16 Basic Italian Biscotti Recipe No Butter They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
Biscotti, the famous Italian twice-baked cookies, are a beloved treat around the world. However, many traditional biscotti recipes call for butter, which can make them high in fat and calories. But fear not, because this basic Italian biscotti recipe contains no butter, making it a healthier and equally delicious alternative. With a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you can create your own batch of crispy and crunchy biscotti at home. So let's dive in and discover how to make this butter-free version of a classic Italian dessert.
First up on our list is a classic Italian dessert – Biscotti! These twice-baked, crunchy cookies are perfect for dipping in your coffee or enjoying on their own. Made with a combination of flour, sugar, eggs, and flavorings such as almonds or chocolate, these cookies are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Try adding some cinnamon or orange zest for an extra kick of flavor!
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Cantuccini – Italian biscotti cookies
Main Ingredients: Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Anise Seed, Sugar, Oil
If you're looking for a twist on traditional Biscotti, give Cantuccini a try! These Italian cookies are made with a mixture of almonds, flour, eggs, and sugar, and are typically smaller and harder than regular Biscotti. They are perfect for dunking in your favorite hot beverage or enjoying as a sweet treat after dinner. For a unique twist, try adding chopped pistachios to the dough!
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Traditional Italian Biscotti (Cantucci Toscani)
Main Ingredients: Almonds, Sugar, Eggs, Honey, All Purpose Flour, Baking
If you want to stick with the classic Biscotti, give this traditional Italian recipe a try. Made with almonds, flour, sugar, eggs, and a hint of vanilla extract, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. They also make a great gift or party favor when packaged in a cute bag or box. For an extra indulgent treat, dip them in melted dark chocolate!
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Super Thin Cranberry Pistachio Italian Biscotti
Main Ingredients: Dried Cranberries, Flour, Salt, Orange, Eggs, Sugar
This recipe puts a unique twist on traditional Biscotti by adding dried cranberries and pistachios to the dough. The result? A deliciously sweet and crunchy cookie with a festive touch. Perfect for the holiday season or anytime you're craving a sweet treat. For an extra festive touch, drizzle with white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
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Italian Biscotti with Nutella, Espresso and Hazelnuts.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Granulated Sugar, Baking Powder, Flour
If you're a fan of Nutella, you have to try this recipe for Italian Biscotti with Nutella, Espresso, and Hazelnuts. These cookies are rich, chocolatey, and oh-so-delicious. The perfect combination of crunchy and creamy, these Biscotti are sure to become a new favorite in your household. For an even more decadent treat, spread some extra Nutella on top of the cookies before serving!
Now let's move on to some savory dishes, starting with classic Italian meatballs. Made with a mixture of ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, these meatballs are a staple in many Italian households. They can be served on their own, with pasta, or in a sandwich for a delicious and filling meal. For a twist on tradition, try using ground turkey or pork instead of beef.
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Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
If you're looking for a meatball that's even more impressive, give this recipe for Great Big Italian Meatballs a try. These oversized meatballs are packed with flavor and are perfect for feeding a crowd. Serve them with your favorite pasta and sauce for a hearty and delicious meal. For a bold flavor, try adding some hot Italian sausage to the meat mixture.
This soup may be called "wedding soup," but it's perfect for any occasion. Made with a combination of chicken broth, meatballs, greens, and pasta, this soup is hearty, comforting, and oh-so-delicious. It's also a great way to use up any leftover Italian meatballs you may have. For an extra burst of flavor, add some fresh basil and parmesan cheese on top before serving.
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Keto Stuffed Peppers – Italian Style
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Onion
For those following a keto diet, these Italian-style stuffed peppers are a must-try! Made with ground beef, Italian seasonings, and topped with mozzarella cheese, these peppers are packed with flavor and are low in carbs. They also make a great meal prep option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with cauliflower rice or tofu.
Braciole is a classic Italian dish that consists of thinly sliced beef rolled up with a filling of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and herbs. It's then cooked in a savory tomato sauce for a delicious and hearty meal. This dish may take a bit of time and effort to make, but the end result is well worth it. For a twist on tradition, try adding some prosciutto or mozzarella cheese to the filling.
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Homemade Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Grated Romano Cheese, Garlic, Fresh
If you prefer to make your own meatballs from scratch, this recipe is for you. Made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and Italian seasonings, these meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any Italian dish. They also freeze well, making them a great option for meal prep. For a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper to the meat mixture.
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Italian Almond Paste Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Almond Paste, Granulated Sugar, Salt
These Italian Almond Paste Cookies, also known as Amaretti, are a must-try for any almond lover. Made with almond paste, sugar, and egg whites, these cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with almond flavor. They are also gluten-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions. For an extra indulgent treat, dip them in melted dark chocolate before serving.
This Italian Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for any summer barbecue or picnic. Made with a combination of pasta, vegetables, olives, and Italian dressing, this dish is fresh, flavorful, and easy to make. It's also a great way to use up any leftover pasta you may have in the fridge. To make it a complete meal, add some grilled chicken or shrimp on top.
Back to the sweet treats, these Italian Biscotti Cookies are similar to traditional Biscotti, but with a twist. Made with almond flour and flavored with lemon zest and poppy seeds, these cookies are perfect for those looking for a gluten-free option. They are also light, crunchy, and perfect for dunking in your favorite hot beverage. For an extra burst of flavor, dip them in honey before serving.
If you're new to making Biscotti, this recipe is a great place to start. Made with only a few basic ingredients, these cookies are easy to make and perfect for dipping in your coffee or tea. They also make a great gift or party favor when packaged in a cute bag or box. For a festive touch, add some candied fruit on top before baking.
This Italian Crescent Casserole is a delicious and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love. Made with layers of crescent rolls, seasoned ground beef, and cheese, this casserole is sure to be a hit. It's also a great dish to make ahead of time and freeze for those busy nights. For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or black beans.
Another great option for those following a keto diet, these Italian meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and Italian seasonings. They are then topped with a creamy tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese for a delicious and satisfying meal. To keep it keto-friendly, serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
These Italian Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms are the perfect appetizer for any gathering. Made with a combination of Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese, these mushrooms are packed with flavor and always a hit with guests. They also make a great addition to any holiday party or game day spread. For a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with chopped spinach and feta cheese.
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Quick and Easy Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: 85 Lean Ground Beef, Garlic, Large Eggs, Dried
Short on time? These Quick and Easy Italian Meatballs are the perfect solution. Made with pre-made Italian meatballs and a flavorful tomato sauce, this dish comes together in no time and is perfect for those busy weeknights. Serve with your favorite pasta and some crusty bread for a complete meal. For a shortcut, use frozen meatballs and add some garlic powder and dried oregano to the sauce.
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Sheet Pan Italian Chicken Dinner
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Extra Virgin Olive
This Sheet Pan Italian Chicken Dinner is not only delicious, but it's also easy to clean up. Made with chicken thighs, potatoes, and a mixture of Italian seasonings, this dish is full of flavor and perfect for a weeknight meal. The best part? Everything cooks on one pan, making for easy cleanup afterwards. For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu.
The Ingredients You Will Need
Flour
The star ingredient of this recipe is flour, which gives the biscotti its signature crunchy texture. You can use all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Make sure to sift the flour before using it to ensure a smooth and even consistency.
Sugar
To add sweetness to the biscotti, we will be using granulated sugar. You can also substitute it with brown sugar for a richer flavor. Remember to mix the sugar well with the other dry ingredients to avoid any lumps.
Eggs
Eggs act as a binding agent in this recipe and give the biscotti its characteristic shape. Make sure to use room temperature eggs for easy mixing.
Baking Powder
To give the biscotti its light and airy texture, we will be using baking powder. Make sure to use fresh baking powder for best results.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma and flavor to the biscotti. You can also use almond extract for a nutty flavor.
Nuts and Dried Fruits
While this recipe is for a basic biscotti, you can add your own twist by incorporating nuts and dried fruits of your choice. Some popular options include almonds, pistachios, cranberries, and apricots.
The Method
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla extract together until well combined.
3. Gradually add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, you can add a tablespoon of milk to bring it together.
4. Once the dough is formed, add in your choice of nuts and dried fruits. Knead the dough gently to incorporate them evenly.
5. Place the dough on a floured surface and shape it into a log, about 1 inch thick and 12 inches long.
6. Transfer the log onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until lightly golden.
7. Once baked, let the log cool for 10 minutes before slicing it into ½ inch thick pieces.
8. Arrange the biscotti slices on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are crisp and golden.
9. Let the biscotti cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.
In Conclusion
This basic Italian biscotti recipe is a healthier and equally delicious version of the classic treat. With no butter and a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these crunchy and flavorful cookies in no time. So go ahead and give this recipe a try, and don't be afraid to get creative with your choice of add-ins. Buon appetito!