Vanilla Chocolate Chip Biscotti

"Biscotti" is an Italian term referring to biscuits that are "twice baked"... and generally the ones which most of us often relate to are these crunchy and oblong shaped cookies that are technically also known as "Cantuccini". Originated during mid-nineteenth century in the small town of Prato in Italy, these biscotti have today become a coffeehouse staple across the world; while the original biscotti flavor can be traced back to comprising of just almonds and pine nuts, today you can choose from an endless variety starting right from simple vanilla, chocolate and cappuccino to even dried fruits such as cranberries and prunes.

Vanilla Chocolate Chip Biscotti

I am sure, baking biscotti at home might seem to be an intimidating task for many but, let me tell you its simply the opposite - quite easy and straightforward. Once you get the heck of it, you will not be able to resist yourselves from experimenting with different flavors every other day. The only thing which needs to be taken care off is they should not be over baked else, they can get too hard to bite on. So, what are we waiting for? Let's get started with the most easiest, simple and delicious - Vanilla & Choco Chip Biscotti.

Ingredients

All purpose flour - 1 1/4 cup
Butter (at room temperature) - 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp
Sugar - 3/4 cup
Egg (at room temperature) - 1 (Vegetarians can skip egg and use 2 to 3 tbsp of milk, just enough to make the dough)
Vanilla extract - 2 tsp
Chocolate chips - 2 tbsp
Baking soda - 1 tsp
Baking powder - 1 tsp
Salt - 1/4 tsp

Vanilla Chocolate Chip Biscotti

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180 degree C.
2. In the meanwhile, cream butter and sugar until combined well.
3. Add in egg and vanilla extract and whisk together until the mixture becomes pale.
4. Now, sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt and fold in the wet mixture. Also, add chocolate chips. You can always increase the quantity as per your preference.
5. Mixture should come together as a dough.
6. Shape out a log of the dough about 12 inches long, 3 inches wide and 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
7. Place it on the parchment lined baking sheet and bake for approx. 30 minutes or until the edges of the log start browning.
8. Take it out from the oven and let cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
9. Now, using a serrated knife at an angle, cut 1/2 inch thick slices and arrange on the parchment lined baking sheet, cut side down.
10. Lower the temperature of the oven and bake them at 150 degrees C for 15 minutes. Flip and again bake for 15 minutes.
11. Cool on a wire rack and enjoy with a cup of hot coffee. They can be easily stored in an airtight container for 2 to 3 weeks.

Vanilla Chocolate Chip Biscotti

Vanilla Chocolate Chip Biscotti