Irresistible Ina Garten Mandel Bread Recipe: Sweet Perfection

Mandel bread, a beloved Jewish bakery staple, brings warmth and nostalgia to every kitchen with its crisp texture and sweet memories.

This traditional twice-baked treat offers a delightful crunch that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Generations have cherished its simple yet sophisticated approach to baking, creating moments of connection around the table.

Family recipes often carry secret techniques passed down through whispered conversations and loving hands.

Comfort emerges from each carefully sliced piece, revealing golden edges and subtle fragrance.

These delectable cookies dance between being a dessert and a snack, inviting you to savor every delightful bite.

Sweet memories and classic flavors merge in this irresistible recipe that promises pure culinary joy: Let’s bake!

What’s Special About Ina Garten’s Mandel Bread

• Crunch into Comfort: This mandel bread delivers a satisfying crispy texture that makes every bite a delightful crunch experience, perfect for dunking into coffee or tea.
• Quick and Easy Baking Adventure: The recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home chefs.
• Versatile Treat for Every Occasion: Whether you're hosting a brunch, preparing a holiday dessert, or wanting a sweet afternoon snack, these mandel bread slices fit perfectly into any gathering or personal moment of indulgence.
• Customizable Flavor Explosion: The recipe allows fantastic flexibility with mix-ins like chocolate chips, raisins, and nuts, letting you create a personalized version that matches your taste preferences and mood.

The Essentials for Ina Garten’s Mandel Bread

Main Ingredients:

• Flour: Foundational dry ingredient for structure and texture, all-purpose works best.
• Baking Soda: Essential leavening agent for light and airy mandel bread.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Eggs: Provides binding and richness, room temperature ideal.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with golden-brown color.
• Oil: Creates moisture and tender crumb, neutral vegetable oil recommended.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings deep, warm flavor and aromatic essence.

• Chocolate Chips, Raisins, Nuts: Adds texture, flavor complexity, and traditional mandel bread character, choose high-quality mix-ins for best results.

• Cinnamon: Warm spice that provides aromatic depth and traditional flavor.
• Sugar: Creates crispy, sweet exterior when mixed with cinnamon.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Mandel Bread From Scratch

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Position a rack in the middle of the oven for even baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

Step 4: Create Dough Base

• Chocolate chips
• Raisins
• Chopped nuts

Step 5: Shape the Logs

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Divide into two equal portions. Carefully stretch each portion into long logs, approximately 14 to 18 inches in length.

Step 6: First Baking Round

Place the logs on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the surface is firm and slightly risen. Remove from oven and let cool on wire racks.

Step 7: Slice the Logs

Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the cooled logs diagonally into half-inch thick slices.

Step 8: Final Crisp

Prepare a shallow dish with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Coat each slice lightly. Arrange slices cut-side down on baking sheets. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until crisp and golden.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow mandel bread to cool completely. Store in an airtight container and enjoy with coffee or tea.

Smart Baking Tips for Ina Garten’s Mandel Bread

• Master the Mix: Blend wet and dry ingredients completely to create a smooth, consistent dough that ensures even flavor and texture throughout.
• Slice Like a Pro: Select a sharp serrated knife to cut through the baked mandel bread logs with precision, delivering clean, neat slices without crumbling.
• Crunch Control: Extend baking time slightly for extra-crispy mandel bread, or reduce time for a softer, more tender texture that suits your preference.
• Ingredient Temperature Trick: Allow eggs and butter to reach room temperature before mixing, which helps ingredients incorporate more smoothly and creates a more uniform dough.
• Storage Savvy: Keep mandel bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer preservation without losing its delightful crunch.

Storage Solutions for Ina Garten’s Mandel Bread

• Counter Storage: Tuck Mandel bread into an airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Protect slices from air exposure by layering parchment paper between each stack. Keep container away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain crisp texture and freshness for maximum 5 days.
• Refrigerator Strategy: Wrap Mandel bread tightly in plastic wrap or place inside sealed ziplock bags. Press out excess air before closing to prevent moisture buildup. Slide container toward back of refrigerator where temperature remains most consistent. Enjoy delicious slices within 10-14 days of baking.
• Freezer Preservation: Slice Mandel bread before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap individual portions in aluminum foil, then place inside heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air and seal completely to prevent freezer burn. Label bags with date and contents.

New Spins on Ina Garten’s Classic Mandel Bread

• Citrus Sensation: Replace vanilla extract with orange or lemon zest for a bright, tangy flavor. Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate and add dried cranberries for a festive touch.
• Spiced Nutty Crunch: Incorporate ground cardamom and allspice into the dry ingredients. Use a mix of almonds, pistachios, and walnuts instead of a single nut variety. Sprinkle extra ground cinnamon in the sugar coating for deeper warmth.
• Mediterranean Mood: Mix in dried figs and chopped pistachios. Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a subtle Mediterranean undertone. Add a hint of rosemary to the dry ingredients for an unexpected herbal note.
• Tropical Paradise: Substitute some flour with coconut flour for a subtle tropical taste. Add dried pineapple chunks and macadamia nuts. Replace vanilla extract with coconut extract for intense island-inspired flavor.

Concluding Thoughts on Ina Garten’s Mandel Bread

Mandel bread emerges as Jewish culinary heritage wrapped in sweet nostalgia.

Ina Garten’s classic recipe connects generations through simple, wholesome ingredients.

Chocolate chips and nuts dance alongside traditional baking techniques, creating memories with each crisp bite.

Family kitchens will buzz with warmth as these twice-baked treats fill the air with comforting aromas.

Baking becomes more than preparation – it transforms into a celebration of cultural connection.

Scroll through comments, share this delightful recipe with cherished friends, click that like button, and spread deliciousness across your digital community.

Ina Garten Mandel Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s mandel bread delivers classic Jewish bakery comfort with a homemade twist. Crisp almond-studded slices promise nostalgic sweetness and perfect dunking potential for coffee or tea lovers seeking authentic Mediterranean baking traditions.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (100 grams) sugar
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) grapeseed or other neutral oil

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (160 grams) golden raisins, mini chocolate chips, and walnuts or a combination of the three

Finishing Ingredients:

• ½ cup (100 grams) sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 350°F (175°C), positioning a rack at the center position for even baking.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the flour, baking soda, and salt using a whisk until well integrated.
3. In a separate large bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs until smooth and uniform. Gradually incorporate the sugar, whisking continuously to create a homogeneous mixture.
4. Pour the vegetable oil and vanilla extract into the egg-sugar blend, stirring until all ingredients are completely combined.
5. Gently fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully until no dry patches remain. Delicately incorporate the chocolate chips, raisins, and chopped nuts throughout the dough.
6. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Divide the mixture into two equal portions, then carefully shape each portion into an elongated log approximately 14 to 18 inches long.
7. Slightly flatten each log and arrange them on a prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the surface becomes firm and the dough has risen noticeably.
8. Remove the logs from the oven and allow them to cool completely on wire racks. Adjust the oven racks to the upper and lower thirds of the oven.
9. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the cooled logs diagonally into half-inch thick pieces.
10. Gently roll each biscotti slice in a prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring even coating.
11. Return the coated biscotti to the baking sheet, cut side down, and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until they become crisp and dry.

Notes

• Carefully blend ingredients at room temperature to prevent clumping and ensure smooth dough consistency.
• Rotate baking sheet midway through cooking to promote even browning and prevent burning on one side.
• Allow cooling completely before slicing to maintain structural integrity and prevent crumbling.
• Store in airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness up to one week.
• Experiment with alternate mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for personalized flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg