Chocolate Almond Biscotti
Highlighted under: Soft Favorites
I absolutely love making Chocolate Almond Biscotti for special occasions or just whenever I crave a delightful treat. The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy almonds makes each bite a heavenly experience. I often find myself enjoying these biscotti with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, and they never fail to impress guests. Plus, the recipe is easy to follow, allowing me to whip up these delicious cookies without any fuss. If you haven't tried making them yet, I urge you to give this recipe a go!
When I first attempted to make Chocolate Almond Biscotti, I thought I was going to end up with a big mess in the kitchen. However, to my surprise, they turned out perfect, with a delightful crunch and an amazing flavor that rivals any bakery. The key is to double-bake them, allowing for that classic biscotti texture. I toasted the almonds beforehand to enhance their flavor, and it truly made a difference!
Now, I often experiment with the flavor combinations, adding other nuts or even a hint of orange zest for a twist. Each time, I’m amazed by how versatile biscotti can be! If you're looking to impress your friends or family, this recipe is guaranteed to do just that!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy almonds
- Perfect for dipping in coffee or tea
- Easy to customize with your favorite nuts or flavors
Biscotti Baking Techniques
Achieving the perfect biscotti requires careful attention to shaping the dough. When forming the log, ensure it is about 2 inches wide and 1 inch high. This dimension allows for even baking and ensures a good crunch without burning. If the dough is too soft, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before shaping to make it easier to handle.
Biscotti is traditionally baked twice, which gives it its characteristic crunch. The first baking should yield a firm log; a slight spring back when lightly pressed indicates it’s ready. During the second bake, keep an eye on them to achieve golden edges but avoid overbaking, as this can lead to overly hard biscotti. They should feel crisp but not brittle when cooled.
Ingredient Insight
The use of unsweetened cocoa powder is crucial for achieving a rich chocolate flavor without added sugars that could alter the texture of the biscotti. When choosing cocoa, look for high-quality brands for deeper flavor profiling. However, if you want a lighter chocolate option, Dutch-processed cocoa can also work well, providing a more mellow taste.
Chopped almonds add not just crunch but also protein and healthy fats, enhancing the overall texture and nutritional value. If you're looking to customize, feel free to substitute with walnuts or pecans; just ensure they're roughly chopped to maintain a uniform bake. Alternatively, for a gluten-free version, almond flour can replace all-purpose flour, but the texture may vary slightly.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your delicious biscotti.
Biscotti Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Once you have everything set, you’re ready to start baking!
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the almonds and chocolate chips.
Shape the Dough
Form the dough into a log shape on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches wide and 1 inch high.
First Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until firm. Let cool for 10 minutes.
Slice and Bake Again
Slice the log into 1/2 inch thick pieces, and lay them cut-side down on the baking sheet. Bake for another 10-15 minutes or until crisp.
Cool and Serve
Allow them to cool completely before serving, and enjoy with your favorite beverage!
These biscotti are best stored in an airtight container to maintain their crunch.
Pro Tips
- For a unique flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate. Also, feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or replace the chocolate chips with white chocolate for a different twist!
Storage Tips
Once baked and cooled, biscotti can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing them; simply place cooled biscotti in a resealable bag and freeze for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving.
I recommend placing a piece of parchment paper between layers of biscotti when storing to prevent them from sticking together. If you prefer to maintain their crunch, avoid sealing them in a container until they are no longer warm, as the steam can create moisture that softens the texture.
Serving Suggestions
Chocolate Almond Biscotti pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, as the crunch enhances the experience of dipping. For a decadent touch, consider serving them alongside a creamy vanilla yogurt dip or a chocolate ganache for a dessert platter. The contrast of textures and flavors will impress your guests.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with serving ideas! They can be crumbled over ice cream for a textured topping or used as a unique addition to a charcuterie board. The slightly sweet chocolate flavor makes them an engaging contrast alongside savory cheeses and cured meats.
Questions About Recipes
→ How long do these biscotti last?
They can last up to two weeks in an airtight container.
→ Can I freeze biscotti?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well.
→ What can I serve biscotti with?
They pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate.
→ Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely! Pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts work great as well.
Chocolate Almond Biscotti
I absolutely love making Chocolate Almond Biscotti for special occasions or just whenever I crave a delightful treat. The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy almonds makes each bite a heavenly experience. I often find myself enjoying these biscotti with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, and they never fail to impress guests. Plus, the recipe is easy to follow, allowing me to whip up these delicious cookies without any fuss. If you haven't tried making them yet, I urge you to give this recipe a go!
Created by: Celia Winterbourne
Recipe Type: Soft Favorites
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 24 pieces
What You'll Need
Biscotti Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, beat the sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the almonds and chocolate chips.
Form the dough into a log shape on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches wide and 1 inch high.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until firm. Let cool for 10 minutes.
Slice the log into 1/2 inch thick pieces, and lay them cut-side down on the baking sheet. Bake for another 10-15 minutes or until crisp.
Allow them to cool completely before serving, and enjoy with your favorite beverage!
Extra Tips
- For a unique flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate. Also, feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or replace the chocolate chips with white chocolate for a different twist!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g