As I stood in my kitchen one sunny afternoon, I felt the urge to bake something simple yet delightful. This impulse often leads me to explore various recipes, but that day, Jamie Oliver’s biscotti caught my eye.
There’s something special about biscotti—their crunch, their flavor, and how they pair perfectly with coffee or tea. Let me take you on a flavorful journey as I guide you through the joys of making Jamie Oliver’s biscotti from scratch.
What is Jamie Oliver Biscotti?
Biscotti, originating from Italy, are twice-baked cookies known for their hard texture that makes them perfect for dipping. Jamie Oliver, an iconic chef known for his approachable style and passion for food, elevates this classic treat with his unique twist.
His biscotti recipe combines high-quality ingredients and simple techniques that even a novice baker can handle. These cookies often boast nuts, chocolate, and dried fruits, marrying flavors and textures seamlessly. Making biscotti is an activity filled with comfort and joy.
Why You’ll Love This Jamie Oliver Biscotti
You might wonder why this particular biscotti recipe should be on your baking radar. For starters, it’s remarkably easy to pull together. The ingredients are commonly found in your pantry, making this a practical choice.
If you enjoy the satisfying crunch of cookies, these are for you. When you bite into them, you’ll experience a delightful combination of flavors that range from nutty to slightly sweet. Pair them with your favorite beverage, and you have a snack that’s made for savoring.
Plus, they keep well for days, so you can enjoy them throughout the week.
The Ingredients
Before diving into baking, let’s go over what you’ll need. Trust me, these are simple, everyday ingredients.
- 100g high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
- 60g premium cocoa powder
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 175g superfine sugar
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 3 medium organic eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 100g unsalted pistachio kernels
- 50g chopped hazelnuts
- 40g dried sour cranberries
Step by Step Instructions
Now, let’s get our hands doughy and start baking.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). A good oven is essential. You want that perfect, consistent temperature!
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. You can also use a silicone baking mat if you have one.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, sea salt, and superfine sugar. Use a whisk to blend everything. You’re creating a dry mix, so this step is paramount for even texture and flavor distribution.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them lightly. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined. Mixing them well now helps to avoid clumps later.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixes
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry. Use a spatula to combine until a dough forms. Don’t overmix, or your biscotti may become tough.
Step 6: Add the Good Stuff
Now comes the fun part—fold in the dark chocolate, pistachios, chopped hazelnuts, and cranberries. Make sure everything is equally distributed throughout.
Step 7: Shape the Dough
Transfer your dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a log about 30 cm (12 inches) long and 7.5 cm (3 inches) wide. Remember, it will spread a little, so leave some space on the sides.
Step 8: First Bake
Pop the baking sheet into your heated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the log looks firm and slightly cracked on top. It should have a slight bounce when touched.
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Remove the log from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling time makes slicing easier. Once slightly cooled, use a sharp knife to slice the log into 1 cm (½ inch) thick slices.
Step 10: Second Bake
Arrange the slices back on the baking sheet, cut side up. Return them to the oven for another 15-20 minutes. You want them nice and crisp, so keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 11: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the biscotti cool completely on a wire rack. This requires patience, but the aroma wafting through your kitchen will keep you motivated. Once cooled, they’re ready to be enjoyed!
Tips & Tricks
- Use Good Quality Chocolate: The flavor of your biscotti will reflect the quality of your ingredients. Don’t skimp.
- Experiment with Nuts: Feel free to substitute your favorite nuts. Almonds or walnuts work beautifully.
- Store Properly: Keep biscotti in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Have Fun with Flavors: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra twist.
- Dip Them! If you enjoy even more sweetness, dip them in melted chocolate after baking.
Can I Store Jamie Oliver Biscotti?
Absolutely! Biscotti are perfect for storing. Once cooled completely, you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. They freeze well, and you can pull them out as needed for a quick treat.
What Can I Serve with Jamie Oliver Biscotti?
Serving biscotti can enhance your experience. Here are some delightful suggestions:
- Tea or Coffee: Classic pairing! The crunch complements the warm drink beautifully.
- Milk: A tall glass of milk balances sweetness perfectly.
- Hot Chocolate: Feel indulgent? Pair it with a creamy beverage.
- Dessert Wine: Try with sweet dessert wines like Vin Santo for an Italian twist.
- Fruit Compote: A dollop of fruit spread or compote can add a fruity touch.
Variations
Biscotti are incredibly versatile. Here are five variations that you can try to add a personal touch:
- Citrus Biscotti: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the dough for a fresh flavor. It brightens the cookies and adds a lovely aroma.
- Chocolate Chip Biscotti: Swap out the dark chocolate for chocolate chips for a fun twist that kids will love.
- Almond Biscotti: Use almond extract instead of vanilla and substitute chopped almonds for pistachios and hazelnuts.
- Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti: Increase the dried cranberries and play with the nuts to create delightful combinations.
- Spiced Biscotti: Add spices like cinnamon and clove for an extra kick, perfect for the holiday season.
Jamie Oliver Biscotti Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- First things first, preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). A good oven is essential. You want that perfect, consistent temperature!
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. You can also use a silicone baking mat if you have one.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, sea salt, and superfine sugar. Use a whisk to blend everything. You’re creating a dry mix, so this step is paramount for even texture and flavor distribution.
- In another bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them lightly. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined. Mixing them well now helps to avoid clumps later.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry. Use a spatula to combine until a dough forms. Don’t overmix, or your biscotti may become tough.
- Now comes the fun part—fold in the dark chocolate, pistachios, chopped hazelnuts, and cranberries. Make sure everything is equally distributed throughout.
- Transfer your dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a log about 30 cm (12 inches) long and 7.5 cm (3 inches) wide. Remember, it will spread a little, so leave some space on the sides.
- Pop the baking sheet into your heated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the log looks firm and slightly cracked on top. It should have a slight bounce when touched.
- Remove the log from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling time makes slicing easier. Once slightly cooled, use a sharp knife to slice the log into 1 cm (½ inch) thick slices.
- Arrange the slices back on the baking sheet, cut side up. Return them to the oven for another 15-20 minutes. You want them nice and crisp, so keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once baked, let the biscotti cool completely on a wire rack. This requires patience, but the aroma wafting through your kitchen will keep you motivated. Once cooled, they’re ready to be enjoyed!
Nutrition
Notes
- Use Good Quality Chocolate: The flavor of your biscotti will reflect the quality of your ingredients. Don’t skimp.
- Experiment with Nuts: Feel free to substitute your favorite nuts. Almonds or walnuts work beautifully.
- Store Properly: Keep biscotti in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Have Fun with Flavors: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra twist.
- Dip Them! If you enjoy even more sweetness, dip them in melted chocolate after baking.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Baking Jamie Oliver’s biscotti is more than just preparing a treat; it’s an experience that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. I’ve discovered that these cookies can bring joy and contentment, especially during coffee breaks or gatherings with friends.
You get the satisfaction of creating something delicious with your own hands, and the flavors are simply unbeatable. So, whether you’re indulging solo or sharing with loved ones, these biscotti are bound to impress.
There’s nothing quite like homemade cookies straight from the oven, is there? Enjoy every crunch!