Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.

Step 2

In a separate bowl, beat together the sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract with a mixer until mostly smooth (a few small lumps of butter is okay).

Step 3

Add the dry ingredients to the bowl of wet ingredients and stir together until it forms a ball of dough.

Step 4

Divide the dough into two and shape each one into a flattened log about eight inches long and 2-3 inches wide. Place the logs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5

Bake the biscotti logs for about 25 minutes, or until lightly golden on the edges and there are a few cracks in the top of the dough.

Step 6

Remove the biscotti from the oven and carefully transfer to a cutting board. Use a finely serrated bread knife to slice the biscotti, on a diagonal, into ½-inch wide slices.

Step 7

Place the slices back onto the baking sheet, laying flat, and bake for another 5 minutes. Remove the baking sheet, flip the biscotti, and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 8

Remove the biscotti from the oven and allow them to cool completely before decorating with melted chocolate (if desired). Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee!