Chocolate Biscotti Recipe
Category: Desserts
Yields: 50 Pieces
Chocolate biscotti are a delightful treat that combines rich, dark chocolate with a crisp, crumbly texture, perfect for dipping into your favorite hot beverage. This recipe takes you through the process of making these delectable cookies, ensuring you achieve the ideal balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this step-by-step guide will help you create the perfect chocolate biscotti to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients & Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (Farina 00) | 250g |
| Dark chocolate (Cioccolato fondente) | 200g |
| Sugar (Zucchero) | 100g |
| Butter (Burro) | 120g |
| Egg yolks (Tuorli) | 40g |
| Baking powder (Lievito in polvere) | 2g |
| Pinch of salt (Sale fino) | 1 pinch |
Nutritional Information (per piece, approximate):
- Calories: 95
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
Instructions
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Begin by finely chopping the dark chocolate. Once chopped, transfer it to a heatproof bowl. |
| Step 2 | In a saucepan, heat some water and place the bowl with chocolate over the pot to melt it using a double boiler method. Add the cold butter, cut into small chunks, to the chocolate while it’s melting. Stir occasionally until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. |
| Step 3 | Once melted, remove the bowl from the heat. Let the chocolate-butter mixture cool slightly while you prepare the dry ingredients. |
| Step 4 | In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that all dry ingredients are evenly distributed and helps avoid clumps. |
| Step 5 | Add the sugar to the dry ingredients and mix well. Make a small well in the center of the mixture. |
| Step 6 | In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks until slightly frothy. Add the beaten egg yolks to the flour and sugar mixture, then mix together using a fork. |
| Step 7 | Slowly pour in the cooled chocolate-butter mixture and combine all ingredients. You should have a thick, dough-like consistency. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour to adjust. |
| Step 8 | Once the dough reaches the right consistency, take a cookie cutter with a diameter of about 4-5 cm (1.5 to 2 inches) and cut out individual cookie shapes. Place each piece onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. |
| Step 9 | For best results, try baking a small batch first to check the timing and temperature of your oven. This will help you determine the best approach for your specific oven settings. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). |
| Step 10 | Bake the biscotti in the preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown on the edges. The cookies should be crisp on the outside but still soft on the inside. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. |
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Biscotti:
- Chocolate Choice: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate for a rich, deep flavor. A 70% cocoa chocolate works beautifully in this recipe.
- Storage: Store the cooled biscotti in an airtight container. They will keep for up to a week, or you can freeze them for longer storage.
- Variation: Feel free to add nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for extra texture and flavor. Just chop them roughly and fold them into the dough along with the egg yolks.
These chocolate biscotti are perfect for enjoying with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of dessert wine. Their crispy texture and indulgent chocolate flavor will surely impress your guests, or provide a satisfying treat for yourself!
