Mark Bittman's Basic Biscotti

Mark Bittman’s Basic Biscotti is a timeless recipe that delivers perfect crispness with just the right amount of sweetness, making it the ultimate treat for coffee or tea lovers. This easy-to-follow recipe combines pantry staples like all-purpose flour, sugar, and eggs, with a hint of vanilla for a subtle aromatic boost. Add your choice of mix-ins—whether it’s crunchy nuts, chewy dried fruits, or decadent chocolate chips—to create a personalized batch every time. With minimal prep time and a double-baking technique that ensures a crunchy texture, these biscotti are as satisfying to make as they are to eat. Perfect for gifting or enjoying as a versatile snack, this foolproof recipe is a must-try for both beginners and seasoned bakers.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 0.25 teaspoons Salt
• 0.75 cups Sugar
• 2 large Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 0.75 cups Optional mix-ins (e.g., chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to combine.

Step 3

In a separate large bowl, beat the sugar and eggs together until the mixture is pale and thick, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. If using mix-ins, fold them in at this point.

Step 5

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it in half. Shape each half into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Place the logs onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.

Step 6

Bake the logs for 25-30 minutes, or until they are firm to the touch and lightly golden. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the logs cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 7

Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick biscotti. Place the slices cut-side down on the baking sheet.

Step 8

Bake the slices for an additional 10-12 minutes, then flip them over and bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until they are dry and crisp.

Step 9

Remove the biscotti from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(530.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1934.2

Total Fat 65.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 21.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 372mg	0%
Sodium 1485.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 276.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.5g	0%
Total Sugars 61.4g
Protein 55.4g	0%

Vitamin D 82IU	0%
Calcium 209.2mg	0%
Iron 15.9mg	0%
Potassium 1004.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.9%

Protein: 11.5%

Carbs: 57.6%