Introducing a delectable treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, nuts, cranberries, and espresso, all in one crunchy bite – Chocolate Nut Cranberry Espresso Biscotti! This recipe, credited to the renowned Agate Cove Inn in California, promises a delightful culinary experience with its unique blend of ingredients, perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings or accompanying your morning coffee ritual.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 32 biscotti
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | All-purpose flour |
| 1 cup | Granulated sugar |
| 1/2 tsp | Baking powder |
| 1/2 tsp | Baking soda |
| 1/2 tsp | Salt |
| 1/2 tsp | Ground cinnamon |
| 1/2 tsp | Ground cloves |
| 1/4 cup | Milk |
| 1/4 cup | Brewed coffee |
| 1 | Egg |
| 1 tsp | Vanilla extract |
| 1 cup | Chopped walnuts |
| 1 cup | Dried cranberries |
| 3/4 cup | Chocolate chips |
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your biscotti will bake evenly and achieve that perfect crunch.
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Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. This dry ingredient mixture forms the base of your biscotti dough, providing structure and flavor.
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Whisk Egg Mixture: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, brewed coffee, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. This liquid mixture adds moisture and richness to the biscotti dough, enhancing its texture and flavor profile.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the egg mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients, stirring until a cohesive dough forms. If the dough appears too dry, you can add a little more brewed coffee, a quarter teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
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Incorporate Mix-ins: Once the dough is formed, gently fold in the chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and chocolate chips. These additions contribute delightful bursts of flavor and texture to every bite of your biscotti.
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Shape Dough into Logs: Turn the biscotti dough out onto a well-floured surface, and with floured hands, divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a log approximately 13-14 inches long and 3 1/2 inches wide, ensuring even thickness throughout.
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Bake First Round: Place the shaped dough logs onto a greased and floured (or parchment-lined) baking sheet, leaving space between them to allow for spreading during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the logs are lightly golden brown and firm to the touch.
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Cool and Slice: Once baked, remove the biscotti logs from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 8 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before slicing. Meanwhile, reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) in preparation for the second baking round.
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Slice Biscotti: Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the partially cooled biscotti logs on a diagonal into 1/2 inch thick pieces. This diagonal cut creates the classic biscotti shape and maximizes the surface area for a crisp texture.
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Second Baking Round: Arrange the sliced biscotti pieces, cut side down, on the baking sheet, and return them to the oven for an additional 6-8 minutes. This second baking round further crisps up the biscotti, giving them that satisfying crunch with every bite.
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Optional Harder Texture: For those who prefer a harder biscotti, you can extend the second baking round by an additional 5 minutes per side. This yields a more firm and crunchy texture, perfect for dunking into your favorite hot beverage.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once fully baked and cooled, your Chocolate Nut Cranberry Espresso Biscotti are ready to be enjoyed! Indulge in these delightful treats as a standalone dessert, a sweet snack, or alongside your morning or afternoon coffee for a truly satisfying experience.
With its enticing aroma, irresistible crunch, and harmonious blend of flavors, this Chocolate Nut Cranberry Espresso Biscotti recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe offers a simple yet rewarding way to elevate your homemade treats and delight your taste buds. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey that’s as delicious as it is satisfying! 🍫☕🍪
