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Lime and Toasted Coconut Biscotti

A technical execution of dual-stage thermal desiccation, utilizing a cornmeal-fortified flour base and a botanical infusion of lime and thyme. This biscotti balances tropical lipids from unsweetened coconut with toasted pine nuts for a superior, crisp crumb.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Cooling 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Course: Dessert

Ingredients
  

The Botanical Infusion
  • 3 ounces pine nuts
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 2 tablespoons lime zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme chopped
The Structural Dry Base
  • 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
The Dough Emulsion
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
The Acid-Driven Glaze
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 tablespoon half and half
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Method
 

The Flavor Base and Dry Integration
  1. Heat a shallow skillet over medium heat and toast the pine nuts until the surface oils are fragrant and golden, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  2. In a food processor, pulse the granulated sugar, coconut flakes, lime zest, and fresh thyme to achieve a fine, botanical-infused sugar base.
  3. In a separate vessel, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt to ensure uniform structural distribution.
The Dough Emulsion and Stabilization
  1. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter with the infused sugar base until light and aerated.
  2. Incorporate the eggs, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons of the lime juice. Gradually stir in the dry ingredient mixture followed by the toasted pine nuts.
  3. Divide the dough into two equal portions, encapsulate in plastic wrap, and place in the freezer for 15 minutes to stabilize the lipids.
The Primary Bake
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a heavy baking sheet with professional parchment paper.
  2. Shape each dough portion into a uniform log approximately 3 inches wide and 10-12 inches long.
  3. Bake for 20 minutes until the logs achieve initial structural integrity and a light golden hue. Remove from heat and allow to cool for at least 15 minutes.
  4. Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F.
The Secondary Dehydration
  1. Utilizing a serrated knife, execute 1/2-inch transverse slices. Arrange the slices cut-side up on the baking sheet.
  2. Return to the 300°F oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes until the cookies are thoroughly desiccated and crisp. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Final Glazing
  1. Whisk together the confectioner’s sugar, half-and-half, vanilla, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of lime juice until a smooth glaze is formed.
  2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled biscotti and allow to set before service.