Gourmet Mocha Almond Biscotti with Decadent Chocolate Drizzle
Delight in the luxurious taste of our Gourmet Mocha Almond Biscotti with a Decadent Chocolate Drizzle. This exquisite recipe blends the rich flavors of espresso and semisweet chocolate with crunchy almonds. Perfectly suited for special occasions or gift-giving, these biscotti offer a delightful crunch that pairs magnificently with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The chocolate drizzle elevates these biscotti to a gourmet level, making them an irresistible treat for coffee lovers and chocolate aficionados alike.
40
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Instant espresso or instant coffee crystals
2 tablespoons (dissolved in hot water)
Hot water
2 teaspoons
Granulated sugar
1 cup
Butter or margarine
1/2 cup (softened)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Eggs
2
All-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups
Semisweet baking chocolate
1 1/2 ounces (grated)
Slivered almonds
1/4 cup (toasted and chopped)
Baking powder
1 teaspoon
Salt
1 teaspoon
Semisweet baking chocolate
3 ounces (melted)
Shortening
1/2 teaspoon (melted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2
In a small bowl, dissolve the instant espresso or coffee crystals in hot water. Set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4
Add in the vanilla extract, eggs, and dissolved coffee. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
5
Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, grated semisweet chocolate, toasted and chopped almonds, baking powder, and salt. Ensure the dough is well combined.
6
Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a rectangle, approximately 10 inches long and 3 inches wide, and about 3/4 to 1 inch thick, on the prepared baking sheets.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the center is firm to the touch.
8
Remove from the oven and allow the biscotti to cool on the baking sheets for 15 minutes.
9
Slice the loaves crosswise into 1/2 inch thick slices using a sharp serrated knife.
10
Place the slices cut-side-down in rows on the baking sheets. They can touch slightly to fit all the slices.
11
Bake for another 7-8 minutes, then flip all the slices and bake for an additional 7-8 minutes until they are light brown on the edges and crisp.
12
Remove the biscotti from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
13
Once cooled, melt the remaining semisweet baking chocolate and shortening together in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler.
14
With a spoon, drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled biscotti. Allow the chocolate to set completely before serving or storing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gourmet Mocha Almond Biscotti?
It is a luxurious, double-baked Italian cookie that blends the rich flavors of espresso, semisweet chocolate, and crunchy almonds, topped with a decadent chocolate drizzle.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 40 biscotti.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How should I prepare the baking sheets?
Prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
What type of coffee is used for the mocha flavor?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of instant espresso or instant coffee crystals.
How do I dissolve the instant espresso?
Dissolve the coffee crystals in 2 teaspoons of hot water before adding them to the dough.
Should the butter be softened or melted?
The 1/2 cup of butter or margarine should be softened to room temperature for creaming.
What is the first step in mixing the dough?
The first step is to cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
When do I add the eggs and vanilla?
Add the vanilla extract, 2 eggs, and the dissolved coffee after creaming the butter and sugar, mixing thoroughly.
How much all-purpose flour is needed?
You will need 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
What kind of chocolate is used inside the dough?
The dough includes 1 1/2 ounces of grated semisweet baking chocolate.
How should the almonds be prepared?
Use 1/4 cup of slivered almonds that have been toasted and chopped.
Does this recipe use baking powder?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 teaspoon of baking powder as a leavening agent.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of salt.
How do I shape the dough for the first bake?
Divide the dough in half and shape each into a rectangle approximately 10 inches long and 3 inches wide.
How thick should the dough rectangles be?
The shaped dough should be about 3/4 to 1 inch thick on the baking sheets.
How long do I bake the biscotti loaves initially?
Bake the loaves for about 30 minutes or until the center is firm to the touch.
How long should the loaves cool before slicing?
Allow the loaves to cool on the baking sheets for 15 minutes before you begin slicing.
What is the recommended thickness for the biscotti slices?
Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the loaves crosswise into 1/2 inch thick slices.
How do I arrange the slices for the second bake?
Place the slices cut-side-down in rows on the baking sheets; they can touch slightly to fit.
How long is the second baking process?
Bake for 7-8 minutes, then flip the slices and bake for another 7-8 minutes until crisp and light brown.
Do I need to flip the biscotti during baking?
Yes, flipping the slices halfway through the second bake ensures they are evenly crisp on both sides.
Where should the biscotti cool after the final bake?
Remove the biscotti from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What ingredients make up the chocolate drizzle?
The drizzle is made from 3 ounces of melted semisweet baking chocolate and 1/2 teaspoon of shortening.
How do I melt the chocolate for the drizzle?
Melt the chocolate and shortening together in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler.
How do I apply the chocolate drizzle to the biscotti?
With a spoon, drizzle the melted chocolate mixture over the cooled biscotti.
When can I serve or store the biscotti?
Allow the chocolate drizzle to set completely before you serve or store the treats.
What are the best drinks to pair with this biscotti?
These biscotti pair magnificently with morning coffee or afternoon tea.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, the gourmet flavors and chocolate drizzle make them perfect for special occasions or gift-giving.
What makes these biscotti a 'mocha' flavor?
The combination of dissolved espresso and grated semisweet chocolate creates the signature mocha flavor profile.