This Sourdough Discard Toasted Almond Biscotti is a fun way to use up leftover sourdough starter. It’s crispy, nutty, and perfect for dunking in your coffee or tea!
I love how these biscotti give me a reason to enjoy my morning drink even more. Plus, you’ll feel like a bakery star whipping these up in no time! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Discard: This is key for flavor! If you don’t have sourdough discard, you can use a similar amount of plain yogurt or buttermilk, which will add moisture and tanginess.
Granulated Sugar: White sugar helps with sweetness and texture. Brown sugar can be used instead for a deeper flavor, but your biscotti might be a bit softer.
Unsalted Butter: I prefer unsalted butter for better control over the salt in the recipe. If you’re dairy-free, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
Almonds: Toasted whole almonds are wonderful for flavor. You can swap in chopped walnuts or hazelnuts if you prefer. Just make sure to toast them too!
Powdered Sugar: It’s optional for dusting but adds a nice finishing touch. You could skip this if you want a less sweet treat.
How Do I Toast Almonds Properly?
Toasting almonds enhances their flavor, adding a lovely crunch to your biscotti. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Add the almonds in a single layer and stir frequently.
- Keep an eye on them! They can burn quickly—toast for about 5-7 minutes or until golden and fragrant.
- Once done, remove from heat right away to prevent further cooking.
I highly recommend letting them cool before adding them to your dough; this keeps the texture perfect!
How to Make Sourdough Discard Toasted Almond Biscotti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed starter)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole almonds, toasted and roughly chopped (reserve a few whole for topping)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon almond extract for enhanced almond flavor
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and around 1 hour for baking and cooling. You should allow about 15 minutes for cooling before slicing into biscotti. So, set aside a total of about 1 hour and 15 minutes for this delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
First things first, let’s get the oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This is important for that perfect crispy finish! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to keep your biscotti from sticking.
2. Toast the Almonds:
In a dry skillet over medium heat, add your whole almonds. Stir them frequently for about 5-7 minutes, until they are golden and smelling amazing. Once they’re toasted, remove them from the heat and let them cool.
3. Cream Together Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps to incorporate air for a nice texture.
4. Add Eggs and Extracts:
Next, add eggs to the bowl one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract, and if you’re feeling fancy, add the almond extract for extra flavor.
5. Incorporate the Sourdough Discard:
Mix in the sourdough discard until it’s all blended in. This adds a wonderful tang and depth of flavor!
6. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
7. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, folding them together gently until just combined. Don’t worry if the dough looks a little thick; that’s exactly how it should be!
8. Fold in the Toasted Almonds:
Now it’s time to add those toasted almonds! Gently fold them into the dough so they’re evenly distributed.
9. Shape the Dough:
Flour your work surface lightly and take your dough. Shape it into a log about 12 inches long and 3-4 inches wide. Carefully place it on your prepared baking sheet.
10. Add Whole Almonds:
Press a few reserved whole almonds into the top of the log for decoration. It gives a nice rustic touch to your biscotti!
11. Bake the Log:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the log is golden and firm to the touch. Your kitchen is going to smell so good right now!
12. Cool and Slice:
Once out of the oven, let the log cool for about 15 minutes. While it cools, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C). After cooling, use a serrated knife to slice the log diagonally into 1/2-inch thick slices.
13. Second Bake:
Arrange the cut slices cut side down on the baking sheet. Bake them again for 10-15 minutes on each side, flipping once halfway through. This is what gives them that lovely crispy texture!
14. Cool and Dust:
After the second baking, take them out and let the biscotti cool completely on a wire rack. Lastly, if you like, dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
And there you have it! Enjoy your crispy, nutty Sourdough Discard Toasted Almond Biscotti with your favorite hot beverage! Happy baking! 🍵✨
Can I Use a Different Type of Nut?
Absolutely! While almonds are wonderful in this recipe, you can substitute them with walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts. Just make sure to toast them to enhance their flavor!
What Should I Do if My Dough is Too Sticky?
If your dough is sticking too much, lightly flour your hands and work surface as needed while shaping it. Alternatively, you can chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
How Should I Store Leftover Biscotti?
Store your homemade biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before you freeze them!
Can I Add Chocolate to This Recipe?
Definitely! You can add chocolate chips or chunks for a delicious twist. Just fold them in along with the toasted almonds. Keep in mind, this will add sweetness, so you might want to reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer less sweet biscotti.
