Easy Homemade Biscotti

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Tray

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Set your oven to 180°C (or 160°C for fan ovens) or gas mark 4. This ensures the oven is hot enough for baking the biscotti.

2. Prepare the Baking Tray:

   • Line a baking tray with baking parchment. This will prevent the biscotti from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine:
     • 300 g plain flour
     • 100 g caster sugar
     • 50 g light brown soft sugar
     • 1½ tsp baking powder
     • A large pinch of salt
   • Stir the mixture together until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

4. Whisk Wet Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together:
     • 80 g vegetable oil
     • 1 large egg
     • 2 tsp vanilla extract
     • 3 tbsp hot water
   • Whisk until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.

Step 4: Form the Dough

5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:

   • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until the mixture comes together to form a dough.

6. Knead the Dough:

   • Gently knead the dough in the bowl until smooth. If the dough feels too dry and difficult to knead, add another 1 tbsp of water to help it come together.

Step 5: Shape the Logs

7. Divide and Shape:

   • Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into a log approximately 25 cm long and 8 cm wide.

8. Place on Baking Tray:

   • Position the logs on the prepared baking tray, ensuring there is space between them to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 6: Bake the Logs

9. Bake:

   • Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the logs are firm and slightly golden.

10. Cool Slightly:

    • Remove the logs from the oven and let them cool on the tray for about 15 minutes. This makes them easier to slice.

Step 7: Slice the Biscotti

11. Cut into Slices:
    • Using a sharp knife, cut the slightly cooled logs into slices about 1-2 cm thick, cutting crosswise.

Step 8: Bake Again

12. Return to Oven:
    • Place the sliced biscotti back on the lined baking tray, spacing them out. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes at the same temperature, turning the tray around halfway through to ensure even baking.

Step 9: Cool Completely

13. Cool on Tray:
    • Once baked, leave the biscotti to cool slightly on the tray. After a few minutes, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Optional Chocolate Dip

14. Dip in Chocolate:

    • If desired, melt some milk or dark chocolate and dip one end of each biscotti into the chocolate. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off.

15. Set the Biscotti:

    • Place the dipped biscotti back on a baking tray lined with baking parchment to set.

Storage

16. Store:
    • Once completely cooled, store the biscotti in an airtight container. They will keep fresh for up to five days.

Enjoy your Easy Homemade Biscotti with coffee or tea, or as a delightful gift for friends and family!