Almond & Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti is the perfect blend of nutty and sweet, with a delightful crunch that makes it a favorite for any occasion. These twice-baked Italian cookies are a joy to make and a treat to eat, effortlessly combining the richness of chocolate with the warmth of toasted nuts.
All-purpose flour forms the base of our biscotti, giving it structure and a satisfying crunch. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, but it's balanced so it doesn't overpower the other flavors. Baking powder helps the dough rise just a bit, ensuring our biscotti isn't too dense. A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors.
Eggs act as the main binder, ensuring all those delicious bits stick together. Vanilla extract and almond extract add aromatic depth, while almonds and hazelnuts bring a nutty richness. Finally, dark chocolate chips offer a touch of bitterness that perfectly complements the sweet dough.
These biscotti are delightful with a glass of sweet dessert wine or a frothy cappuccino. For a special treat, pair them with a scoop of vanilla or hazelnut ice cream. They also add a lovely crunch to a cheese board.
First off, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your biscotti won't stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for a moment.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until they're well combined. The extracts here are key for that aromatic flavor.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until a dough forms. It might feel a bit sticky, but that's okay.
Next, fold in the toasted and chopped almonds, hazelnuts, and dark chocolate chips. Try to distribute them evenly for uniform flavor in every bite.
Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a log roughly 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Place these logs on your prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until they're lightly golden. Once out, let them cool on the sheet for about 10 minutes.
Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Slice the cooled logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick slices using a serrated knife for clean cuts.
Arrange the slices cut side down back on the baking sheet. Bake them for another 10-12 minutes on each side until they’re nicely crisp.
Finally, allow your biscotti to cool completely before serving or storing, ensuring they have that perfect crunch.