Chocolate and Almonds Biscotti

When it comes to delightful treats that pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, Chocolate and Almonds Biscotti stands out as a favorite. This Italian classic is not only delicious but also remarkably easy to make. With its crunchy texture and rich flavors, it’s hard to resist indulging in a piece (or two!). The combination of chocolate and almonds creates a harmony of taste and texture that will elevate your snack time.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for the perfect gift, or just craving something sweet, this Chocolate and Almonds Biscotti recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into why making this delightful treat should be on your to-do list.

Top Reasons to Make Chocolate and Almonds Biscotti

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of chocolate and toasted almonds creates a flavor explosion that is irresistibly good.
• Perfect for Dipping: Biscotti are meant to be dipped! Enjoy them with coffee, tea, or even a glass of dessert wine.
• Long-Lasting: Biscotti can be stored for weeks, making them a great make-ahead treat.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or chocolate varieties to suit your taste.
• Impressive Presentation: These biscotti look beautiful on a platter, making them a great option for entertaining.

What We’re Using

To make the perfect Chocolate and Almonds Biscotti, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 250g flour
• 30g cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 pinch of salt
• 100g sugar
• 1/2 vanilla pod (seeds scraped out)
• 50g butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp almond/nut oil
• 100g toasted almonds, roughly chopped
• 50g white chocolate, for decoration

Equipment Breakdown

Before we get started, ensure you have the following equipment handy:

• Baking sheet: For baking the biscotti.
• Parchment paper: To line the baking sheet for easy removal.
• Mixing bowls: For combining your dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: To beat the eggs and mix the batter.
• Spatula: For folding in the almonds and chocolate.
• Knife or serrated cutter: To slice the biscotti after the first bake.

From Start to Finish: Chocolate and Almonds Biscotti

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the scraped seeds from the vanilla pod and mix well.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Oil

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the almond oil until combined.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 6: Fold in Almonds

Gently fold in the toasted almonds, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Shape the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. With your hands, shape it into a log about 30 cm (12 inches) long and 5 cm (2 inches) wide. Place it on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 8: First Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the log is firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 9: Slice the Biscotti

Using a sharp knife, slice the log diagonally into 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) thick slices.

Step 10: Second Bake

Arrange the slices cut-side down on the baking sheet and return them to the oven for another 15-20 minutes, until they are crisp.

Step 11: Cool Completely

Let the biscotti cool on a wire rack before decorating.

Step 12: Decorate

Melt the white chocolate in a microwave or double boiler. Drizzle it over the cooled biscotti for a beautiful finish.

Fit It to Your Goals

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar content or use a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake.
• Dairy-Free: Replace butter with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut oil or vegan butter.
• Nut-Free: Omit the almonds and replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

Watch Outs & How to Fix

When making Chocolate and Almonds Biscotti, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Overbaking can lead to biscotti that are too hard. Keep an eye on them during the second bake.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it’s manageable.
• Ensure even slicing to avoid uneven baking. A serrated knife works best for this task.
• For a more intense flavor, feel free to add a splash of almond extract or espresso powder to the dough.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

Chocolate and Almonds Biscotti can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. They also freeze beautifully! Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can last up to three months. To enjoy, just take out a piece and let it come to room temperature or briefly toast it for renewed crunchiness.

Your Top Questions

Can I use different nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts instead of almonds for a different flavor profile.

How can I make my biscotti less hard?

If you prefer a softer biscotti, reduce the baking time during the second bake by a few minutes. This will keep them a bit chewier.

Can I add more chocolate to the recipe?

Yes! You can mix in chocolate chips or chunks for an extra chocolatey experience. Just remember to adjust the dry ingredients slightly if you add a lot.

What’s the best way to serve biscotti?

Biscotti are traditionally served with coffee or tea for dipping. They also make a lovely accompaniment to dessert wines or hot chocolate.

Make It Tonight

Get ready to indulge in the delightful world of Chocolate and Almonds Biscotti. This recipe is straightforward, and the results are simply delicious. With every bite, you’ll experience the rich chocolate flavor balanced by the crunch of toasted almonds.

Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s create some magical biscotti that will surely become a staple in your pantry. The blend of textures and flavors will have your family and friends asking for seconds, and you’ll be proud to serve such a delightful treat.

Enjoy your baking adventure, and may your Chocolate and Almonds Biscotti be a hit every time!