotti can be a bit crumbly. Place the slices back onto the baking sheet, cut side down, and bake them for another 10-15 minutes, or until they’re crispy and golden brown. This second baking step is what gives them that signature crunch.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the biscotti to cool completely on a wire rack. Once they’ve cooled, they’re ready to be enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or tea!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t skip the second bake: This is what makes biscotti crunchy and perfect for dunking! Make sure to let them bake a little longer after slicing to get that satisfying crunch.
- Use good-quality dried cherries: Since cherries are the star of this recipe, using plump, high-quality dried cherries will really make a difference in flavor.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer your biscotti a little less sweet, feel free to reduce the sugar slightly. Biscotti are traditionally on the drier side, so they don’t need to be overly sweet.
- Keep them even: When shaping the dough into logs, try to make them as even as possible. This will help ensure that your biscotti bake uniformly.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add some chocolate: If you’re a fan of chocolate, try dipping the cooled biscotti in melted dark or white chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
- Try other nuts: Almonds are classic in biscotti, but feel free to swap them out for other nuts like pistachios or walnuts for a different flavor profile.
- Use fresh fruit: If dried cherries aren’t your thing, you can substitute them with dried cranberries, apricots, or even raisins. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces before adding them to the dough.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Cherry Almond Biscotti are perfect for enjoying with:
- Coffee or Espresso: Biscotti are the perfect companion to a strong cup of coffee. Dip them into your brew for a delightful treat.
- Tea: Whether it’s black, green, or herbal, a hot cup of tea will complement the sweetness of the biscotti.
- Hot Chocolate: If you’re in the mood for something extra indulgent, pair your biscotti with a rich mug of hot chocolate.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Biscotti are known for their long shelf life, which makes them perfect for storing:
- Room temperature: Once cooled, store your biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. They’ll stay fresh and crunchy.
- Freezing: You can also freeze them! Simply place the biscotti in an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
4 FAQs
- Can I make biscotti without almonds? Absolutely! While almonds are traditional, you can use any nut you like, or even skip the nuts altogether if you prefer a nut-free version.
- Why is my biscotti too soft? If your biscotti aren’t crisping up as they should, make sure you’re doing the second bake. This step is essential for getting that crunchy texture.
- Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried? Fresh cherries have a lot of moisture, so it’s best to stick with dried cherries for this recipe to prevent the dough from becoming too wet.
- Can I add other spices to the dough? Definitely! Cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a little ginger would be a great addition to the dough if you’re looking for a bit of extra warmth and depth of flavor.
Conclusion
These Cherry Almond Biscotti are the perfect blend of sweet, crunchy, and nutty, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for yourself, sharing them with friends, or giving them as a thoughtful gift, they’re sure to be a hit. Easy to make, long-lasting, and absolutely delicious—this recipe is one you’ll want to come back to again and again. Happy baking!
Print
Cherry Almond Biscotti: A Sweet and Crunchy Delight for Your Coffee Break
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes (including the second bake)
- Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 biscotti (4 servings) 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Perfectly crunchy, with just the right balance of sweet cherry and nutty almond, these Cherry Almond Biscotti are ideal for pairing with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, they’ll fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma as they bake.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 cup dried cherries (chopped if large)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a larger bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the almond extract and then gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the dried cherries and sliced almonds.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and roll each into a log (about 12 inches long).
- Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet, flatten slightly, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and firm.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing the logs into 1-inch pieces.
- Place slices back on the sheet, cut side down, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Allow the biscotti to cool completely on a wire rack. Serve with coffee or tea!
Notes
- Storage: Keep biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Adjust sweetness: Reduce sugar for a less sweet biscotti.
- Variations: Use different dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, or substitute almonds with pistachios or walnuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 biscotti
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg