Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love biscotti, this walnut version will quickly become your go-to treat. The addition of bourbon enriches the flavor, adding a smooth, caramelized depth, while the walnuts provide a satisfying crunch and nutty richness. These biscotti are just the right balance of crispiness and softness, offering the perfect texture for dipping in coffee, tea, or even dessert wine.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup cane sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the butter, cane sugar, eggs, vanilla, and bourbon using a hand or stand mixer until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the walnuts.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a ball. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Divide the dough in half and place each half onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape each half into a log, approximately 8 inches long, 3 inches wide, and 1 inch thick.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until golden brown and slightly cracked on top. Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.
- Slice the loaves diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces using a serrated knife.
- Place the slices cut side down on the baking sheet. Bake for 5-10 minutes, flip the slices, and bake for another 5-10 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 16 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Variations
- Different nuts: Substitute walnuts with other nuts like almonds, pecans, or pistachios for a unique twist.
- Without bourbon: If you prefer not to use bourbon, simply omit it and add a teaspoon of almond or vanilla extract for flavor.
- Sweet add-ins: For extra flavor, you can incorporate chocolate chips or dried fruit into the dough.
Storage/reheating
- Storage: Store biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To enjoy them warm, place the biscotti in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes or until crisp.
FAQs
How do I know when the biscotti is done baking?
The biscotti should be golden brown on the top and slightly cracked. After slicing, they will continue to harden during the second bake.
Can I use salted butter for this recipe?
It’s best to use unsalted butter to maintain control over the salt content. If you use salted butter, reduce the added salt by half.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and chill it for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I get perfect slices of biscotti?
Use a serrated knife to slice the biscotti when they are cool enough to handle but still soft. This helps create neat, even slices.
Is it necessary to add bourbon to the recipe?
While bourbon adds a cozy depth of flavor, it is optional. You can substitute it with additional vanilla or almond extract.
Can I substitute cane sugar with regular granulated sugar?
Yes, you can use granulated sugar instead of cane sugar, but cane sugar gives a richer flavor and texture.
How long should I chill the dough?
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to help firm it up, making it easier to shape and handle.
Can I make biscotti with other nuts?
Yes, feel free to experiment with almonds, pecans, or any nut you prefer. Just chop them up into small pieces before adding them to the dough.
How do I store leftover biscotti?
Store biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Can I dip these biscotti in chocolate?
Yes, dipping the cooled biscotti in dark or milk chocolate adds an extra layer of flavor and makes them even more indulgent.
Conclusion
This Walnut Biscotti recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves crunchy, flavorful treats. With a hint of bourbon and hearty walnuts, each bite offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether enjoyed with your favorite coffee or as a standalone snack, these biscotti are sure to impress. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or as a delightful gift to share with friends and family.
Print
Walnut Biscotti
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Walnut Biscotti recipe combines the perfect balance of crunchy, buttery, and nutty flavors with a cozy twist of bourbon. These biscotti are crispy on the outside yet slightly soft on the inside, making them perfect for dipping in coffee, tea, or dessert wine. A delightful treat for any occasion, from festive holidays to casual gatherings, these walnut-infused biscotti will become your go-to snack.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup cane sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the butter, cane sugar, eggs, vanilla, and bourbon using a hand or stand mixer until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a ball. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Divide the dough in half and place each half onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape each half into a log, approximately 8 inches long, 3 inches wide, and 1 inch thick.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until golden brown and slightly cracked on top. Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.
- Slice the loaves diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces using a serrated knife.
- Place the slices cut side down on the baking sheet. Bake for 5-10 minutes, flip the slices, and bake for another 5-10 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- Try substituting walnuts with other nuts like almonds, pecans, or pistachios for variety.
- If you prefer not to use bourbon, omit it and add more vanilla or almond extract for flavor.
- Biscotti can be dipped in chocolate for added indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian