Gourmet Almond Flour Biscotti

The Ultimate Gluten-Free Almond Flour Biscotti: Perfectly Crunchy & Wholesome

Indulge in the delightful crunch and rich, nutty flavor of these homemade almond flour biscotti. This recipe offers a wonderful gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free twist on the beloved Italian classic, making it a perfect treat for conscious eaters. Each biscotti is perfectly sweetened and twice-baked to achieve that signature crispy texture that’s simply irresistible. Whether you enjoy them dunked in your morning coffee, paired with a relaxing cup of tea, or savored on their own, these wholesome cookies are sure to become a cherished addition to your baking repertoire. They also make fantastic, thoughtful gifts during the holidays or any special occasion!

Biscotti drizzled with chocolate and almond pieces stacked on a plate with a cup of coffee in the background.
Stacked almond flour biscotti with chocolate drizzle, ready for dipping.

Biscotti, which literally means “twice-baked,” are classic Italian cookies celebrated for their distinctively crunchy texture and elegant flavor. The unique double-baking process is what gives them their characteristic crispness, making them ideal for dipping without falling apart. This particular recipe takes all the traditional charm of a coffee shop biscotti and elevates it with clean, wholesome ingredients. You’ll find that these almond flour biscotti offer all the nutty richness and satisfying snap you crave, but are crafted to be gluten-free, dairy-free, and made without refined sugars.

Their impressive shelf life, compared to most standard cookies, makes them an excellent choice for preparing in advance. I especially love baking these for homemade food gifts during the holidays and Christmas season. They present beautifully and are always a welcome treat! Beyond biscotti, some of my other favorite clean-eating gifts include vegan chocolate turtles, healthy dark chocolate bark, and chocolate cashew clusters.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Biscotti Recipe

  • Effortlessly Easy: Don’t be intimidated by the idea of biscotti! This recipe is surprisingly simple to make. The dough comes together in mere minutes, and because no chilling is required, you can have them ready for the oven in under 15 minutes. Perfect for busy bakers!
  • Perfect for Gifting: Their elegant appearance and longer shelf life make these biscotti an ideal homemade gift. Package them in a festive tin or clear bag, and you have a thoughtful present that friends and family will adore during the holiday season or any time of year.
  • Wholesome, Clean Ingredients: This recipe calls for a handful of simple, whole food ingredients, ensuring a treat that not only tastes amazing but also aligns with a clean eating lifestyle. You can feel good about enjoying every bite.
  • Infinitely Customizable: The basic recipe provides a fantastic canvas for creativity. There are countless flavor variations and delicious add-ins you can experiment with, allowing you to tailor these biscotti to your personal preferences or seasonal themes.
  • Uniquely Crunchy and Perfectly Sweet: Experience a satisfying crunch with every bite, complemented by just the right amount of sweetness. They are designed to be substantial enough to hold up to dipping, yet delicate in flavor.

Essential Ingredients for Your Biscotti

Labeled ingredients for almond flour biscotti.
All the simple ingredients you’ll need for these delicious almond flour biscotti.
  • Almond Flour: This is the star of our gluten-free recipe. It’s crucial to use fine almond flour, not coarse almond meal, for the best texture. Almond flour is made from blanched, ground almonds, resulting in a lighter, finer texture that prevents the biscotti from being too dense.
  • Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: I use extra-virgin olive oil for its healthy fats and subtle flavor, but avocado oil is another excellent neutral-tasting alternative. Both oils contribute to the biscotti’s tender crumb before its second bake, and maintain the dairy-free profile.
  • Coconut Sugar: To keep this recipe refined sugar-free, coconut sugar is my go-to sweetener. It offers a rich, caramel-like flavor that complements the almonds beautifully. If you prefer, you can substitute it with regular white sugar or organic cane sugar, though be aware that using white sugar will result in a slightly lighter-colored biscotti.
  • Large Eggs (Room Temperature): Eggs bind the ingredients together and add moisture, ensuring a cohesive dough. Room temperature eggs emulsify better with other ingredients, leading to a smoother, more uniform dough.
  • Almond Extract & Pure Vanilla Extract: These extracts enhance the overall flavor profile. Almond extract amplifies the nutty taste, while vanilla provides a warm, comforting base. Don’t skip these for the best results!
  • Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the biscotti rise slightly during the first bake, giving it a good structure before it’s sliced and twice-baked.
  • Fine Sea Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out all the other flavors, making the biscotti taste even more delicious.

While the biscotti are delicious on their own, I highly recommend a decadent drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence. This step is entirely optional and customizable to your taste! For a refined sugar-free option, I suggest Hu Chocolate. Full directions and ingredient amounts for the chocolate topping are included in the recipe card below.

A complete list of ingredients and precise amounts can be found in the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this page.

Creative Variations to Spice Up Your Biscotti

The recipe outlined below creates a wonderfully classic and versatile biscotti, but it’s also a fantastic base for experimentation! If you’re looking to infuse new flavors and textures, consider trying some of these delicious variations:

  • Pistachio Perfection: For a vibrant color and distinct flavor, simply fold in ½ cup of finely chopped pistachios into the dough just before you form the log. The green of the pistachios adds a beautiful contrast, especially if you opt for a white chocolate drizzle after baking.
  • Zesty Orange Cranberry: Add the zest from one fresh orange directly into your wet ingredients to infuse a bright, citrusy note. Then, fold ½ cup of dried cranberries into the dough. I love using Honestly Cranberry for a no-added-sugar option. After the biscotti have been twice-baked and cooled, you could even drizzle them with a touch of white chocolate for an extra touch of elegance.
  • Classic Almond Chocolate Chip: You can’t go wrong with this beloved combination. Mix in ⅓ cup of sliced or slivered almonds along with ⅓ cup of mini chocolate chips into the dough before shaping. Dark chocolate chips work wonderfully for a richer flavor, or opt for milk chocolate for a sweeter profile.
  • Mixed Dried Fruit Medley: Get creative with your favorite dried fruits! Fold in ½ cup of a mix like chopped apricots, figs, golden raisins, or cherries for a chewy and naturally sweet addition. This is a great way to use up leftover dried fruits from your pantry.
  • Warm Spice Infusion: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves to your dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic spice biscotti, perfect for fall and winter.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Almond Flour Biscotti

Making these delicious biscotti is a straightforward process, even for beginner bakers. Follow these steps for perfectly crunchy, flavorful results!

Wet ingredients with a whisk in a gray mixing bowl.
Step 1: Whisk the Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the coconut sugar, olive oil, eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until they are well combined and slightly frothy. This ensures an even distribution of flavor and sweetness throughout the dough.
Almond flour biscotti dough with a wooden spoon in a gray mixing bowl.
Step 2: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients. To the bowl of wet ingredients, add the almond flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Use a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula to mix everything together. Continue mixing until all the dry ingredients are fully incorporated and a cohesive dough forms. The dough will be thick and somewhat sticky.
Almond flour biscotti dough shape into a log on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Shape the Dough Log. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Transfer the sticky dough onto the center of the prepared sheet. To prevent sticking, lightly wet your hands before shaping the dough into a uniform log, approximately 12 inches long and 4 inches wide. Aim for a thickness of about ½ inch.
Baked biscotti log before being cut into slices.
Step 4: First Bake. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the dough log for 25-28 minutes, or until it’s golden brown around the edges and firm to the touch. Once baked, remove it from the oven and immediately reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) in preparation for the second bake.
Biscotti loaf being cut on a cutting board after being baked the first time.
Step 5: Cool and Slice. Allow the baked log to cool completely (this is a crucial step to prevent crumbling!) for at least 15-20 minutes on a cooling rack. Once cooled, transfer the log to a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife (like a bread knife), carefully slice the log at a slight diagonal into 12 pieces, each approximately ¾-inch thick. The interior might appear slightly underdone – this is normal and will be addressed in the second bake.
Sliced biscotti on a parchment paper lined baking sheet after baking the first time.
Step 6: Prepare for Second Bake. Place each sliced biscotti back onto the same parchment-lined baking sheet, arranging them cut-side down. Ensure there’s a little space between each piece for even baking. These are now ready to return to the lower-temperature oven.
Sliced biscotti on a parchment paper lined baking sheet after baking the second time.
Step 7: The Second Bake (for Crunch!). Return the baking sheet with the sliced biscotti to the preheated 300°F (150°C) oven. Bake for another 20-25 minutes, flipping each biscotti halfway through the baking time to ensure even toasting. The edges should be nicely browned and the cookies crisp all the way through when they’re done.
Biscotti cookies drizzled with chocolate and topped with almond pieces on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Step 8: Optional Chocolate Drizzle & Topping. If you’re adding chocolate, melt your chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Once the biscotti have cooled, drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over one side of each cookie. For extra flair and crunch, sprinkle with chopped almonds or other nuts while the chocolate is still wet. Let the chocolate set completely before storing.

Expert Tips and Notes for Perfect Biscotti

Achieving bakery-quality biscotti at home is easier than you think with these helpful tips:

The dough will naturally be quite sticky due to the almond flour and lack of traditional wheat flour. To manage this, simply wet your hands before transferring the dough to the cookie sheet and forming your log. This prevents the dough from clinging to your fingers.

If you prefer smaller biscotti cookies, you can easily divide the dough into two smaller logs before the first bake. If doing so, remember to reduce the initial baking time. I would recommend baking the smaller logs for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are firm to the touch and browned around the edges.

It’s absolutely essential to allow the baked log to fully cool before slicing. Attempting to slice a warm log will almost certainly result in cracking, crumbling, and breakage. Patience here will be rewarded with clean, perfect slices.

Always use a sharp serrated knife (like a bread knife) for slicing the biscotti log. Cut slowly and with a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing down. This technique helps to minimize crumbling and ensures smooth, even cuts.

If you have a personal preference for a slightly softer cookie (though still crisp), you can reduce the second bake time by a few minutes. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven when they reach your desired level of crispness.

When you slice the log after the first bake, you’ll notice the interior often looks slightly underdone. Don’t worry! This is completely normal. It will continue to cook and crisp up perfectly during the second bake.

Single biscotti drizzled with chocolate and almond pieces laying onto of a cup of coffee with additional biscotti in the background.
The perfect companion for your coffee or tea break.

Storing and Freezing Your Biscotti

To store: Once completely cooled, these almond flour biscotti should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully fresh and crunchy for up to 2 weeks, making them a great make-ahead treat.

To freeze: For longer storage, place the cooled biscotti in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply allow them to thaw at room temperature for an hour or two.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a flax egg or other egg replacer to make these vegan?

I haven’t personally tested this recipe with an egg substitute like a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) or a commercial egg replacer. However, many successful vegan biscotti recipes do utilize these replacements effectively. If you decide to experiment with a vegan egg alternative, please let me know your results! I’d be interested to hear how it turns out.

What exactly are Biscotti?

Biscotti are traditional Italian cookies that get their name from the Latin “bis coctus,” meaning “twice baked.” This distinctive baking method is key to their characteristic hard, dry, and crunchy texture. The first bake forms a large loaf, which is then sliced and baked a second time to crisp up and dry out each individual cookie. This unique process makes them perfectly suited for dipping into hot beverages like coffee, tea, or even a glass of vin santo, as they won’t quickly disintegrate.

How do I cut the biscotti so they don’t crumble or break apart?

The key to clean, non-crumbling biscotti slices lies in two main factors: proper cooling and the right cutting technique. First, ensure the baked log is thoroughly cooled before you attempt to slice it – ideally 15-20 minutes on a wire rack. Cutting while warm will cause it to fall apart. Second, use a sharp serrated knife (a bread knife works best). Slice slowly at a slight diagonal, using a gentle back-and-forth sawing motion rather than pressing straight down. Don’t let the log sit for too long after cooling, as it can dry out too much and become harder to cut.

Biscotti cookies drizzled with chocolate and topped with chopped almonds on a small drying rack with a bowl of almonds on the side.
Freshly baked and decorated biscotti, cooling on a rack.

More Delicious Almond Flour Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re enjoying the benefits and flavors of almond flour, here are some other fantastic recipes to try:

  • Fluffy Almond Flour Blackberry Muffins
  • Paleo Almond Flour Donuts
  • Paleo Almond Flour Biscuits
  • Almond Flour Blueberry Lemon Bread

If you make this Almond Flour Biscotti recipe, please let me know what you think! I would so appreciate you leaving a star rating and/or comment below. And don’t forget to share a photo on Instagram or Facebook and mention @CleanPlateMama!

Eat Clean. Be Well!
-Sara

Biscotti drizzled with chocolate and almond pieces stacked on a plate.

Almond Flour Biscotti

Enjoy the sweet crunch and rich flavor of these almond flour biscotti. This gluten-free twist on the classic is perfectly sweetened and baked to perfection. Perfect for dunking in your favorite coffee/tea and great for gifting around the holidays.

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Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian
Diet: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Refined Sugar Free
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 biscotti
Author: Sara

Equipment

  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 baking sheet
  • 1 serrated knife/bread knife

Ingredients

For the Biscotti:

  • ½ cup coconut sugar
  • 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ tsp. almond extract
  • 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 2 ¾ cups almond flour (spoon & level)
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • ¼ tsp. fine sea salt

For the Optional Chocolate & Almond Topping:

  • ½ cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (use Hu Chocolate for refined sugar-free)
  • ½ tsp. coconut oil
  • ¼ cup chopped almonds

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set it aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut sugar, olive oil, eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
  3. Add the almond flour, baking powder, and sea salt to the same bowl. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a uniform dough forms and all ingredients are fully incorporated. The dough will be sticky.
  4. Transfer the sticky dough to the prepared baking sheet. Lightly wet your hands before shaping the dough into a log, approximately 12 inches long by 4 inches wide and about ½ inch thick.
  5. Bake the dough log for 23-28 minutes, or until the edges and top are golden brown and the log is firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack and let cool for an additional 10-15 minutes. While it cools, reduce your oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) for the second bake.
  6. Once the log is cooled, place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp bread knife or serrated knife, carefully slice the log at a slight diagonal into 12 pieces, each about ¾-inch thick.
  7. Place each sliced biscotti, cut side down, back onto the cookie sheet. Ensure there is a little space between each piece.
  8. Return the biscotti to the preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for the second bake. Bake for 25 minutes, flipping each piece halfway through to ensure even browning and crispness. They should be crisp throughout when done.
  9. If you are adding a chocolate drizzle, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Using a spoon or fork, drizzle the melted chocolate over one half of each cooled biscotti. Immediately sprinkle with chopped almonds, if desired, while the chocolate is still wet.
  10. Ensure the biscotti are completely cooled (and if adding chocolate, that the chocolate has fully set) before storing. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

  • Always spoon and level your almond flour when measuring to ensure accurate amounts and the best texture.
  • When forming the dough log, aim for a longer, narrower shape rather than a wider one. I recommend not making it wider than 4 inches; wider logs can be harder to slice and more prone to breaking.
  • Allow the baked log to cool sufficiently before cutting – this is crucial for minimizing crumbling. When cutting, use a serrated knife and cut slowly to avoid breakage.
  • It’s normal for the inside of the biscotti log to appear slightly undercooked when you slice it after the first bake. Don’t worry, it will finish cooking and crisping up during the second bake.
  • Refer to the blog post above for creative suggestions on different flavor variations to customize your biscotti!
  • These biscotti will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 202kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 150mg | Potassium: 12mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 40IU | Calcium: 106mg | Iron: 1mg

*Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods.

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