Celebrate the rustic charm of Italian baking with 'Biscotti Brutti e Buoni,' a delightful treat whose name translates to "Ugly but Good." These almond meringue cookies may boast a rugged appearance, but their flavor is truly irresistible. Crafted with whole almonds, airy egg whites, and a hint of vanilla and lemon zest, this recipe is a perfect balance of nutty richness and citrusy brightness. The cookiesβ crisp exterior and chewy center make them an ideal pairing for your favorite hot beverages, such as a robust espresso or soothing tea. Easy to prepare with just five key ingredients, these gluten-free treats come together in under an hour, making them a go-to option for quick yet delicious homemade baking. Perfect for dessert or as a midday pick-me-up, these "ugly but good" biscotti prove that beauty lies in the taste!
Preheat your oven to 160Β°C (320Β°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the almonds in a food processor and pulse until they are coarsely chopped. You want a mix of small pieces and some larger chunks for texture.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to whisk until the mixture is glossy and holds stiff peaks.
Gently fold in the vanilla extract and lemon zest, being careful not to deflate the egg whites.
Fold in the chopped almonds until evenly distributed throughout the meringue mixture.
Using a tablespoon, drop dollops of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes. The cookies should be lightly golden and firm to the touch.
Allow the biscotti to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Store in an airtight container once completely cool, and enjoy these delightful cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Calories |
1977 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 100.0 g | 128% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.9 g | 40% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 167 mg | 7% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 247.1 g | 90% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.4 g | 91% | |
| Total Sugars | 209.8 g | ||
| Protein | 52.8 g | 106% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 555 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 7.9 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 1605 mg | 34% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.