Decadent Mocha Almond Biscotti
Indulge in these delightful Decadent Mocha Almond Biscotti, a perfect balance of rich cocoa and aromatic espresso. This dual-textured treat is ideal for pairing with your morning coffee, a cozy evening glass of wine, or simply enjoyed on its own. These biscotti are not only a hit with adults but also a sweet surprise for kids, making them a wonderful gift for any occasion. With a crispy outer layer and a soft, flavorful center speckled with toasted almonds, these biscotti will surely become a cherished part of your dessert repertoire. The recipe is adapted from the well-known Better Homes & Gardens, ensuring deliciousness in every bite.
30
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/2 cup (softened (no substitutes))
Sugar or Splenda
1 cup or 1/2 cup (granular)
Instant coffee crystals
1 tablespoon (none)
Baking powder
2 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Eggs
3 (none)
Unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup (none)
Flour
2 3/4 cups (sifted)
Chopped toasted almonds
1/2 cup (toasted)
Instant espresso powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Water
1 tablespoon (none)
Powdered sugar
1 cup (sifted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 30 seconds. Add the sugar (or Splenda), instant coffee crystals, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Beat until thoroughly combined.
3
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing until completely incorporated. Gradually beat in the cocoa powder and as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Once mixed, stir in the remaining flour and the chopped toasted almonds using a wooden spoon.
4
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Using floured hands, shape each portion into a loaf approximately 3 inches wide and place them 5 inches apart on a greased cookie sheet. Flatten the loaves slightly.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the loaves feel firm and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
6
Allow the loaves to cool on the cookie sheet for about 10 minutes. Carefully transfer them to a cutting board and slice each loaf diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
7
Lay the sliced biscotti cut side down on a cookie sheet. Bake for an additional 8 minutes, then flip the slices over and bake for another 7 to 12 minutes, or until they are dry and crisp.
8
Remove the biscotti from the oven and let them cool on wire racks.
9
To make the espresso drizzle, dissolve the instant espresso powder in 1 tablespoon of water in a medium bowl. Gradually stir in the sifted powdered sugar, adding more water if necessary to achieve a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over the cooled biscotti and let set before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of the Decadent Mocha Almond Biscotti?
The biscotti features a rich balance of cocoa and aromatic espresso.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 30 servings.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking the loaves?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C) for the first bake.
Can I use a sugar substitute in this recipe?
Yes, you can use granular Splenda as a substitute for sugar.
What type of butter is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of softened butter and specifies no substitutes.
How much instant coffee is used in the dough?
The dough requires 1 tablespoon of instant coffee crystals.
How many eggs are needed for the biscotti?
The recipe requires 3 eggs, added one at a time.
What type of nuts are included?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chopped toasted almonds.
How much cocoa powder should I add?
Add 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the mixture.
What is the total amount of flour required?
The recipe uses 2 3/4 cups of sifted flour.
How should I shape the biscotti dough?
Divide the dough into two portions and shape each into a loaf approximately 3 inches wide.
How far apart should the loaves be placed on the cookie sheet?
Place the loaves 5 inches apart on a greased cookie sheet.
How long do the loaves bake initially?
The loaves bake for 20 to 25 minutes until firm.
How do I test if the loaves are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
What temperature is used for the second bake?
Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) for the second bake.
How long should the loaves cool before slicing?
Allow the loaves to cool on the cookie sheet for about 10 minutes.
How should the biscotti be sliced?
Slice the loaves diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
How long is the second baking process?
Bake for 8 minutes on one side, then flip and bake for another 7 to 12 minutes.
What texture should the final biscotti have?
They should be dry and crisp after the second bake.
Where should the biscotti cool after the final bake?
Remove them from the oven and let them cool on wire racks.
What are the ingredients for the espresso drizzle?
The drizzle consists of instant espresso powder, water, and sifted powdered sugar.
How do I prepare the espresso drizzle?
Dissolve espresso powder in water, then gradually stir in powdered sugar until it reaches a drizzling consistency.
How much powdered sugar is used for the glaze?
The glaze uses 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar.
Is there any cinnamon in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
What is the source of this recipe?
This recipe is adapted from Better Homes & Gardens.
Can these biscotti be given as gifts?
Yes, they are described as a wonderful gift for any occasion.
What drinks pair well with mocha almond biscotti?
They pair perfectly with morning coffee or a cozy evening glass of wine.
Are these biscotti suitable for children?
Yes, they are considered a sweet surprise for kids.
How thick should the slices be?
Slices should be approximately 1/2-inch thick.
What is the texture of the center of these biscotti?
They have a soft, flavorful center speckled with almonds.