Chocolate Almond Biscotti
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I love baking Chocolate Almond Biscotti because it combines the deep richness of chocolate with the crunch of almonds, creating an irresistible treat. These biscotti are perfect for dunking into your morning coffee or enjoying as a sweet snack any time of the day. The best part is how simple they are to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Once I perfected this recipe, they quickly became a staple in my kitchen, showcasing how a few straightforward steps can lead to a delightful and elegant cookie.
When I first tried making Chocolate Almond Biscotti, I didn’t expect the flavors to meld so beautifully. The combination of rich cocoa and crunchy almonds elevates the basic biscotti to something truly special. I recommend toasting the almonds lightly beforehand to enhance their flavor; this little tip makes a noticeable difference.
As I experimented with different baking times, I discovered that letting them cool slowly really sets the texture. My favorite moment is slicing them after baking—there's something so satisfying about the crispness and the way the chocolate chips peek out from the cookie. Each bite transports me back to cozy afternoons spent in my kitchen.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy almonds
- Delightfully crispy texture that holds up well to dunking
- Perfect treat for coffee lovers and cookie enthusiasts
Understanding Ingredients
Each ingredient plays a pivotal role in creating the perfect Chocolate Almond Biscotti. The all-purpose flour provides the structure, while the granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps to achieve the desired crispness. Unsweetened cocoa powder ensures a rich chocolate flavor without adding too much sweetness, allowing the natural flavors of the almonds and chocolate chips to shine. When using cocoa powder, opt for a high-quality brand for the best results.
Eggs act as a binding agent, giving the biscotti its necessary stability. When whisked with the vanilla extract, they contribute moisture and richness. It's essential to beat them thoroughly until they are well combined; this enhances the dough's texture, making it less crumbly and more cohesive. For a vegan alternative, you could replace the eggs with a flaxseed meal mix (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal plus 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) to achieve a similar consistency.
Shaping Tips
Shaping the dough into logs requires a gentle touch. If the dough feels too sticky, lightly dust your hands with flour to make handling easier. Creating logs that are uniform in size is crucial; this ensures even baking and consistent texture across the entire batch. Aim for logs about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide, as this will give you the right thickness for effective slicing later on.
Once you have your logs on the baking sheet, make sure to leave enough space between them—approximately 3 inches apart. This allows for air circulation during baking, which helps develop the biscotti’s crispiness. The logs should bake until firm on top, and you’ll know they’re ready when they feel slightly springy to the touch.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your Chocolate Almond Biscotti:
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Make sure to have everything ready before you start baking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Chocolate Almond Biscotti:
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. In another bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla extract. Gradually add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 3 inches apart.
Slice the Biscotti
Remove the logs from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes. Using a sharp knife, slice the logs diagonally into 1-inch thick pieces. Place the slices cut side down back on the baking sheet.
Final Baking
Return the biscotti to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until crisp. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Enjoy your homemade biscotti with coffee or tea!
Pro Tips
- To store biscotti, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for longer storage. If you want to add a twist, try incorporating orange zest or spices like cinnamon for a unique flavor profile.
Storage and Shelf Life
After baking, it’s best to let your Chocolate Almond Biscotti cool completely before storing. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature; they can last up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place the cooled biscotti in a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and they’ll keep well for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature, and they’ll be as good as fresh!
When storing, make sure they are completely dry to prevent any moisture buildup, which can lead to sogginess. If you notice that they have lost some of their crunch after storage, a quick re-bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes can revive their crispness.
Serving Suggestions
Chocolate Almond Biscotti pairs impeccably with coffee, tea, or even a glass of dessert wine. For a special touch, consider drizzling some melted chocolate over the cooled biscotti or sprinkling them with sea salt before serving. These enhancements can elevate their appearance and add depth to the flavor profile.
For a fun dessert variation, try crumbling these biscotti over ice cream or yogurt for an added crunch. This simple twist not only enhances the dessert but also provides a gourmet feel to your everyday treats. Explore flavor variations by incorporating ingredients like orange zest or spices such as cinnamon for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely! Walnuts, hazelnuts, or pecans can all be used instead and will impart a different flavor.
→ How do I make my biscotti less hard?
You can reduce the baking time slightly during the second bake, or adjust the thickness of the biscotti slices to achieve a softer texture.
→ Can I make these biscotti gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend includes a binding agent.
→ How long do these biscotti last?
When stored in an airtight container, they can last up to two weeks. For longer shelf life, you can freeze them.
Chocolate Almond Biscotti
I love baking Chocolate Almond Biscotti because it combines the deep richness of chocolate with the crunch of almonds, creating an irresistible treat. These biscotti are perfect for dunking into your morning coffee or enjoying as a sweet snack any time of the day. The best part is how simple they are to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Once I perfected this recipe, they quickly became a staple in my kitchen, showcasing how a few straightforward steps can lead to a delightful and elegant cookie.
Created by: Noelle Chambers
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 24 biscotti
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. In another bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla extract. Gradually add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. Fold in the sliced almonds and chocolate chips.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 3 inches apart. Bake for 25 minutes or until the tops are set.
Remove the logs from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes. Using a sharp knife, slice the logs diagonally into 1-inch thick pieces. Place the slices cut side down back on the baking sheet.
Return the biscotti to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until crisp. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Extra Tips
- To store biscotti, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for longer storage. If you want to add a twist, try incorporating orange zest or spices like cinnamon for a unique flavor profile.
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