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Catalan Biscotti

Catalan Biscotti

  • Makes
    24 Cookies
  • Cook Time
    45 minutes
  • Active time plus cooling
    Plus cooling
  • Rating

These simple, rustic cookies are our spin on carquinyolis, or Catalonian biscotti. Traditionally, the dough is baked in slightly flattened logs, then the logs are sliced and the slices are baked again until dry and crunchy. We, however, opted to bake the cookies once, not twice, so their interiors are satisfyingly chewy while the exteriors are crisp. The cookies are the perfect accompaniment for a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine. Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they will keep for up to a week.

Tip

Don't use marzipan in place of the almond paste; though the two are similar, they are not interchangeable (marzipan is sweeter and softer than almond paste). Don’t discard the egg yolk after separating the second egg to make the dough—you’ll need the yolk to brush onto the cookies so that they bake up with a rich golden sheen.

Ingredients
  • 195

    grams (1½ cups) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the counter

  • ¾

    teaspoon baking soda

  • 93

    grams (1 cup) sliced almonds

  • 214

    grams (1 cup) white sugar

  • 113

    grams (4 ounces) almond paste, broken into rough 1-inch pieces

  • 1

    teaspoon grated lemon zest

  • ½

    teaspoon table salt

  • 1

    large egg, plus 1 large egg, separated

  • 1

Step 1

Heat the oven to 350°F with racks in the upper- and lower-middle positions. Line 2 baking sheets with kitchen parchment. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda.

Step 2

Distribute the almondson 1 of the prepared baking sheets and toast in the oven until golden brown, stirring once about halfway through. Let cool on a wire rack.

Step 3

In a food processor,combine the sugar, almond paste, lemon zest and salt. Process until the almond paste has broken down and the mixture is sandy, about 30 seconds.

Add the whole egg, the egg white and the vanilla and process until the mixture is smooth and lightened in color, 20 to 30 seconds, scraping the bowl as needed.

Step 4

Transfer the almond paste-egg mixtureto the bowl with the flour mixture and stir with a silicone spatula until the flour is mostly incorporated.

Add the toasted almonds and stir until incorporated (return the parchment to the baking sheet).

Turn the mixture out onto a lightly floured counter and knead a few times to bring the dough together.

Step 5

Form the dough into a 14-inch log about 2 inches in diameter. Using a chef's knife or bench scraper, cut the log into fourths, then cut each quarter into 6 slices, each about ½ inch thick.

Place the slices on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly apart. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining egg yolk and 1 teaspoon water, then lightly brush the mixture onto the slices.

Step 6

Bake until the cookies are golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes, switching and rotating the baking sheets about halfway through. Let cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely, about 30 minutes.