Irresistible Chocolate Chip Almond Biscotti: Your New Favorite Crunchy Treat

There’s something uniquely comforting and utterly delightful about a perfectly baked biscotti, and this chocolate chip almond biscotti recipe is a testament to that timeless appeal. Beloved for its signature crunch and rich flavor, biscotti is a classic Italian cookie designed to be savored, especially when dipped into a warm beverage. While many recipes focus solely on the traditional almond flavor, our version elevates the experience by incorporating luscious chocolate chips, creating an exquisite balance of nutty, sweet, and satisfying textures. This recipe quickly becomes a cherished favorite, particularly during the festive holiday season.

The hallmark of a great biscotti lies in its distinctive crispness, achieved through a traditional double-baking process. This method expertly dries out the cookies, ensuring they retain their firm structure, which is precisely what makes them ideal for dunking. Imagine a quick dip into your morning coffee, a comforting cup of tea, or even a rich hot cocoa – the biscotti softens just enough, releasing its delightful flavors and melting chocolate into every bite. The combination of toasted almond and gooey chocolate is truly irresistible, leaving your mouth watering long after the last crumb is gone. Get ready to bake a batch of these extraordinary almond chocolate chip biscotti, and prepare to fall in love!

The Unique Charm of Almond Chocolate Chip Biscotti

What truly sets this chocolate chip biscotti recipe apart is the thoughtful inclusion of both almond flour and sliced almonds. This dynamic duo doesn’t just add flavor; it imbues each cookie with a profound depth and a delicate, crisp, and light texture that often surpasses classic versions. The finely ground almond flour contributes to a tender interior while maintaining that crucial crunch, while the sliced almonds provide delightful bursts of nutty flavor and an appealing visual texture.

The subtle hint of almond creates a warm, cozy, and wonderfully nutty counterpoint to the sweetness of the chocolate chips. This flavor pairing is particularly harmonious when enjoyed with a steaming mug of coffee or tea, making each dunking experience a moment of pure bliss. Furthermore, the inherent dryness and firmness achieved through the double-bake mean these biscotti with chocolate chips boast an impressive shelf life. They remain fresh for weeks when stored correctly, making them an excellent choice for thoughtful homemade gifts or for preparing well in advance during the bustling holiday period. Their robust nature also makes them perfect for shipping to loved ones, ensuring a taste of home no matter the distance.

Mastering the Slice: Cool Slightly Before Cutting for Flawless Biscotti

One of the most critical steps in achieving beautifully uniform biscotti is the timing of your slicing. After the initial bake, it’s highly recommended to allow your biscotti logs to cool for approximately 10-15 minutes before attempting to slice them. This brief resting period is crucial because it allows the logs to firm up just enough. If you cut them too soon, while they are still very hot and soft, they are prone to crumbling, breaking apart, or leaving ragged edges. Waiting those few extra minutes ensures that the dough has sufficiently set, providing a more stable structure for clean, precise cuts.

This simple technique is my absolute favorite way to achieve those perfectly shaped, uniform chocolate chip almond biscotti slices every single time. You’ll be amazed at how neat and professional your biscotti will look, without any unsightly ragged edges or frustrating wasted crumbs. A sharp, serrated bread knife works best for this task, gliding smoothly through the slightly cooled logs to create immaculate pieces ready for their second bake. This attention to detail not only improves the appearance of your biscotti but also enhances their overall enjoyment, as each piece will have that consistent, satisfying crunch.

Chocolate Chip Biscotti Recipe

Chocolate Chip Biscotti

Chocolate chip biscotti are a beloved treat, especially around the holidays. Their perfectly crunchy texture and rich flavor make them an ideal companion for your favorite warm beverage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
• Total Time: 55-65 minutes
• Yields: 16 servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (½ stick)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but highly recommended for enhanced flavor)
• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

Equipment

1. Kitchen Scale (optional, but useful for precision)
2. Baking Sheet
3. Parchment Paper
4. Stand Mixer (or hand mixer with a large bowl)
5. Small Bowl
6. Serrated Bread Knife

Instructions

1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Set this aside.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and baking powder. Whisking ensures these ingredients are thoroughly combined and helps to aerate the flour, leading to a lighter biscotti. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed. Continue mixing for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This creaming process incorporates air, contributing to the biscotti’s tender crumb.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Introduce the room-temperature large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the pure vanilla extract and, if desired, the almond extract. Mix on low speed just until all wet ingredients are combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Mix-ins: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until the dry ingredients are mostly incorporated. Then, fold in the sliced almonds and mini chocolate chips. Continue mixing only until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, typically about 15 seconds. Overmixing can lead to tough biscotti.
6. Shape the Dough Logs: Transfer the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Divide the dough in half. With lightly floured hands, shape each half into a log about 2 inches wide, ¾ of an inch tall, and 8 inches long. Ensure the logs are relatively uniform in size for even baking. Leave some space between them on the baking sheet.
7. First Bake (The “Biscotto” Stage): Bake the dough logs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. They should be set, firm to the touch, and just beginning to turn golden brown around the edges. This initial bake cooks the dough and gives it structure.
8. Cool and Slice: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the biscotti logs cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes. This cooling period is vital for the logs to firm up, making them easier to slice without crumbling. Once slightly cooled, transfer the logs to a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated bread knife, slice each log diagonally into 8 equal pieces, approximately ½ to ¾ inch thick.
9. Second Bake (The “Biscotti” Stage): Arrange the sliced biscotti pieces cut-side up on the baking sheet. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until they are firm, dry, and golden brown throughout. For an extra crispy texture, you can flip them halfway through the second bake.
10. Final Cooling: Remove the biscotti from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Store them in an airtight container once they are entirely cool.

Chef’s Notes & Pro Tips

• The Right Knife Matters: For the cleanest cuts, especially after the first bake, a sharp serrated bread knife is indispensable. It will glide through the semi-baked logs with ease, creating perfect, even slices.
• Boost the Chocolate Factor: If you’re a true chocolate lover, feel free to increase the amount of mini chocolate chips by an additional ¼ cup. You can also experiment with white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks for variety.
• Ensure Complete Cooling: Never store biscotti before they have fully cooled. Any residual warmth can create condensation in the airtight container, leading to a soft texture and potential mold growth. Patience is key for lasting crispness!
• Optimal Dunking Experience: While perfect with coffee or tea, try dunking your biscotti in a glass of cold milk for a comforting snack, or even a glass of dessert wine (like Vin Santo) for a traditional Italian treat.
• Gifting Gold: These biscotti make fantastic homemade gifts. Stack them neatly in a clear cellophane bag, tie with a festive ribbon, and they’re ready to delight friends and family.

Storage Instructions

Store your chocolate chip biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully fresh and crunchy for up to 2 weeks on your countertop or in your pantry. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy from the freezer, simply allow them to thaw completely at room temperature before serving to regain their signature crispness.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts

Chocolate Chip Biscotti

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Amount Per Serving (1 biscotti)

Calories 142
Calories from Fat 72

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% Daily Value*

Fat 8g 12%

Saturated Fat 3g 19%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 2g

Cholesterol 29mg 10%

Sodium 37mg 2%

Potassium 45mg 1%

Carbohydrates 16g 5%

Fiber 1g 4%

Sugar 8g 9%

Protein 3g 6%

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Vitamin A 125IU 3%

Vitamin C 1mg 1%

Calcium 40mg 4%

Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Author: Becky Hardin

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How to Make Chocolate Chip Biscotti: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting perfect chocolate chip biscotti is a rewarding experience, and with these detailed steps, you’ll achieve delicious results every time. Follow along to create these delightful Italian cookies.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Prepare Your Workspace

Before you begin mixing, ensure all your ingredients are measured out and ready. It’s particularly important for the butter and eggs to be at room temperature, as this allows them to cream better with sugar and emulsify more effectively, resulting in a smoother, more uniform dough. Preheat your oven to a precise 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; this not only prevents sticking but also aids in easy cleanup and consistent baking. Having everything prepped makes the baking process seamless and enjoyable.

Step 2: Master the Dough Mixing Process

In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of almond flour, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure the leavening agent is evenly distributed. Set this mixture aside. Next, in the bowl of your stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, beat ¼ cup of room-temperature unsalted butter with ½ cup of granulated sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for approximately 2 minutes, until the mixture is visibly light and fluffy. This aeration is key to the biscotti’s texture.

Now, it’s time to add the wet elements: carefully incorporate 2 large room-temperature eggs, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and if you’re seeking that extra layer of nutty warmth, ¼ teaspoon of almond extract. Mix on low speed, just until these ingredients are fully combined. Finally, with the mixer still on low speed, gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Once the flour mixture is mostly incorporated, gently fold in ¼ cup of sliced almonds and ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips. Mix just until they are evenly distributed, being careful not to overmix, which can develop the gluten too much and lead to tough cookies. About 15 seconds of mixing after adding the chips should be sufficient.

Step 3: Shape and Commence the First Bake

Once your dough is perfectly mixed, transfer it onto your prepared baking sheet. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Lightly flour your hands, then carefully shape each portion into a distinct log. Aim for logs that are approximately 2 inches wide, ¾ of an inch tall, and 8 inches long. Strive for uniformity in size and shape, as this will ensure even baking across all your biscotti pieces. Place these logs on the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving adequate space between them for expansion during baking. Bake these biscotti logs in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. During this first bake, they will set and begin to develop a beautiful golden-brown hue along their edges, indicating they’re ready for the next crucial step.

Step 4: The Crucial Slice and Second Bake

Upon removing the partially baked logs from the oven, resist the urge to slice them immediately. It’s essential to let them cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the logs to firm up considerably, preventing them from crumbling or breaking when sliced. Once slightly cooled, transfer a log to a cutting board and, using a sharp serrated bread knife, carefully slice each biscotti log into 8 equal pieces. Aim for diagonal cuts, about ½ to ¾ inch thick, to create the classic biscotti shape. Be cautious, as the logs will still be warm! Gently lay the sliced pieces, cut side up, back onto the baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

Return the baking sheet to the oven for the second bake, which is vital for achieving the characteristic dryness and crunch of biscotti. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the biscotti pieces are firm, dry, and lightly golden brown throughout. For maximum crispness, some bakers like to flip the biscotti halfway through this second bake. Once fully baked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, they will become even crispier. Only once they are entirely cool should you transfer them to an airtight container for storage.

Storing Your Delicious Chocolate Chip Almond Biscotti

Proper storage is key to maintaining the wonderful crunch and flavor of your homemade chocolate chip biscotti. I always recommend placing these delightful treats in an airtight container with a tightly fitting lid. This prevents moisture from seeping in and keeps them fresh. You do not need to store them in the refrigerator; in fact, refrigeration can sometimes alter their texture. Instead, they thrive at room temperature, whether on your kitchen countertop or tucked away in the pantry. When stored this way, your biscotti should remain perfectly fresh and crispy for up to 2 weeks, making them a fantastic make-ahead option.

For even longer enjoyment, these biscotti are also freezer-friendly. You can freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to indulge, simply remove them from the freezer and allow them to thaw fully at room temperature. Once thawed, they’ll be ready to enjoy with all their original flavor and satisfying crunch. This makes it incredibly convenient to have a stash of these delightful cookies on hand for unexpected guests or a quick treat.