Recipe

Ditch the Rock-Hard Biscotti for This Delectably Chewy Version

By Danielle Tse at George Washington University

A few years ago, my mom and I stumbled upon a recipe for biscotti in a Good Housekeeping magazine. We made a few changes to the recipe—lowing the amount of sugar and adding more mix-ins. This biscotti is nothing like the typically dry, jaw-breaking biscotti I've had elsewhere. My mom's biscotti is the only biscotti I'll eat. It's chewy, chunky, moist, and slightly more healthy. Your nonna will begin to reevaluate her cookies after baking these.   

This recipe is foolproof, and you have full creative license to add whatever you'd like to your biscotti. The list of potential add-ins is endless. Virtually any nut, seed, or dried fruit can go into this recipe. Our favorite add-ins are Craisins, apricots, and walnuts. If you're feeling super ambitious, chocolate chips, a chocolate drizzle, candied ginger, and lemon or orange zest can take your biscotti to the next level. 

Mama's Biscotti

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Total Time: 55 mins
  • Servings: 24
Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 cups add-ins

Step 1

Pre-heat oven to 350°F.

Step 2

Mix everything but the add-ins in a large bowl. Mix on medium speed until combined.

Danielle Tse

Step 3

Place add-ins into mixer. For our batch, we used 1/2 cup each of dried figs, dried apricots, and raisins.

#SpoonTip: Cut up dried fruit into large chunks to give your biscotti a more tender texture.

Danielle Tse

Step 4

Remove dough from mixer. Roll dough on a lightly floured surface. Divide dough in half.

Danielle Tse

Step 5

Roll each half into a 12-inch log. Place each log onto an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 25 minutes.

Danielle Tse

Step 6

Remove from oven. Cool 10 minutes. Cut logs into 1/2-inch thick diagonal slices. Spread slices out on baking sheet.

Danielle Tse

Step 7

Bake 10-12 minutes until pale golden. Cool completely.

Danielle Tse

During the holiday season, we'll make two batches at a time and dole out cookies to our family and friends. We've even sent biscotti all the way from our home in Massachusetts to my grandparents in Florida. To my family, gifting Mama's homemade biscotti is our way of showing gratitude in a simple and heart-warming way.