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THE ITALIAN CHRISTMAS KITCHENItalian ChristmasCookiesBake it. Gift it. Share the tradition.

From the Italian Christmas kitchen

Espresso Biscotti

Almonds, citrus and a little Christmas tradition.

Coffee-scented biscotti with small dark chocolate pockets.

Read the full method before starting. Household measures are approximate; gram weights help keep the dough consistent.

Coffee-scented biscotti with small dark chocolate pockets.
Espresso Biscotti
Cookies

Espresso Biscotti

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Hands-on30 min
Chill / restNot required
All batches50 min
Cooling45 min
Total time125 min
Yield28 cookies

Follow the tray sizes, portions and baking intervals in the instructions below.

Allow about 125 minutes: 30 hands-on, 0 chilling or resting, 50 whole-batch cooking and 45 cooling/setting. Cooling includes tray rest. Follow the method for batch sizes and visual doneness cues.

Coffee-scented biscotti with small dark chocolate pockets.

Ingredients

Optional sprinkles are for decoration and are not included in the nutrition estimate. Spice weights are approximate.

Instructions

Make dough

  1. 1Make doughHeat oven to 350°F (175°C), or 325°F (165°C) fan. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder and salt with espresso powder. Stir in eggs, cooled butter and vanilla. Fold in the listed nuts, fruit, seeds or chips; reserve dipping chocolate if listed.

First bake

  1. 2First bakeShape two logs about 10 inches long and 2 inches wide on a lined sheet, 3 inches apart. Bake 25–30 minutes until the dough feels set and the tops are lightly golden.

Slice and dry

  1. 3Slice and dryRest 15 minutes. Reduce oven to 300°F (150°C), or 275°F (135°C) fan. Slice into 28 diagonal pieces about 1/2 inch thick. Bake cut-side down 10 minutes, turn and bake another 10 minutes.

Cool and finish

  1. 4Cool and finishCool on a rack 30 minutes until crisp. Total cooling includes the 15-minute log rest.

Chef’s Science & Pro Tips

Ingredient science

Rest logs before cutting so slices hold together.

Technique & texture

Use a serrated knife and a light sawing motion through nuts or fruit.

Finishing & serving

Store separately from soft cookies to keep the crisp texture.

Storage and make-ahead

Keeping your cookies fresh
MethodHow longWhat to do
Room temperatureUp to 2 weeksCool fully and keep airtight; separate from moist cookies.
RefrigerationNot neededAvoid condensation and refrigerator moisture on plain baked cookies.
Raw freezingUp to 1 monthFreeze uncoated shaped dough. Thaw in the refrigerator; finish shaping or coating before baking.
Baked freezingUp to 2 monthsFreeze fully cool cookies airtight, without glaze or chocolate when possible.
RestoringBefore servingRefresh uncoated biscotti at 300°F (150°C) for 5–8 minutes, then cool.

Notes

  • Rest logs before cutting so slices hold together. Use a serrated knife and a light sawing motion through nuts or fruit. Store separately from soft cookies to keep the crisp texture. This home formula has not been kitchen-tested.

Nutrition

Approximate nutrition per serving calculated from ingredient weights divided by 28; required fillings and toppings included, optional decorations excluded. Brands, unused coating and actual serving size affect the estimate.

Calories90 kcal
Fat3.1 g
Saturated fat1.8 g
Carbohydrates13.9 g
Sugar6.8 g
Fiber0.4 g
Protein1.6 g
Sodium42 mg
Serving size1 cookie
A platter of Italian Christmas cookies
ITALIAN CHRISTMAS BAKINGReal ingredients. Clear steps. Italian Christmas magic.Almonds, citrus and thoughtful baking
THE COOKIE INDEXITALIANCHRISTMAS COOKIES

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my slices crumble?

Allow the 15-minute rest and use a sharp serrated knife.

Can I make thick slices?

Thicker slices need more drying; use 1/2 inch as specified.

Are they meant to be crisp?

Yes. The second bake dries the crumb for dipping in coffee.

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Share a little Italian Christmas joy

Send this recipe to someone who loves to bake.