Homemade Cherry Almond Biscotti Recipe: Crunchy Cafe-Style Delight

Crisp and delightful cherry almond biscotti spark memories of cozy Italian afternoons.

Rustic bakeries inspire this classic treat with their elegant simplicity.

Crunchy edges and subtle sweetness define these traditional twice-baked cookies.

Nutty almonds complement bright cherry bits in every delectable bite.

We love how these biscotti offer a perfect companion to morning espresso or afternoon tea.

Baking these treats connects you to generations of home cooks who cherished simple, delicious recipes.

Their elegant crunch and rich flavor will make you the star of any gathering.

Store Cherry Almond Biscotti the Right Way

• Place cooled biscotti in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Add a layer of parchment paper between each biscotti to prevent sticking.
• Wrap biscotti tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
• Keep biscotti in a sealed container at room temperature for 5-6 days. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain crispness.
• Warm biscotti briefly in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-5 minutes to restore crunchiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soft and lose their signature crispness.

Cherry Biscotti Tasty Matches

• Elevate Espresso Pairing: Rich, bold espresso cuts through the biscotti's sweetness, creating a perfect Italian-style coffee break that balances the cherry and almond flavors.
• Dessert Wine Complement: Moscato d'Asti offers a gentle, sparkling sweetness that harmonizes with the biscotti's nutty and fruity profile, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
• Creamy Counterpoint: Vanilla bean gelato provides a smooth, cold contrast to the crisp biscotti, with its subtle creaminess highlighting the cherry and almond notes.
• Nutty Liqueur Match: Amaretto liqueur echoes the almond extract in the biscotti, creating a sophisticated and complementary flavor connection that amplifies the dessert's essence.

Cherry Almond Biscotti Baked Changes

• Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Biscotti: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring same texture and flavor profile.
• Vegan Cherry Almond Variation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and choose plant-based almond extract to create a dairy-free and egg-free version.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Almond Version: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of traditional sugar, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining the classic biscotti crunch.
• Chocolate-Dipped Cherry Almond Edition: After cooling biscotti, partially dip each piece in melted dark chocolate, then sprinkle with crushed almonds for an indulgent upgrade.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries?

No, fresh cherries contain too much moisture and will make the biscotti dough too wet. Dried cherries work best for maintaining the right texture and holding their shape during baking.

• How do I toast almonds for this recipe?

Spread raw almonds on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Let them cool before chopping and adding to the dough.

• Why do I need to do two bakes for biscotti?

The two-stage baking process creates the signature crisp, dry texture of traditional biscotti. The first bake sets the initial shape, while the second bake dries out the cookies, making them perfect for dunking in coffee or tea.

• Can I substitute almond extract if I don't have it?

If you don’t have almond extract, you can use vanilla extract as a substitute. However, the distinct almond flavor will be less pronounced, so the overall taste will be slightly different from the original recipe.

Cherry Almond Biscotti That Pairs with Every Cup

Quickly Create Crowd-Pleaser: These cherry almond biscotti deliver delightful homemade treats that wow everyone with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Super Adaptable Snack: Perfect for multiple occasions like afternoon tea, coffee breaks, gifting, or casual dessert serving – these crispy cookies suit any moment.

Stress-Free Baking Process: Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe beginner-friendly, requiring basic kitchen skills and standard ingredients for guaranteed success.

Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows creative tweaks like swapping cherries for other dried fruits, adding chocolate drizzle, or adjusting nut selections to match personal preferences.

Cherry Almond Biscotti Ingredients

• Flour: White base that gives structure to the biscotti.
• Baking Powder: Light leavening agent for soft texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter: Rich, creamy base that adds moisture and flavor.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with golden color.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the dough together.
• Almond Extract: Adds deep, nutty flavor profile.

• Dried Cherries, Toasted Almonds: Adds texture, crunch, and bursts of fruity and nutty flavors. Choose plump, soft dried cherries and freshly toasted almonds for best results. Whole or sliced almonds work well for visual appeal and flavor distribution.

Cherry Almond Biscotti Crisp Bake Directions

Step 1: Make the Dough

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.

In one bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.

In another, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.

Beat in eggs one at a time, then add almond extract.

Gradually mix in dry ingredients, then fold in dried cherries and toasted almonds

Step 2: Shape and Bake Logs

Divide dough in half and shape into two 10×2-inch logs on the sheet.

Bake for 25 minutes until golden and firm.

Cool for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Slice and Crisp

Lower oven to 325°F.

Slice logs diagonally into ¾-inch pieces.

Lay cut-side down and bake 10–12 minutes per side until crisp.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Cool completely on a wire rack.

Enjoy with coffee or tea!

Biscotti Tips For Cherry Almond Crunch

• Whisk dry ingredients separately to prevent clumping and ensure even distribution of baking powder and salt throughout the dough.
• Use slightly damp hands when forming logs to create smooth, even surfaces without sticky dough clinging to your fingers.
• Lightly toast almonds in a dry skillet before adding to the dough to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Use a sharp serrated knife when slicing biscotti to get clean, precise cuts without crumbling the delicate twice-baked cookie.
• Store completely cooled biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, keeping them crisp and fresh for longer enjoyment.

Cherry Almond Biscotti Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Crisp cherry almond biscotti bring Italian bakery magic to your kitchen, blending sweet cherries and nutty almonds in a delightful twice-baked cookie. Crunchy and perfect for dunking, you’ll savor each bite of this classic Mediterranean treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) dried cherries, chopped if large
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) toasted almonds, coarsely chopped

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar

Binding and Leavening Agents:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing vessel, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth foundation for the biscotti.
3. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, blending completely after each addition to maintain a uniform texture and prevent curdling.
4. Introduce almond extract, stirring gently to infuse a delicate nutty essence throughout the dough.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, creating a cohesive dough that smoothly integrates all components.
6. Gently fold in dried cherries and toasted almonds, distributing them evenly to ensure a balanced flavor profile in each biscotti slice.
7. Divide the dough into two equal portions, carefully shaping each into an elongated, flat log approximately 10 inches long and 2 inches wide on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Position the logs in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, baking for 25 minutes until the surfaces turn a light golden hue and the texture becomes firm to the touch.
9. Allow the baked logs to cool for 10 minutes, enabling safe handling and slight firming of the dough.
10. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) in preparation for the second baking phase.
11. Using a sharp knife, slice the logs diagonally into ¾-inch thick pieces, creating the classic biscotti shape.
12. Arrange the sliced pieces cut-side down on the baking sheet, preparing for the final crisping process.
13. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then carefully flip each piece and continue baking for an additional 10-12 minutes until they achieve a golden, crisp texture.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth mixing and better incorporation with other ingredients.
• Toast almonds beforehand in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the biscotti.
• Use a sharp serrated knife when slicing logs to get clean, even cuts without crumbling the baked dough.
• Experiment with alternative dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 134
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 44 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 24 mg