Ina Garten Mandel Bread Recipe

Ina Garten Mandel Bread Recipe

This Ina Garten Mandel Bread Recipe is a crisp and warmly spiced dessert, which includes slivered almonds and a touch of almond extract. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 1 hour.

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Ina Garten Mandel Bread Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips or raisins (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)
Ina Garten Mandel Bread Recipe
Ina Garten Mandel Bread Recipe

How To Make Ina Garten Mandel Bread

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and frothy. Add oil, vanilla, and almond extract; mix well.
  4. Form the dough: Gradually stir dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined. Fold in almonds and optional chocolate chips or raisins.
  5. Shape the dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts. Shape each into a 2-inch wide, 12-inch long log. Place both logs on the baking sheet with space between.
  6. First bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and set. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
  7. Slice and second bake: Lower oven to 325°F (160°C). Slice logs into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Lay them cut-side down on the baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes, flip, then bake another 10 minutes.
  8. Cool and top: Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar topping before serving.
Ina Garten Mandel Bread Recipe
Ina Garten Mandel Bread Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • How to keep mandel bread crunchy: Store uncovered or in a loosely covered container to maintain crisp texture.
  • Can I freeze mandel bread? Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely and store in an airtight bag.
  • Best chocolate for mix-ins: Semi-sweet mini chips work best for even distribution.
  • Can I use whole almonds? Use slivered almonds for even texture and easier slicing.
  • What if I want it softer? Reduce the second bake time to 5 minutes per side for a chewier texture.

What To Serve With Mandel Bread

This Jewish biscotti-style treat pairs perfectly with warm drinks:

  • Coffee or espresso
  • Hot tea (especially chai or Earl Grey)
  • Hot chocolate
  • Dessert wine or port
  • Fruit compote or applesauce
Ina Garten Mandel Bread Recipe
Ina Garten Mandel Bread Recipe

How To Store Mandel Bread

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freeze: Place in freezer-safe bag and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Mandel Bread Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 220kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 27mg
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Calcium: 30mg
  • Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.

FAQs

Can I make mandel bread without nuts?
Yes, just omit the almonds. You can replace them with dried fruit or more chocolate.

Why is my mandel bread too soft?
It likely needed more time during the second bake. Add a few extra minutes per side.

What is the difference between biscotti and mandel bread?
Mandel bread is typically richer and more tender due to the oil and shorter second bake.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and bake in batches or on two trays.

Should I refrigerate the dough?
No chilling is needed. The dough is ready to shape and bake immediately.

Try More Recipes:

Ina Garten Mandel Bread Recipe

Recipe by SarahCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

50

minutes
Calories

220

kcal

A twice-baked Jewish cookie made with almonds, warm cinnamon, and optional chocolate chips—perfect for dipping in coffee or tea.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • 1/4 tsp salt

  • 3/4 cup sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1/2 tsp almond extract

  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips or raisins (optional)

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 2 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon (for topping)

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheet with parchment.
  • Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.
  • Beat eggs and sugar until frothy. Add oil and extracts.
  • Stir in dry ingredients. Fold in almonds and optional mix-ins.
  • Divide dough in half and shape into 2×12-inch logs. Place on sheet.
  • Bake 25–30 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes.
  • Lower oven to 325°F. Slice logs into 1/2-inch pieces. Bake 10 minutes per side.
  • Cool on rack. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar topping.

Sarra

I’m Sarra Jhonson, the cook behind Tasty Treats Daily. In my tiny apartment kitchen, I try all kinds of recipes—weeknight dinners, baked treats, and quick sides—then refine them until they’re reliable. I write clear, step-by-step instructions in plain language, and I share what worked, what didn’t, and the tips that make it easier at home.