Pin it Crispy, twice-baked biscotti infused with dried apples and caramel make for a delightful treat that’s perfect for dunking into coffee or hot cider. Each dunker offers a sweet&fruity twist on the classic Italian cookie, and is sure to be a hit for dessert lovers.
I first made these caramel apple biscotti dunkers for a fall gathering, and friends kept reaching for more. The blend of caramel candies and dried apples creates a comforting, autumnal treat that quickly became a seasonal favorite in my kitchen.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups (280 g)
- Baking powder: 1 1/2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (115 g), at room temperature
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (150 g)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Dried apples: 3/4 cup (90 g), chopped
- Soft caramel candies: 1/2 cup (100 g), chopped
- Caramel sauce (optional): 1/3 cup (60 g) for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in Add-Ins:
- Fold in chopped dried apples and caramel candies.
- Shape Dough:
- Divide the dough in half. On the prepared baking sheet, shape each half into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Flatten slightly.
- Bake First Time:
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
- Slice and Second Bake:
- Using a serrated knife, slice logs diagonally into 3/4-inch-thick dunkers. Place cut side down on the baking sheet.
- Final Bake and Cool:
- Bake for an additional 12 minutes, flip, and bake 8–10 minutes more, until crisp and dry. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Drizzle (Optional):
- If desired, drizzle cooled dunkers with caramel sauce before serving.
Pin it Sharing these biscotti dunkers after apple picking has become a cherished tradition in our family. They always bring laughter and warm conversations, especially when dunked in homemade cider.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer, baking sheet, parchment paper, serrated knife, wire rack
Nutritional Information
Each dunker contains approximately 110 calories, 3 g fat, 20 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein.
Pairing Suggestions
Enjoy with hot coffee, fragrant tea, or a comforting mug of warm apple cider for the perfect autumn snack.
Pin it These caramel apple biscotti dunkers freeze well—keep some on hand for cozy autumn mornings, or serve them at gatherings for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I achieve a perfect crunchy texture?
Bake the sliced dunkers twice, flipping halfway, to ensure they are crisp and dry throughout.
- → Can I add nuts to this biscotti?
Yes, you can fold in 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans for extra flavor and texture.
- → How should I store the dunkers?
Keep dunkers in an airtight container for up to one week; they stay fresh and crunchy.
- → Is caramel sauce necessary for finishing?
The caramel drizzle is optional, but adds visual appeal and a sweet finishing touch.
- → What’s the best beverage pairing?
Dunkers pair wonderfully with hot coffee, tea, or warmed apple cider for a cozy treat.
- → Are these treats vegetarian?
Yes, as written, the dunkers are vegetarian if using caramel candies without animal-derived gelatin.