Biscotti dei Poveri - Italian Almond Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (120g) almonds, finely chopped 1 cup (120g) almonds, finely chopped
• 3 large eggs 3 large eggs
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 0.3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 19g, 10g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, chopped almonds, baking powder, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. 5.
   Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a log, approximately 2 inches wide and 10 inches long.
6. 6.
   Place the logs onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
7. 7.
   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the logs are golden brown and firm to the touch.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let the logs cool for 10 minutes.
9. 9.
   Using a sharp knife, slice the logs diagonally into 1-inch thick cookies.
10. 10.
    Place the cookies back on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they are crisp and lightly golden.
11. 11.
    Allow the cookies to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.
12. 12.
    Serve and enjoy these delightful Biscotti dei Poveri!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Make sure to finely chop the almonds for a better texture in the cookies.
• Lemon zest — Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For a variation, you can add a handful of dried cranberries or chocolate chips to the dough.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crunchiness.
• These cookies make a lovely homemade gift when packaged in a decorative tin or jar.
• If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, you can add a few drops of lemon extract to the dough.
• Serve these Biscotti dei Poveri alongside a cup of espresso or cappuccino for a truly authentic Italian experience.

Serving advice

Enjoy these Biscotti dei Poveri as a delightful snack or dessert. They pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Serve them on a platter or in a cookie jar for a charming presentation.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Biscotti dei Poveri on a beautiful serving tray, dusted with powdered sugar. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a twist of lemon zest for an elegant touch. Serve alongside a decorative teapot or coffee set to create a visually appealing display.