Chocolate Chip Biscotti: A Sweet and Crunchy Delight
When it comes to baking cookies, nothing beats the crispy, delightful texture of biscotti. These Italian-style biscuits, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, are a perfect treat for those who love a little bite to their cookies. This Chocolate Chip Biscotti recipe is a flavorful twist on the traditional, combining the crunchy texture of biscotti with the sweet richness of dark chocolate. These treats are perfect for dipping in coffee, tea, or enjoying on their own. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a batch of 40 delightful biscotti that are sure to impress!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dark chocolate chips | 100g |
| All-purpose flour | 500g |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Brown sugar | 200g |
| Vanilla bean (or vanilla extract) | 1 pod |
| Baking soda | 3g |
| Salt | A pinch |
| Butter (softened) | 180g |
Nutritional Information (Approx. per Biscotto)
| Nutrient | Amount per Biscotto |
|---|---|
| Calories | 115 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Protein | 1.5g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Sodium | 40mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and measurements.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by preparing the chocolate chips. To ensure the chocolate doesn’t melt during baking, place the chocolate chips in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This will keep them firm when added to the dough and prevent them from melting during the baking process.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In the bowl of a stand mixer, place the softened butter, cut into chunks. Add the brown sugar and beat using the paddle attachment (or the “leaf” attachment) until the mixture is light and fluffy. Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, and add them to the butter-sugar mixture for a fragrant touch. If you’re using vanilla extract, you can substitute 1 tablespoon instead of the pod.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. This step will create a thick dough thatโs perfect for shaping into biscotti.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Once the dough is ready, remove it from the stand mixer and transfer it to a lightly floured work surface. At this point, itโs important to incorporate the chilled chocolate chips into the dough. Gently fold them in using your hands or a spatula to avoid breaking them up too much. Once the chips are evenly distributed, divide the dough into 40 equal pieces.
Step 5: Shape the Biscotti
Roll each piece of dough into a ball, then gently shape them into spheres by rolling them between your hands. The balls should be about the size of a small walnut. Place the shaped biscotti on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Chill the Dough Balls
Once shaped, refrigerate the dough balls for about 30 minutes. This step ensures that the biscotti retain their shape while baking and results in a perfect texture. You can also prepare the dough the night before and leave it to chill overnight if you’re planning ahead.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 175ยฐC (350ยฐF). Make sure the oven rack is positioned in the middle for even baking.
Step 8: Bake the Biscotti
After 30 minutes, remove the dough from the refrigerator and transfer the chilled dough balls onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Since these biscotti are baked in batches, ensure there is enough space for air circulation to help them bake evenly.
Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscotti are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. If you’re making more than one batch, keep an eye on the cookies as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 9: Let Cool
After baking, remove the biscotti from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before serving. These treats are best enjoyed once they have completely cooled and the chocolate has hardened.
Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: Donโt skip the step of chilling the dough. This will help the biscotti keep their shape during baking and prevent spreading.
- Even Baking: Since these cookies will be baked in multiple batches, ensure the baking tray is rotated halfway through baking for an even golden-brown color.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment with the chocolate chips by using milk chocolate or white chocolate. You could also add nuts, like almonds or hazelnuts, for an added crunch.
Serving Suggestions
These biscotti are perfect for enjoying with a warm beverage. Dip them in coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate for a delightful experience. You can also package them up in a decorative jar as a homemade gift for the holidays or any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The beauty of Chocolate Chip Biscotti lies in their simplicity. The balance of rich, dark chocolate and the crunch of the cookies makes them a treat that both kids and adults will love. Theyโre easy to make in large batches, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Plus, the texture improves over time, making them an excellent choice for meal prep or holiday baking.
This recipe can be found at Love With Recipes, your go-to site for irresistible homemade recipes and cooking inspiration! Whether you’re baking for yourself or hosting a special event, these chocolate chip biscotti are sure to become a favorite.
