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Italian Biscotti Chocolate

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Favorites.

A batch of twice-baked Italian biscotti with crunchy almonds and chocolate chips. Try other tasty mix-ins or dip them in chocolate to make them even better.
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Aisha
Updated on Sat, 22 Mar 2025 16:05:11 GMT
Sliced biscotti with chocolate and almond chunks on a plate. Pin it
Sliced biscotti with chocolate and almond chunks on a plate. | cookingflavor.com

These traditional Italian twice-baked cookies are super easy to make at home. They've got that perfect crunch that's just right for dunking in your morning coffee or afternoon tea. You'll only need basic kitchen staples, and you can toss in whatever extras you like - maybe some almonds, chunks of chocolate, or bits of dried fruit. It's like bringing a little Italian cafe straight to your home.

What Makes This Treat So Special

You'll get that delightful crunch without worrying about breaking your teeth. These cookies aren't too hard but still have that satisfying snap. You can play around with different flavors by swapping extracts or mixing in your favorite add-ins. Make them plain and simple, packed with nuts, or fancy with a chocolate coating - they're perfect for giving as gifts, dunking in your drink, or just enjoying as a little snack between meals.

What You'll Need for Basic Biscotti

  • For the Main Cookie Mixture:
    • 1/2 cup (115g) softened unsalted butter
    • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
    • 2 large eggs at room temperature
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Mix-ins to Choose From (up to 1 1/2 cups total):
    • 3/4 cup chocolate chips
    • 3/4 cup slivered almonds
    • Pistachios
    • Dried cranberries
  • For the Optional Chocolate Finish:
    • 1 cup chocolate melting wafers
    • Extra chopped nuts for topping

Making Your Cookies From Scratch

Mix Your Base
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Drop in eggs one by one, then add vanilla. In another bowl, mix your dry stuff, then slowly blend it into your wet mixture. Gently stir in any extras you want.
First Time in the Oven
Split your dough in half. Form each piece into a log about 10-12 inches long on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake for 30 minutes until they look slightly golden. Let them cool completely.
Cut and Bake Again
Take a serrated knife and slice the logs at an angle, making pieces about 1/2-inch thick. Put them cut-side down on your baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, flip them over, and bake another 10 minutes until they're nice and crisp.
Fancy Finishing Touch
After they've cooled down, you can dip the ends in melted chocolate or drizzle some on top. Wait for the chocolate to harden before you pack them away.

Insider Tricks for Perfect Results

Don't forget to warm up your eggs before starting. Grab a serrated knife for clean cuts that don't crumble. Watch the second baking time carefully so they don't get too hard. Make sure everything cools down between steps. If you're adding chocolate, melt it properly for that nice shine and snap. Always let your logs cool completely before slicing them up.

A row of sliced chocolate chip biscotti placed on a surface, surrounded by scattered chocolate chips and slivers of almonds. Pin it
A row of sliced chocolate chip biscotti placed on a surface, surrounded by scattered chocolate chips and slivers of almonds. | cookingflavor.com

Tasty Ways to Enjoy Your Creation

Dunk them in your coffee, espresso, or tea for that authentic Italian experience. They make great gifts wrapped up in cellophane bags. Put them out during holiday gatherings on cookie plates. Try them with a sweet dessert wine when you want something special. They're also a wonderful addition to your breakfast or brunch spread.

Keeping Them Fresh and Planning Ahead

Keep them in a sealed container at room temperature and they'll stay good for up to 2 weeks. You can freeze the finished cookies for up to 3 months if you want. The dough can be made and frozen before the first baking if you're planning ahead. Just let it thaw overnight in the fridge before you bake it. If you've added chocolate, put some parchment paper between layers so they don't stick together.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why bake biscotti twice?
Twice baking makes biscotti super crunchy and dry enough to dip in coffee or tea while keeping fresh for a long time.
→ Can I use different ingredients?
Totally! Replace the almonds and chocolate with your favorite mix-ins or skip them altogether for a plain version.
→ How long do they stay fresh?
Keep biscotti sealed in a container at room temperature to enjoy for two weeks, or freeze them for months.
→ What’s the right way to cut biscotti?
Use a serrated bread knife, slicing diagonal pieces about 1½ inches wide. Let the loaf cool completely before cutting.
→ Can I make anise-flavored ones?
You sure can! Add 1-2 teaspoons of anise extract or 2 teaspoons of anise seeds along with the vanilla for that classic touch.

Conclusion

These Italian biscotti are twice-baked to create an irresistible crunch. Packed with chocolate and almonds, they’re customizable with other mix-ins and taste great dipped in melted chocolate.

Italian Biscotti Chocolate

Twice-baked biscotti with crunchy almonds and chocolate chips—great to dunk in coffee or wrap up as a thoughtful gift.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes
By: Aicha

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 24 Servings (24 slices)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 1/3 cups (265g) granulated sugar.
02 1 Tablespoon baking powder.
03 10 tablespoons (141g) softened unsalted butter.
04 3 large eggs.
05 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
06 3/4 teaspoon fine-grain salt.
07 3 1/4 cups (406g) regular all-purpose flour.
08 2/3 cup (113g) tiny chocolate chips.
09 2/3 cup (66g) sliced almonds.
10 1/2 cup (170g) melted dark chocolate or chips for dipping, optional.

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven on and set it to 350°F (175°C). Put some parchment paper on a baking tray and leave that aside.

Step 02

Blend softened butter with your sugar until the mix looks fluffy. Use a hand or stand mixer if you have one. Crack an egg at a time into the bowl, mixing well after each. Pour in the vanilla and stir again.

Step 03

In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together. Slowly add this into your butter mixture. Stir until it all comes together, then mix in chocolate chips and almonds.

Step 04

Dust your hands with a bit of flour, split the dough into two portions, and then shape each into a log. Make them about 10-12 inches long and 2-3 inches wide. Place them on the baking tray, leaving at least 4 inches of space between.

Step 05

Bake the dough logs for 30 minutes or until they look golden. Take them out and let them cool fully before the next step.

Step 06

Once the logs cool, cut them diagonally into slices that are roughly 1 1/2 inches thick. Put them cut-side down on the lined tray. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, then turn each piece over and go for another 10 minutes. Take them out when golden and let them cool.

Step 07

If you'd like, melt some chocolate by microwaving it in 20-second intervals. Stir after each zap until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled biscotti and wait for it to harden before enjoying.

Notes

  1. Swap out mix-ins for any other flavors you prefer, in equal amounts.
  2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of anise extract if you'd like a more classic taste.
  3. Store tightly sealed, and they'll stay fresh for two weeks.
  4. Freeze them for longer storage—several months works!

Tools You'll Need

  • A hand or stand mixer.
  • Flat baking tray.
  • Some parchment paper.
  • A sharp bread knife.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains almonds (tree nuts).
  • Has eggs.
  • Includes wheat products.
  • Made with dairy ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 218
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 31 g
  • Protein: 4 g