Union Square Cafe Biscotti Recipe: Easy Homemade Treat

There’s something truly timeless about biscotti, those crunchy, twice-baked Italian cookies that pair perfectly with coffee or tea. Among the many renditions of biscotti, the Union Square Cafe biscotti stands out for its delightful balance of flavor, texture, and simplicity.

This recipe captures the essence of New York’s beloved Union Square Cafe, giving you a chance to bring a little of that iconic charm into your own kitchen.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests with a homemade treat or simply indulge in a sweet snack with your morning brew, these biscotti offer a crisp, nutty, and slightly sweet experience that’s hard to beat.

The recipe is straightforward, accessible for bakers of all skill levels, and yields biscotti that are perfectly crunchy on the outside with a subtle chew on the inside.

Ready to bake your way into biscotti bliss? Let’s dive into the Union Square Cafe biscotti recipe and discover why this cookie has become a fan favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Union Square Cafe biscotti recipe is a standout for several reasons. First, it uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, making it easy to whip up anytime you crave something sweet and satisfying.

The twice-baked method ensures that perfect biscotti crunch, while the addition of toasted almonds and a hint of anise extract brings an authentic, aromatic flavor that’s both unique and comforting.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can enjoy these biscotti plain, dipped in chocolate, or even with dried fruit mixed in for a personalized twist.

Plus, once baked, these cookies keep well for weeks, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat for holidays or everyday snacking.

If you’ve enjoyed other classic cookies but want to explore something with a bit more texture and elegance, this recipe is a must-try. For more delicious baking inspiration, check out our Chocolate Chippy Pumpkin Bread Mix Vegan Recipe Made Easy or Chocolate Smoothie Bowl Recipe Vegan: Easy & Delicious Ideas.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon anise extract (optional but recommended)
• 1 cup whole almonds, toasted and roughly chopped
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Sharp knife or serrated bread knife
• Wire rack for cooling
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Toast the almonds: Spread the almonds on a separate baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 8–10 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Let them cool, then roughly chop.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
4. Beat eggs and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to beat the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and anise extract until the mixture is thick and pale, about 3–4 minutes.
5. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, mixing gently until combined. The dough will be thick and sticky.
6. Fold in almonds: Stir in the toasted almonds evenly throughout the dough.
7. Shape the logs: Divide the dough in half. On the prepared baking sheet, shape each half into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Flatten the tops slightly.
8. Bake the logs: Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
9. Slice the biscotti: Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the logs diagonally into ¾-inch thick slices.
10. Second bake: Arrange the slices cut side down on the baking sheet. Bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until dry and crisp.
11. Cool completely: Transfer biscotti to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

“For the best crunch, make sure to slice your biscotti while they’re still slightly warm from the first bake. This makes cutting easier and helps maintain their shape.”

If you want to customize your biscotti, consider adding dried cranberries, pistachios, or even a swirl of dark chocolate chips before the second bake. For a chocolate twist, dip one end of the cooled biscotti in melted bittersweet chocolate and let set.

If anise extract isn’t your favorite, substitute with almond extract or vanilla extract alone. This recipe is forgiving and can be adjusted to suit your flavor preferences!

For inspiration on other delicious baked goods, you might enjoy our Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Vegan Ice Cream Recipes To Try or Best Vegan Chocolate Recipes for Decadent Desserts.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Biscotti are traditionally enjoyed with a hot beverage, and this Union Square Cafe version is no exception. Serve them alongside a robust espresso, cappuccino, or your favorite morning coffee.

The crunchy texture is perfect for dipping without falling apart.

For an elegant dessert option, pair biscotti with a glass of Vin Santo or your preferred dessert wine. They also make a lovely accompaniment to a fruit salad or a bowl of fresh berries for a balanced treat.

If you’re hosting brunch or a casual gathering, display these biscotti in a decorative jar or basket to invite nibbling throughout the day. They also make fantastic homemade gifts when wrapped in cellophane tied with a ribbon.

Conclusion

The Union Square Cafe biscotti recipe is a delightful way to bring a classic New York café treat into your home kitchen. With its simple ingredients and straightforward process, it’s accessible to bakers of all levels while delivering bakery-quality results.

The crunchy texture paired with aromatic almonds and anise makes these biscotti both distinctive and comforting.

Baking biscotti is not just about making cookies; it’s about creating moments to savor with friends and family, whether during a quiet morning coffee or as part of a festive celebration. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy exploring other tasty treats like our Clean Eating Breakfast Vegetarian Recipes for Every Morning or Active Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy and Energized Living.

Happy baking, and enjoy every crunchy, flavorful bite!

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