Lemon Cardamom Biscotti – a treat that's as sophisticated as it is scrumptious! These aren't your average cookies; they're the epitome of dunking perfection! Bursting with the tangy zest of lemon and a subtle hint of aromatic cardamom, each bite delivers a symphony of flavors. Baked to a satisfying crunch, they're then dipped in luxurious white chocolate, elevating their indulgence to new heights. Perfectly complementing a relaxing tea session, these biscotti also make for a thoughtful and elegant edible gift. So, whether you're treating yourself or sharing the joy, get ready to savor every moment with these delectable lemon cardamom cookies.
"Biscotti" is an Italian word that translates to "twice-cooked" or "twice-baked" in English. It refers to a type of Italian cookie or biscuit that is first baked in a loaf, then sliced and baked again to achieve a dry and crunchy texture. This double baking process gives biscotti their characteristic crispness, making them perfect for dunking into coffee, tea, or dessert wine.
Love cookies and lemon? Check out my no bake lemon curd cheesecake, lemon curd muffins, and my pistachio white chocolate blondies!
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Irresistible Crunch: These cardamom lemon cookies offer a crunch in every bite. The double baking process creates a satisfying texture that's both crispy and sturdy, making them perfect for dunking into your favorite hot beverage without losing their shape or succumbing to sogginess. The audible snap as you bite into these biscotti adds an extra element of enjoyment, making each nibble a sensorial delight.
- Dynamic Lemon and Cardamom Flavor: The blend of tangy lemon zest and aromatic cardamom spice creates a flavor profile that's both refreshing and exotic. The bright citrus notes from the lemon zest pair beautifully with the warm, slightly floral essence of cardamom, resulting in a taste sensation that's balanced and utterly delicious. Whether you're a fan of citrusy treats or enjoy exploring unique flavor combinations, the marriage of lemon and cardamom in these biscotti is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
- Ease of Preparation: Despite their gourmet appeal, these Lemon Cardamom Biscotti are surprisingly simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can whip up a batch with ease. The dough comes together quickly, and the baking process is fuss-free. Whether you're baking for yourself or preparing edible gifts for loved ones, the simplicity of this recipe ensures that you can enjoy homemade biscotti whenever the craving strikes, without any hassle.
Equipment
Microplane zester is a must when zesting a lemon properly for the lemon cardamom cookies. The fine blades get just the top of the lemon peel and not the white bitter pith underneath. It's a great kitchen tool to have for baking!
Ingredients
Cardamom cookies recipe ingredients needed:
- Lemon: The star of the show, lemon brings vibrant citrusy flavor to the best cardamom cookies. The zest of the lemon provides aromatic oils that infuse the dough with refreshing, tangy notes, enhancing its overall brightness and zestiness. Lemon zest also adds a layer of complexity and depth to the flavor profile, balancing the sweetness of the cookie and complementing the warm spiciness of the cardamom.
- Cardamom: This exotic spice adds a distinct and aromatic flavor to the biscotti. With its warm, slightly floral notes, cardamom complements the citrusy tang of the lemon zest, creating a harmonious flavor profile that is both intriguing and delicious. Its presence adds depth and complexity to the biscotti, elevating them from ordinary cookies to gourmet delights.
- Eggs: Eggs serve as a binding agent in the biscotti dough, helping to hold the ingredients together and provide structure. Additionally, eggs contribute to the texture of the biscotti, yielding a tender crumb that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy exterior. They also add richness and moisture to the dough, ensuring that the biscotti remain soft and flavorful on the inside while achieving the desired crispness on the outside.
- Butter: Butter is essential for adding richness, flavor, and moisture to the biscotti dough. As the butter melts during baking, it coats the flour particles, resulting in a tender and crumbly texture. Butter also contributes to the overall flavor profile of the biscotti, imparting a rich, buttery taste that enhances the other ingredients. Additionally, butter helps to create a golden brown crust on the biscotti, adding visual appeal and depth of flavor.
See recipe card below for quantities.
Substitutions
- Nutty Twist: For a crunchy and nutty variation, try adding chopped almonds or pistachios to the biscotti dough. Simply fold in your favorite nuts before shaping the dough into logs for baking. Toasting the nuts beforehand can enhance their nuttiness and add a delightful aroma to your biscotti.
- Orange Bliss: Swap out the lemon zest for fresh orange zest to create Orange Cardamom Biscotti. The bright citrus flavor of orange pairs beautifully with the warm spiciness of cardamom, offering a refreshing twist on the classic recipe. Orange zest adds a vibrant burst of flavor to the biscotti, creating a contrast to the sweetness of the cookie.
- Chocolate Indulgence: Take your biscotti to the next level by dipping them in different types of chocolate. For a delicious pairing, dip the cooled biscotti in dark chocolate for a rich and indulgent treat.
This cardamom cookies recipe has not been tested with other substitutions. These are just suggestions.
Instructions
Let's make lemon cardamom cookies!
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the lemon zest and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Beat until the zest releases its oils, about 2 minutes.
Step 2. Add the butter, beat until combined, about 2 minutes.
Step 3. Mix in the eggs and vanilla, beat until combined, about 1 minute.
Step 4. Whisk together the flour, salt, and cardamom. Beat until a dough forms.
Step 5. Divide the dough in half. Create two rectangular logs, about 9.5 inches long and 2.5 inches wide. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 6. Let the logs cool, Cut about 1 inch slices. Place on a rack cut side up. Bake again for 15-20 minutes or until desired crunchiness. Let cool before dipping in white chocolate.
Hint: Add a teaspoon or so of vegetable oil to the white chocolate before melting to creating a thinner consistency, perfect for dipping.
Pro tips
- Enhance Flavor with Sugar and Lemon Zest. Before mixing your ingredients, take a moment to rub the granulated sugar and freshly grated lemon zest together. This technique helps to release the natural oils from the lemon zest, intensifying its flavor and aroma. By infusing the sugar with the essence of lemon, you'll ensure that every bite of biscotti bursts with citrusy brightness.
- Opt for a Serrated Knife for Clean Cuts. When it comes time to slice your biscotti logs after their initial bake, reach for a serrated knife. The saw-like edge of a serrated knife grips the biscotti dough more effectively, preventing the delicate log from crumbling or breaking apart as you cut. This ensures clean, uniform slices with crisp edges, resulting in biscotti that not only look professional but also maintain their structural integrity.
- Thoroughly Bake for Perfect Texture. Unlike soft cookies, biscotti should be dry and crisp throughout, with no trace of moisture remaining. To achieve this, bake the sliced biscotti logs until they are completely dry and firm to the touch. This extra baking time ensures that the biscotti will slice cleanly and hold their shape, resulting in beautifully crisp and crunchy cookies that are perfect for dunking.
FAQ
What is cardamom?
Cardamom is versatile and can be used whole or ground, depending on the recipe. It's a key ingredient in many spice blends, such as garam masala and chai masala, and it adds depth and complexity to both sweet and savory dishes. From baked goods like cookies and cakes to curries, rice dishes, and even beverages.
How do I zest a lemon?
Zesting a lemon is quick and easy. Start by washing the lemon and selecting a microplane zester. Hold the lemon firmly and gently run the tool over the surface, being careful to only remove the outer yellow layer of zest, avoiding the bitter white pith.
Storage
Room temperature
Store the cookies in an airtight container, like a cookie tin on the counter for up to one week.
Freezer
Store the cookies in a freezer bag or airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
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📖 Recipe
Lemon Cardamom Cookies
Equipment
- Microplane zester
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Mixing bowls
- Parchment Paper
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup (152 grams) granulated sugar
- 3 large lemons zested
- 5 tablespoons (67 grams) unsalted butter room temperature
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (286 grams) all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 oz melted white chocolate high quality
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the lemon zest and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Beat until the zest releases its oils, about 2 minutes.
- Add the butter, beat until combined, about 2 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla, beat until combined, about 1 minute.
- Whisk together the flour, salt, and cardamom. Add to the bowl, mix until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half. Create two rectangular logs, about 9.5 inches long and 2.5 inches wide. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the logs cool, Cut about 1 inch slices( see photos in post for reference) Place on a rack cut side up. Bake again for 15-20 minutes or until desired crunchiness. Let cool before dipping in white chocolate.
- Dip the flat bottom in melted white chocolate, place on a parchment lined plate. Place in the refrigerator until set. Take out and enjoy!
Tony says
I had these and they are amazing!
Amanda says
Yay! Thank you 🙂
Min says
This is a dressed up biscotti. Enjoyable to eat and easy to make.
Amanda says
I love that! thank you!