Are you looking for a delicious and easy recipe to impress your friends and family? Do you crave a delightful, crunchy treat that's perfect with a cup of coffee or tea? Then look no further! This dark chocolate almond biscotti recipe is your answer. These twice-baked delights are surprisingly simple to make, offering a delightful combination of crunchy texture and rich, decadent chocolate flavor. They're also a fantastic homemade gift, perfect for any occasion. Let's dive into this easy recipe and create some magical biscotti!
Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cacao or higher recommended)
- 1 cup slivered almonds
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. This is crucial for achieving a light and airy biscotti texture.
Step 2: Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 3: Adding Chocolate and Almonds
Stir in the dark chocolate chips and slivered almonds. The almonds add a wonderful crunch, and the dark chocolate offers a sophisticated bitterness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Step 4: Shaping the Biscotti
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a log about 12-14 inches long and 2-3 inches wide. Place the log onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: First Baking
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the log is lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly on the baking sheet.
Step 6: Slicing and Second Baking
Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the log diagonally into ½-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices, cut-side down, back onto the baking sheet.
Step 7: Final Baking
Bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the biscotti are golden brown and completely dry. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before storing.
Tips for Perfect Biscotti:
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough biscotti.
- Use high-quality chocolate: The flavor of your chocolate will greatly impact the taste of your biscotti.
- Let the biscotti cool completely: This ensures they become crisp and crunchy.
- Store in an airtight container: This will help them stay fresh for longer.
Variations:
- Add different nuts: Try using pecans, walnuts, or pistachios instead of almonds, or a combination.
- Use different chocolate: Experiment with milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even different types of dark chocolate.
- Add dried fruit: Cranberries, cherries, or chopped apricots would be delicious additions.
- Spice it up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and depth of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per biscotti, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used. A general estimate is approximately 100-120 calories, with varying amounts of fat, carbohydrates, and protein. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.
This easy recipe yields delicious, crunchy biscotti perfect for any occasion. The rich dark chocolate and crunchy almonds create a truly satisfying treat, ideal for sharing or enjoying by yourself with your favorite beverage. Enjoy!