Chocolate Almond Biscotti

Name: Chocolate Almond Biscotti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 24 biscotti
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup chopped almonds; 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I have always been drawn to the rich, buttery flavors of Italian biscotti, particularly when chocolate and almonds are involved. Making my own Chocolate Almond Biscotti has become a beloved ritual, especially as the weather cools. With a perfect balance of crunch and chocolatey goodness, these biscotti are wonderful on their own or paired with a warm drink. I can whip them up in no time, and watching them bake fills my kitchen with a delightful aroma that makes it impossible to resist grabbing one while they're still warm.

Created by

Ella Townsend

Last updated on 2026-01-12T00:04:14.063Z

When I first tried making Chocolate Almond Biscotti, I was amazed at how simple it was to achieve such delightful flavor and crunch. The combination of finely chopped almonds and rich cocoa creates a luxurious treat that's perfect for dunking. I love that I can customize the sweetness and crunch to my liking by adjusting the sugar and almond ratio.

One tip I discovered is to double-bake the biscotti; this not only enhances their texture, making them wonderfully crunchy, but also allows the flavors to deepen. My friends always ask for these during the holiday season, and I’m more than happy to share my secret for this delicious recipe!

        Why You'll Love These Biscotti
        A perfect balance of chocolate and nutty almond flavors
Crunchy texture that's ideal for dunking in coffee or tea
A delightful homemade gift for friends and family

      

Mastering the Biscotti Technique

Biscotti dough is typically stiff, which is key to achieving the iconic crunchy texture. When mixing your wet and dry ingredients, take care not to overwork the dough. You want to incorporate the flour just until combined; overly mixing can lead to tough biscotti. A wooden spoon or a spatula works best to gently fold in the almonds and chocolate chips, ensuring they're evenly distributed without breaking apart.

Shaping the logs is another crucial step. Make sure your logs are evenly shaped and approximately 12 inches long to ensure uniform baking. The thickness should be about 1-2 inches; thinner logs may over-bake and become too dry, while thicker ones may not cook through during the first bake. Aim for a smooth and even surface, which will help create a pleasing aesthetic once sliced.

Ingredient Insights

The choice of cocoa powder will significantly impact the biscotti's flavor. Using high-quality Dutch-process cocoa will yield a richer chocolate taste, while natural cocoa provides a lighter flavor. If you prefer a less intense chocolate note, consider reducing the cocoa powder by a couple of tablespoons and substituting with an additional 2-4 tablespoons of flour.

Almonds bring not only crunch but also a lovely nutty flavor that complements the chocolate. Whole, sliced, or even toasted almonds can be used interchangeably, but I find that toasting them lightly before adding enhances their flavor and adds complexity. If you're looking for a substitution, hazelnuts or walnuts could also work, though they will impart a different profile.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for your delicious Chocolate Almond Biscotti:

Ingredients

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

Be sure to measure accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Chocolate Almond Biscotti:

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and 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 a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the vanilla extract. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients.

Fold in Nuts and Chocolate

Gently fold in the chopped almonds and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Shape the Dough

On a floured surface, divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 12 inches long.

Bake the Logs

Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes, until firm to the touch.

Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven, allow to cool for 10 minutes, then slice each log into 1-inch thick pieces.

Second Bake

Lay the slices flat on the baking sheet and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes to crisp.

Cool Completely

Once baked, let the biscotti cool on a wire rack before serving.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Pro Tips

Feel free to experiment with different add-ins like dried fruit or different nuts to find your favorite combination!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These Chocolate Almond Biscotti are ideal for making ahead and storing. Once cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you'd like to keep them longer, you can freeze biscotti for up to three months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and allow them to thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

To refresh your biscotti after freezing, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes. This reheating method restores their crispiness while ensuring no sogginess develops. Avoid the microwave, as it can make biscotti chewy instead of crunchy.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These biscotti can be enjoyed on their own, but for an elegant touch, try serving them alongside a small bowl of melted chocolate or a sweet dipping sauce. Drizzling with white chocolate makes for an eye-catching presentation and adds a creamy contrast to the crunchy texture.

For variations, consider adding spices like cinnamon or instant espresso powder to enhance the flavor profile further. Dried fruit, such as cranberries or cherries, can also be mixed in for a chewiness that contrasts beautifully with the crispness. Feel free to get creative, as biscotti are quite forgiving and adaptable!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder?

Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate for cocoa powder and reduce the sugar slightly to balance the sweetness.

→ How do I store leftover biscotti?

Store the biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks for optimal freshness.

→ Can I freeze biscotti?

Absolutely! You can freeze the biscotti in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Just thaw them before serving.

→ What can I dip biscotti in?

Biscotti are delicious when dipped in coffee, tea, or sweet dessert wines, enhancing their flavor.