Description
Mandel bread showcases Ina Garten’s classic Jewish bakery tradition with delightful almond-studded slices. Crisp edges and tender centers make these cookies perfect for dunking or enjoying with coffee.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480 milliliters/16 fl oz) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (160 grams/5.6 oz) golden raisins, mini chocolate chips, and walnuts or a combination of the three
- ½ cup (120 milliliters/4 fl oz) grapeseed or other neutral oil
- ½ cup (100 grams/3.5 oz) sugar (for batter)
- ½ cup (100 grams/3.5 oz) sugar (for finishing)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Position oven rack in center and warm to 350°F (175°C) for optimal baking conditions.
- Dry Ingredient Blending: Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined, ensuring uniform texture.
- Wet Mixture Creation: Vigorously whisk eggs until smooth, gradually integrating sugar to develop a consistent base. Stream in vegetable oil and vanilla extract, stirring until perfectly amalgamated.
- Dough Assembly: Delicately fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, incorporating chocolate chips, raisins, and chopped nuts. Mix until no flour streaks remain, creating a cohesive dough.
- Shaping and Initial Baking: Transfer dough to floured surface, divide into two equal logs measuring 14-18 inches. Slightly flatten logs and place on baking sheet. Bake 25-30 minutes until surface firms and dough rises substantially.
- Cooling and Slicing: Remove logs from oven, cool completely on wire racks. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice diagonally into half-inch pieces.
- Final Toasting: Roll biscotti slices in cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring even coating. Arrange cut-side down on baking sheet and return to oven. Bake 10-15 minutes until crisp and golden, achieving signature mandel bread texture.
Notes
- Flour Selection: Choose high-quality all-purpose flour for consistent texture and optimal rising.
- Mixing Technique: Whisk eggs and sugar thoroughly to create a light, airy base that ensures a tender mandel bread.
- Log Shaping: Use gentle pressure when forming logs to maintain a delicate, even structure that bakes uniformly.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: Apply coating generously but evenly for a crisp, sweet exterior that enhances the traditional flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg