I remember the first time I made biscotti. I never really liked the stuff, but I decided to make it as part of the goodie box I was putting together for Nate’s family for Christmas. Now, to be clear, I didn’t make this for them because I didn’t like biscotti…no, no. I made it because I wanted to impress them with my baking skills and make something that sounded extra fancy. Because we all know that translates to me being extra fancy!
It’s funny though, as soon as I learn the history or a little known fact about food, the more I like it. In this case, I learned that biscotti actually means “twice baked” and that it’s one of the easiest things in the world!
A fancy name and a cool cooking method? I LOVE biscotti!
Here’s the lineup:
CHOCOLATE COCONUT BISCOTTI
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 Tbsp vanilla
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 heaping Tbsp instant coffee powder
- 3/4 cup shredded coconut
Preheat the oven to 325. In a small bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cream of tartar, and baking powder. Set aside. In a larger bowl cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well. With the mixer on low, slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Add coffee powder. Mix until combined. Fold in the shredded coconut. Now, here’s the fun part. Dump it all onto a baking sheet (I would recommend lining with a Silpat like I have or parchment paper):
Then you want to shape the dough into a rectangle that’s about 3/4 inch tall, and 5 inches wide:
I know you’re thinking that this looks nothing like real biscotti, but trust me. Every great biscotti was shaped like this at some point! Bake at 325 for 30-35 minutes. Remove and let sit for 20 minutes. Turn the heat up to 350 (WOAH, easy now…a whole 25 degrees!)
When it’s cooled for 20 minutes, carefully move onto a cutting board. Now comes the fun part…you have to carefully slice the loaf into the traditional biscotti shape! I recommend a serrated knife and just move slow. Cut off the two ends (the short sides), and then cut the loaf in a series 1 inch slices.
Move the slices back to the baking sheet and turn onto a cut side like you see below. Stick ’em back in the oven for another 15-20 minutes. When they’re done, move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
There are so many options with biscotti, but I really love this simplistic version. I also love that the coconut is small enough to cut through without tearing up the entire cookie. But the best part is sitting outside on a cool morning like today and drinking some hot coffee.
And dunking the biscotti in. Take a bite, then some sips of coffee.
Mmmmmmmmm…you’ll thank me soon 🙂
30 DAYS OF SELF LOVE AND REFLECTION
Guys, this is something that is very near and dear to my heart. Head over to Tina’s blog to check out Day 1 of the 30 Days of Self Love and Reflection (DSLR – teehee). I am so blessed to have friends like her in my life who have a heart for encouraging others the way that she does. I’m in…are you?!
Just made those biscotti … and yes, I really went to heaven!! I am in the middle of really stressful studies at the moment so this baking helped me 1) to unwind and 2) will give me gorgeous and heavenly biscotti for some dunking action into my study coffees tomorrow 🙂 – thanks, Heather, you brightened up my days with this recipe!
And well, everyone before me has already mentioned it but I will, too: AMAZING photos!!
That is such great news! I’m so glad you liked them!
I’ve never made biscotti. It looks really good. Might have to try it!
i swear, nothing beats chocolate and coffee, together. thanks for sharing 🙂
I’m always so impressed with homemade biscotti!! Yours looks awesome, for reals 🙂
Who likes biscotti? Seriously? I just don’t get it.
I love biscotti! I always like eating it while I drink tea. I have always said that I want to make my own, but have yet to do it. You have inspired me to give it a try soon! 🙂
This looks delicious – something I would never think to make so kudos to you! Recipe bookmarked. 🙂
You are always making me hungry with your dessert recipes.
I love biscotti because I tend to like dry-ish cookies that a are tougher to chew. This one looks really great!
That looks like a way to start the day!
And one more thing…I just love you! 😀
Biscotti is a favorite of mine! I love it with coffee or tea!
You are one woman not afraid of the kitchen.
I’m uber impressed with your skills.
Those look delicious!!
i have never made biscotti but you make it look easy! i need to give it a shot, it would be so fun to have with my morning coffee.
I love making biscotti too, mostly because there a million combinations to make! Usually you can find something in the pantry that to throw in!
I tried to make biscotti once, it tasted good but it turned out crumbly! Not too bad though since I used it as part of Christmas gifts. 🙂 Lovely recipe!
Okay, so in case you thought I was lying…I added you to my blogroll! : D
Gorgeous photography! Love the last shot. It could be a blog header. It has been way too long since I made biscotti…I think it is a lovely fall recipe too to go along with a hot bev.
That biscotti looks really fancy and pretty. YUM!
I haven’t had biscotti in forever, but it sounds like the perfect recipe to try for fall!! 🙂
I LOVE biscotti! My dad usually gets it as a gift from one of his clients during Christmas time, and I look forward to it every year. I clearly should make a batch of my own! 🙂
My brother’s wife made our family biscotti (in a Christmas gift basket too 🙂 ) when they were dating. It was so yummy and I never knew it was easy to make. She definitely seemed extra fancy to us 🙂 Gotta try it myself. We are far from cool days here in Texas unfortunately, but biscotti dipped in hot coffee is definitely one of life’s little pleasures.
I have never made biscotti! I have always shyed away from it because every time I’ve taste it, it’s been dry and crumbly. Maybe I should give this one a try!
That IS fancy!!! Very cool 🙂 I love your ingredient line up photo!
So for a long time I only ever wanted, um, “moister” (?) breakfast treats (muffins, coffee cake…) and biscotti didn´t seem as fun. But now I love it and I think part of it is because for some reason I feel sophisticated when I eat it… in one bite. Looks yum! 🙂
Mmmm those look awesome! I’m not much into baking but after seeing these I feel like I should try it!!
Delish!!! I would love one for a morning snack! lol Awesome pics!!! 🙂
I love biscotti, but never thought to make it myself. Yours looks delicious, and yes you totally have to dunk it in coffee to appreciate the crunchiness!
O-M-G….dude I gotta come visit and get some of this!!!