Double Chocolate Espresso Biscotti

Biscotti: Dip, Dunk or Crunch this classic Italian cookie with coffee, tea, milk or even wine! Enjoy a taste of Italy with every bite.

Dive into the world of biscotti, a simple yet timeless cookie that has been around for hundreds of years. These irresistible twice-baked delights are the perfect companion for your morning coffee, a delightful after-dinner treat or a satisfying snack anytime of day.

Follow our simple and easy-to-follow recipe to create these delectable cookies that are crunchy and bursting with flavor. From classic almond to decadent chocolate chip, there’s a version to tantalize everyone. So grab your mixing bowl, preheat your oven, and prepare to be transported to medieval Italy, where these cookies originated.

Are biscotti Italian?

Um, yah think? These humble cookies boast a surprisingly rich history. Legend has it that they date back to ancient Rome, where soldiers carried them on their journeys on account of their long shelf life and transportability. The original recipe was simple, featuring only flour, water, and sometimes nuts or honey. Centuries later in medieval Italy, a variation known as cantuccini was created in Tuscany. This Tuscan version incorporated almonds and was typically enjoyed with a sweet wine like Vin Santo, truly capturing the essence of Italian culinary traditions.

Where did biscotti originate?

The earliest evidence of Biscotti have been traced back to the Roman empire. Over time, as the empire expanded, local bakers modified the original basic cookie to account for regional preferences. In the Middle Ages, bakers in Tuscany created a version that incorporated almonds known as cantucci. Cantucci was enjoyed as a dessert and enjoyed with a sweet wine. Over time, variations were created using nuts, dried fruit and chocolate.

In the 19th century, Jewish bakers in Italy created a version known as mandelbrot. This version incorporates ingredients such as oil and eggs, making the dough more moist and pliable and could be served as part of the Shabbat dinner. In the 20th century, these cookies became increasingly popular in the United States as an after dinner treat served with coffee and tea in cafes and coffee shops. Today, this traditional cookie is enjoyed globally and often paired with coffee, tea, hot chocolate or a sweet wine as enjoyed back in medieval times.

From simple soldier’s ration to an elegant after dinner accompaniment, this cookie has come a long way. Today, it remains a beloved cookie, offering a delicious reminder of its fascinating history in every satisfying bite.

Biscotti for the holidays

Why else are these cookies perfect for the holidays. They are:

• Festive: Biscotti can be beautifully arranged on a platter, adding a touch of elegance to your holiday spread.
• Portable: They’re perfect for potlucks, cookie exchanges, and caroling parties.
• Make-ahead: You can bake them ahead of time and freeze them for later.
• Kid-friendly: They’re easy to make with kids and make a fun holiday activity.
• Dietary friendly: We have never tried this but they can be made to be gluten-free.

Biscotti with Vin Santo

This is the traditional way biscotti would be enjoyed in many parts of Italy. But what is Vin Santo?

Vin Santo, a sweet wine crafted from grapes harvested late in the season when their sugar content peaks, is a match made in heaven for biscotti. Its smooth sweetness complements the crunchy texture and subtle nuttiness of these Italian cookies perfectly.

But the pairing possibilities for Vin Santo extend far beyond this. Its delightful notes blend beautifully with dried fruits like figs and dates, the golden richness of honey and the tangy sweetness of apricot jam. Spices like cinnamon and cloves flair harmoniously with this remarkable wine.

For a more adventurous pairing, explore the world of pastries and cheeses. Vin Santo’s versatility shines when served alongside dry pastries, leavened cakes, and even bold blue cheeses. For those seeking an extra decadent experience, full-bodied and aged versions pair exceptionally well with chocolate.

With its exquisite flavor profile and diverse pairing potential, Vin Santo offers a unique and memorable experience to enjoy on your next culinary adventure. So, raise a glass of Vin Santo and discover its perfect harmony with a wide assortment of tempting treats.

Biscotti with coffee and tea

This simple cookie pairs exceptionally well with traditional coffees and tea. In America, they are enjoyed at many restaurants and cafes paired with coffee and tea. Why limit this to dining out? There are so many coffee and espresso machines that are simple to use and make terrific coffee. Today we can enjoy these amazingly simple yet delicious treats while dining in or at home!

Biscotti for breakfast?

If leftover, how can one resist having these crunchy and delicious treats with coffee for breakfast. We view this as a breakfast of champions.

This unassuming cookie boasts a surprising versatility, making it the perfect companion at breakfast with a hot mug of your favorite coffees and teas. And indeed, this is how we at the fifties fight club often enjoy these amazingly simple yet delicious cookies at breakfast. The first dunk into a warm cup of coffee or tea softens the biscotti just enough, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. An ordinary breakfast, this is not!

So next time you’re savoring a cup of coffee or tea at breakfast, why not consider adding a delightful and traditional Italian cookie to complete the experience? This classic pairing offers an effortless way to elevate any breakfast into a truly delightful moment.

Are biscotti a healthy snack?

At their core, these cookies are a surprisingly healthy snack. When compared to most cakes, pies and doughnuts, a basic biscotti can be quite the benign and guilt free indulgence. But like many things, once eggs, oil and chocolate are added to the recipe, that equation can change quickly.

This particular recipe, with its cup of sugar, chocolate chips, eggs, and chocolate-covered espresso beans, falls into the delicious-but-not-exactly-healthy category. It’s a fantastic holiday treat, perfect for indulging your sweet tooth during the festive season. However, for a more everyday, guilt-free snack, you will have to stick to a simpler recipe. Most likely, those served at your favorite coffee shop or cafe would also fall into the “not so healthy” category. Think of it this way: having a simple cookie with your coffee can be a nice treat to kickstart your day, while this decadent version is best reserved for special occasions. After all, the holiday season is all about celebrating, and this biscotti is certainly worthy of such celebrations!

Can biscotti be made with cake mix?

Yes, they can. We have made a simple recipe using cake mix as the main ingredient. They were better than decent, but not comparable with our from scratch recipes.

Popular biscotti flavors; chocolate, almond and dried fruit

When baked into a decadent treat such as this recipe, chocolate, almonds, and dried fruit elevate the humble Italian cookie into a truly delectable dessert. In our opinion, there’s nothing quite like pairing a hot espresso with a crunchy biscotti, adorned with a dollop of light and airy whipped cream. The cookie perfectly complements the bold bitterness of espresso, creating a truly divine coffee break experience.

Can biscotti be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze these cookies! But to ensure they stay perfectly crisp, preventing moisture absorption during thawing is crucial. Should they soften after freezing, simply dry them in a low-temperature oven until they regain their satisfying crunch and surface dryness. This easy step will restore your biscotti to their freshly baked glory!

Can the dough for biscotti be refrigerated?

Life gets busy, and sometimes whipping up a recipe from scratch just isn’t feasible. But fear not, biscotti lovers! This recipe offers a convenient solution: make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for later baking.

The dough for this recipe is remarkably resilient, even after a stint in the fridge. We recommend baking your pre-made dough within a few days for optimal results. This simple time-saving trick allows you to satisfy your biscotti cravings whenever the mood strikes, even on a hectic schedule.

How do I make this chocolate espresso biscotti recipe?

While this recipe might be simple to prepare, the double-bake process does take some extra time. To achieve that perfectly crunchy texture, the cookies are baked once, allowed to cool, then baked again. But trust me, the amazing flavor and satisfying bite are worth the wait! The result is a crunchy cookie with amazing flavor.

To begin, gather your ingredients. Start by grounding a bar of semi-sweet chocolate. I have found that using a serrated knife works best for this process. Combine the flour, espresso powder, cocoa, salt, baking powder and grounded semi-sweet chocolate to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the chunks of chocolate are well blended into the mixture. Place this in a bowl and set aside. Now, coarsely grind some espresso beans. Using the side of a knife and pressing down on the bean will crush the bean perfectly or you may also use a coffee grinder to coarsely grind the beans. Set the ground espresso aside.

In another bowl, grab your sugar and butter and whip them together until they’re light and fluffy. Think soft, dreamy clouds! Now, crack in the eggs one at a time and then add a splash of vanilla extract. Next, we want to slowly incorporate the flour mixture. So, add it in small batches, stirring just until everything comes together. Remember, overmixing can make our cookies tough, so do not over-mix.

Finally, let’s add some deliciousness! Fold in those tempting chocolate chips and the coarsely ground espresso beans. Now your dough is ready for baking adventures!

Now it’s time to bake:

1. Divide and shape: Take your dough and gently slice it into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a log shape.
2. Stage them for baking: Place your log buddies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them some space to spread.
3. First bake: Bake them at 300°F for 30-35 minutes, keeping an eye on them until they’re firm and golden brown. Don’t worry if they’re a bit soft at first, they’ll firm up as they cool.
4. Cool down: Take your logs out of the oven and let them cool for 30 minutes. Patience is key here, friends!
5. Slice and dice: Once they’re cool, grab a sharp serrated knife and slice each log diagonally into half-inch slices. Think crunchy, bite-sized goodness.
6. Second bake: Return those slices to the oven for another 30 minutes. This second bake will transform them into the crunchy biscotti we crave, with gooey chocolate chip surprises.
7. Cool down, party time: Once they’re out and cool, you’re ready to celebrate! Store your biscotti in an air-tight cookie tin for easy snacking or share them with your friends and family.

Please share with us how these came out. We love photos!

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