Healthy Holiday Biscotti: A Sugar-Free, Gluten-Free Italian Classic
Ingredients
For the Biscotti
- 45g (⅜ cup) rice flour
- 45g (⅜ cup) oat flour
- 3 egg whites (90-100g)
- 40g (2 tablespoons) date paste
- 100g (1 cup) dried cranberries
- 100g (¾ cup) whole almonds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
- Position rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 325°F (165°C)
- Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for optimal volume
Creating the Batter
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites until just foamy (avoid beating to stiff peaks)
- Gently fold in date paste until thoroughly incorporated
- Add both rice and oat flours, mixing until a thick, uniform batter forms
- Carefully fold in whole almonds and dried cranberries, ensuring even distribution
First Bake
- Transfer batter to the prepared loaf pan
- Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until firm to touch
- Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes
- Using parchment paper overhang, carefully lift from pan
Second Bake
- Using a sharp serrated knife, cut loaf into ½-inch thick slices while still slightly warm
- Arrange slices flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet
- Bake for additional 15-20 minutes until golden and crisp
- Cool completely on wire rack
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Room temperature egg whites achieve better volume
- Use a gentle folding motion when incorporating ingredients to maintain airiness
- Keep almonds whole for authentic texture and visual appeal
- Cut slices while still warm to prevent crumbling
- Watch carefully during second bake to achieve golden color without over-browning
Storage and Serving
- Allow to cool completely before storing
- Keep in an airtight container at room temperature
- Maintains freshness for up to 2 weeks
- Perfect for dunking in coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
Nutrition Information
(Per piece, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 95
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 25mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g (all from natural sources)
- Protein: 3g
These health-conscious biscotti offer a guilt-free way to enjoy traditional holiday flavors. Perfect for those following gluten-free, sugar-free, or oil-free diets, these crunchy cookies prove that dietary restrictions don’t mean sacrificing taste or texture. They make excellent homemade gifts and are ideal for holiday entertaining, providing a wholesome alternative to conventional sweet treats.
The combination of nutty almonds and tart cranberries creates a festive flavor profile that’s enhanced by the natural sweetness of dates, making these biscotti a sophisticated addition to your holiday cookie collection. Their sturdy texture makes them perfect for packaging and sharing, while their wholesome ingredients make them suitable for breakfast or afternoon tea.