1/14/2011

Vanilla Bean Biscotti

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During the cold winter months, a cup of tea or a nice latte always hits the spot in the afternoon to warm me up.  But I also like a little something sweet on the side.  Biscotti are always nice to dunk and after receiving a very nice Christmas gift of 1/4 lb. of Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans (thanks Mom and Dad), I decided that a batch of these Vanilla Bean Biscotti would satisfy that sweet craving.


These biscotti are all about the vanilla.  Using vanilla beans really adds a beautiful, sweet, floral note.  I use the same recipe for my Cinnamon Toast Biscotti, but I use all white sugar and omit the cinnamon and egg glaze.  Like the Cinnamon Toast Biscotti, I sprinkle the cut biscotti with a little bit of Dr. Oetker Vanilla Sugar (my local grocery store carries packets of this) to really bump up that sweet vanilla flavor.


Not only are these simple and delicious, they will perfume your house with a wonderful vanilla essence.  My children came home from school yesterday and before they even said hello they said, "Mmmm--what's that smell?" with wide eyes and big grins on their faces.  I love that!  These are perfect with my cup of tea or coffee, but also great as an after school snack to dunk in a tall glass of milk.


Printable Recipe


Vanilla Bean Biscotti
makes about 30

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup white granulated sugar
6 tablespoons (3oz) unsalted butter at room temperature
2 extra large eggs at room temperature
1 long vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped using the back of a knife
2 packets of Dr. Oetker's Vanilla Sugar

Preheat the oven to 325ยบ.  Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.  In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.  In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or with an electric mixer, cream the butter, sugar, and vanilla bean seeds until light in color and fluffy.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the egg, beating well.  Add the second egg and beat again.  Scrape down the sides.  Mix in the dry ingredients.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface.  Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a 12-inch long, 1 1/2-inch wide log.  Transfer the logs to the baking sheet.  Bake until golden brown (dough will spread), about 35-40 minutes.  The dough will be slightly soft to the touch.  Allow the dough to cool on the baking sheets for 20 minutes.  Maintain the oven temperature. 


Carefully transfer the logs to a cutting board.  Using a sharp or serrated knife, cut a sliver off each end (those can be nibbled on).  Cut the logs into 3/4 -inch wide diagonal slices.  Place the biscotti cut side down on the baking sheets.  Sprinkle evenly with the vanilla sugar.  Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes.  Biscotti will still be barely soft in the center, but they will harden as they cool.  Cool on the baking sheets.  Store in an airtight container for up to a week.  Enjoy!

Source: The Galley Gourmet

8 comments:

  1. I have tons of vanilla beans I need to use up...this sounds perfect!

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  2. these look great! im very picky when it comes to biscotti but i think id love these...especially dipped in a cappuccino!

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  3. I never made biscotti before, but decided to try these and they were easy and delicious. Instead of making two loafs I made one measuring 12" long by 3" wide and about 3/4" tall. After baking, the log had grown to 17" x 5.5" x 3/4" tall. I cut the slices a bit wider than suggested to make about 14-15 finished biscotti. Yummy!....thanks Galley Gourmet!

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  4. You are welcome. Thank you for letting me know!

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  5. I made these today. I followed the recipe exactly and they came out perfect!

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    Replies
    1. So pleased you enjoyed the recipe! Thanks for letting me know. Know I need to make them:)

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  6. AnonymousJuly 05, 2012

    I made these today with my new mixer. I added chocolate chips, and they are delightful!

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  7. Fabulous easy and delicious recipe. Thank you.

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