Chocolate Cherry Biscotti Recipe
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 38 slices
Description: These Chocolate Cherry Biscotti are an absolute must-try. With their crisp texture and delightful flavors, they make a perfect treat for any occasion. If dried cherries are hard to find or a bit too pricey, dried cranberries are an excellent alternative. Just remember, the Kirsch is a crucial ingredient that you shouldn’t skip – it adds a unique depth of flavor that’s essential for this biscotti!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried cherries
- 2 tablespoons Kirsch (cherry brandy)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
-
Preheat and Prepare:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure that your biscotti won’t stick and to make cleanup easier. -
Infuse Cherries:
Sprinkle the Kirsch over the dried cherries, allowing them to soak and absorb the flavor. Set them aside as you prepare the dough. -
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a stand mixer or large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue beating for about three minutes until the mixture becomes pale and thick. -
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This helps to ensure that there are no lumps and that the leavening agents are evenly distributed. -
Form the Dough:
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the egg mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in the soaked cherries, along with any remaining Kirsch, to form a stiff dough. -
Shape and Bake:
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Wet your hands slightly to make handling the sticky dough easier. Shape each portion into logs approximately 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Flatten them slightly to form the classic biscotti shape. Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced at least four inches apart. -
First Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the logs are firm and have cracked on top. -
Cool and Slice:
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the biscotti logs to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Once they are cool enough to handle, cut them into ½-inch slices using a sharp knife. -
Second Bake:
Arrange the slices cut side down on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 8 minutes. Flip each slice over and bake for another 7 minutes to ensure they are crisp and dry. -
Cool Completely:
Once baked, remove the biscotti from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This final cooling step ensures that the biscotti achieve the perfect crisp texture.
Storage: Store the cooled biscotti in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They make a wonderful snack or a delightful gift for friends and family.
Enjoy these delectable Chocolate Cherry Biscotti with a cup of coffee or tea, and savor the delightful blend of chocolate and cherries in every bite. 🍫🍒✨
