Who says you can’t have your chocolate and dip it too? Biscotti, the beloved Italian cookie, just got a delicious makeover with the addition of rich cocoa.
These Chocolate Biscotti are the perfect treat to enjoy with your morning coffee, evening tea, or anytime you need a sweet snack that’s crunchy, chocolatey, and utterly irresistible.
These biscotti are twice-baked, which gives them that signature crunch that makes them the perfect companion for dunking into a warm beverage. Each bite is full of intense chocolate flavor, and their texture is wonderfully crisp, yet not overly hard. With a sprinkle of chocolate chips throughout, every bite feels like a tiny indulgence.
Let’s dive into making these Chocolate Biscotti from scratch and watch how simple ingredients come together to create a moment of bliss.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or melted butter for extra richness)
- 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for slight moistness)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your biscotti can bake evenly without sticking. It’s that simple!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients are the base for your biscotti, and combining them well ensures your dough will have a consistent texture and rise just right.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs and both sugars until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and vegetable oil (or butter), and whisk until combined. The oil or butter gives the biscotti its delicious richness and helps with the baking process.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The dough should come together in a thick, sticky mass. Don’t worry if it’s a bit dense—it’s supposed to be!
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Fold in the chocolate chips and almonds, giving your biscotti that extra texture and sweetness. The chocolate chips will melt slightly into the dough as they bake, giving those pockets of gooey goodness that melt in your mouth.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a log, about 10-12 inches long, and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Use your hands to smooth out the tops and sides of the logs, ensuring they are evenly shaped for an even bake.
Step 7: First Bake
Bake the biscotti logs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are firm to the touch but slightly cracked on top. This step gets them halfway to that signature crispy texture we love in biscotti.
Step 8: Slice and Bake Again
Once your biscotti logs have cooled slightly (about 10 minutes), carefully transfer them to a cutting board and slice them diagonally into 1/2-inch thick slices using a serrated knife. This is the moment where the biscotti start to take shape—perfect, crunchy slices.
Place the slices back on the baking sheet, cut-side down, and bake for another 10-15 minutes. Keep a watchful eye on them—the longer they bake, the crunchier they’ll get!
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked to your desired crispiness, let your biscotti cool completely on a wire rack. As they cool, the chocolate chips will firm up, and the texture will solidify into the perfect crunch.
Pro Tips:
- Dipping: Chocolate Biscotti is meant to be dunked into your favorite hot drink. Try pairing them with coffee, espresso, or even a glass of dessert wine like Vin Santo for an authentic Italian experience.
- Additions: Get creative with the mix-ins! Try adding dried fruit like cranberries or raisins, or experiment with white chocolate chips or crushed hazelnuts.
- Storage: Biscotti keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, so make a batch ahead of time for busy mornings or to have on hand for visitors.
Why You’ll Love These Biscotti:
Not only do these Chocolate Biscotti offer the perfect combination of rich chocolate and crunch, but they also have a lovely versatility. Whether you serve them at a holiday gathering, give them as gifts, or enjoy them solo while relaxing on the couch, they’re sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
So go ahead—get baking! Your kitchen is about to be filled with the sweet aroma of chocolatey goodness, and your taste buds will thank you. With every bite of these Chocolate Biscotti, you’ll experience a little bit of Italian charm and a whole lot of indulgence. Happy baking!
