Chocolate Almond Biscotti

Name: Chocolate Almond Biscotti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24 biscotti
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup chopped almonds; 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making Chocolate Almond Biscotti, especially during the holidays. The delightful combination of rich chocolate and crunchy almonds brings such joy to my family and friends. These biscotti are perfect for dunking in coffee or tea, making them a wonderful treat for gatherings. I enjoy experimenting with the cocoa powder to create just the right balance, and I find the process of baking and slicing them incredibly satisfying. It's the little things that make these moments special, and I can't wait for you to share in the experience!

Created by

Blair Hudson

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:31:14.372Z

I remember the first time I made Chocolate Almond Biscotti. I followed a simple recipe, but I added my personal touch by integrating freshly toasted almonds. The fragrant aroma that filled my kitchen was irresistible and drew my family in, eager to taste. I learned that toasting the almonds not only enhances their flavor but also adds a nice crunch to the biscotti!

As I continued to perfect the recipe, I discovered the secret to achieving the right texture was in the double-baking method. It’s crucial as it ensures the biscotti is cooked through and crunchy without being overly hard. Perfecting the timing is essential, and I recommend checking them a minute or two early to achieve your desired crunch!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadent chocolate flavor with a satisfying almond crunch
Perfectly textured for dunking in your morning coffee
Easily customizable with different nuts or spices

      

Perfecting Your Biscotti Texture

The texture of your Chocolate Almond Biscotti is crucial for that delightful crunch and satisfying dunking experience. When shaping the logs on the baking sheet, aim for about 1 inch in thickness. This width helps ensure even baking, allowing the insides to stay chewy while the outsides become beautifully crisp. Watch the logs closely as they bake—they should rise slightly and begin to develop a lovely dark hue. If they appear too soft after the first bake, they may need extra time in the final bake stage to crisp up adequately.

One of my personal tips is to avoid overmixing the dough after adding the wet ingredients. You'll want a cohesive mixture, but a gentle hand ensures the biscotti remains light rather than dense. If you notice the dough is too sticky to handle, dust your hands with flour while shaping the logs. This technique prevents the dough from sticking and helps maintain the shape without adding too much flour, which could change the final texture.

Ingredient Insights

Choosing the right cocoa powder can significantly influence the flavor profile of your biscotti. Dutch-processed cocoa provides a smoother, milder chocolate taste, while natural cocoa has a more intense flavor and acidity that can enhance the overall richness. I often enjoy experimenting with different brands and types of cocoa to find the perfect balance for my tastes. Consider trying a combination for a more complex chocolate layer.

Almonds play a dual role in this recipe—both providing a delightful crunch and enhancing the overall nutty flavor. If you’re looking for a variation, try substituting with hazelnuts or walnuts. Just keep in mind that different nuts can alter the flavor, so ensure they are roasted to bring out their best characteristics before adding them to the dough.

Serving and Storing Your Biscotti

These Chocolate Almond Biscotti can be enjoyed right away, but for optimal flavor, I recommend allowing them to rest for at least 24 hours after baking. This time helps develop a richer flavor as the biscotti cool and set into their final texture. They pair perfectly with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist!

For storage, keep your biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature, where they'll maintain their texture for up to two weeks. If you want to make a larger batch, biscotti freeze exceptionally well. Simply place them in a resealable freezer bag, layering parchment paper between each biscotti to prevent sticking. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for an hour, and they’ll be just as delicious as the day you baked them.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create delicious Chocolate Almond Biscotti:

Biscotti Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your Chocolate Almond Biscotti:

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Add Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the vanilla. Gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until fully combined.

Fold in Nuts and Chocolate

Gently fold in the chopped almonds and chocolate chips.

Shape and Bake

Divide the dough into two logs on the prepared baking sheet, then flatten them slightly. Bake for 25 minutes.

Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before slicing into individual pieces.

Final Bake

Lay the sliced biscotti flat on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until crisp.

Cool Completely

Allow the biscotti to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Once cooled, enjoy your biscotti with a hot beverage!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider dipping the cooled biscotti in melted chocolate or sprinkling them with sea salt before the final bake.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your biscotti are too soft after the first bake, this could mean the logs were undercooked or too thick. Ensure your logs are evenly shaped and about 1 inch thick for consistent baking. If they still don't seem ready after the first bake, you can always give them a few extra minutes in the oven.

Another common issue is biscotti breaking too easily. This can happen if they've dried out too much during the final bake. Keep a close watch, and remove them from the oven once they’re golden and crisped but not overly hard. Letting them cool completely on a wire rack helps them set properly and retains that perfect crunch.

Variations to Try

Feel free to switch up the nuts used in this recipe! Pecans or macadamia nuts can add interesting flavors and textures. You could also experiment with add-ins like dried cherries or orange zest, providing a fresh contrast to the rich cocoa and nutty profile—just make sure not to overload the batter to maintain the ideal texture.

If you're a fan of spices, consider adding a hint of cinnamon or espresso powder to the dry mixture. This can elevate the chocolate flavor and create a deliciously warming taste, perfect for cozy evenings. Just start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?

Absolutely! Walnuts or hazelnuts are great alternatives.

→ How should I store my biscotti?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

→ Can I freeze leftover biscotti?

Yes, biscotti freeze well. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they can last for up to three months.

→ What can I serve with biscotti?

Biscotti are delicious with coffee, tea, or even a dessert wine!