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Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love a little crunch with your chocolate, this Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Picture rich cocoa-infused biscotti studded with luscious dark chocolate chunks and vibrant candied cherries, all baked to crisp, perfect golden-brown slices. This treat strikes the ideal balance between tender and crunchy, making it the perfect companion for your morning coffee or afternoon tea. It’s a classic Italian snack transformed into a delightful chocolate-cherry experience you won’t forget.

Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create extraordinary flavor and texture. Each component plays a critical role—flour and cocoa powder form the rich base, butter and sugar provide sweetness and tenderness, eggs and vanilla bring depth, and the bursts of chocolate and cherries add the perfect contrasting notes.

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the biscotti, giving structure and bite.
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor and a gorgeous dark color.
  • 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the dough rise slightly and keep the biscotti light.
  • ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough to complement the tart cherries and chocolate.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings moisture and richness to the biscotti dough.
  • 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add a tender crumb.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and aromatic sweetness.
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chunks: Melts slightly during baking, providing gooey pockets of indulgence.
  • ¾ cup candied cherries, chopped: Offer pops of vibrant color and a fruity sweet-tart bite.

How to Make Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your biscotti won’t stick and come out easily after baking. This step sets the stage for a hassle-free baking experience.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures an even distribution of flavors and leavening agents, which is key to the perfect texture in your biscotti.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and light. This crucial technique traps air in the mixture, contributing to the delightful crunch of the biscotti. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Finish by mixing in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with a subtle warmth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add your dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—overworking the dough can make the biscotti tough rather than tender and crunchy.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chunks and Chopped Cherries

This is the fun part! Gently fold in the dark chocolate chunks and chopped candied cherries so that each bite will be filled with bursts of sweet, tart, and rich decadent flavors. The distribution should be even but do not overhandle the dough.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Form the dough into a log approximately 12 inches long and 3 inches wide, placing it on your prepared baking sheet. Shaping the dough properly will ensure even baking and make slicing into perfect biscotti easier.

Step 7: First Bake

Bake the log in your preheated oven for 25 minutes until it’s firm enough to handle but still soft inside. Then, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool on the baking sheet for about 30 minutes. This cooling step firms up the dough and makes slicing much neater.

Step 8: Slice and Second Bake

Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the log into ½-inch-thick biscotti slices. Lay the slices cut side down on the baking sheet and return them to the oven for another 10-12 minutes. This second bake crisps up the biscotti to that irresistible crunch we all love.

Step 9: Cool Completely

Allow the biscotti to cool completely before serving. Cooling helps the biscotti to firm up fully, giving you that perfect texture that’s ideal for dipping or nibbling on its own. Plus, it lets the chocolate and cherries set beautifully throughout each piece.

How to Serve Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti Recipe

Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

While the biscotti shines on its own, consider dusting a little cocoa powder or powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch. You can also drizzle some melted dark or white chocolate over the biscotti to make them extra festive and appealing.

Side Dishes

These biscotti are perfect when served alongside a steaming cup of coffee, espresso, or even a creamy hot chocolate. Their crunchy texture makes them ideal for dipping, while the chocolate and cherry flavors complement your beverage of choice beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti Recipe in a rustic basket lined with a colorful tea towel for a charming gift or party offering. You can also break them into chunks and sprinkle over vanilla ice cream or a chocolate mousse to add texture and extra flavor layers to your dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks. Keeping them sealed prevents moisture from softening that hard-earned crunch we all adore.

Freezing

If you want to keep these sweet treats longer, biscotti freeze fantastically. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen biscotti can last up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

To restore that just-baked crispness after storage or freezing, pop the biscotti in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This quick reheat brings back the crunch and warms the chocolate for an extra delicious bite.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of candied cherries?

Fresh cherries have a much higher moisture content, which could change the texture of the biscotti, making them less crisp and possibly soggy. Candied cherries provide sweetness and chew without adding extra moisture, which is ideal for biscotti.

Is it necessary to do the second bake?

Absolutely! The second bake is what makes biscotti biscotti—the classic twice-baked process ensures that signature crunch and dryness perfect for dipping into coffee or tea. Skipping it would result in softer, cookie-like biscotti.

Can I substitute dark chocolate chunks with chips or another type?

Yes, you can! Chocolate chips will work fine as they melt nicely, but chunks give a more rustic texture and bigger pockets of melty chocolate. You could also experiment with white chocolate or milk chocolate for a different flavor profile.

How do I prevent biscotti from becoming too hard?

Make sure not to overbake during the second time in the oven and store them properly in an airtight container. Slight softness after baking is normal, but biscotti become crisp as they cool. Keeping them sealed blocks moisture and preserves crunch.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped almonds, pistachios, or walnuts pair wonderfully with the chocolate and cherries. Just fold them in along with the chocolate chunks and cherries for added texture and nutty flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti Recipe is such a joy to make and even more exciting to share. Its enchanting combination of rich cocoa, luscious chocolate, and sweet cherries will make you wonder how you ever lived without it. Whether for a cozy treat at home or a thoughtful homemade gift, these biscotti are sure to bring smiles and happy cravings to anyone lucky enough to enjoy them. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite biscuit!

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Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti Recipe


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3.8 from 67 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti recipe combines rich cocoa and dark chocolate chunks with sweet candied cherries for a delightful twist on the classic Italian cookie. Perfectly crisp and flavorful, these biscotti are ideal for dunking in coffee or tea.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Add-ins

  • 1 cup dark chocolate chunks
  • ¾ cup candied cherries, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure they are evenly combined.
  3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is creamy and light. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  5. Fold in chocolate and cherries: Carefully fold in the dark chocolate chunks and chopped candied cherries, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
  6. Shape the dough: Form the dough into a log approximately 12 inches long and 3 inches wide. Place the log onto the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Bake: Bake the dough log in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 30 minutes to firm up.
  8. Slice and bake again: Using a serrated knife, slice the cooled log into ½-inch-thick biscotti pieces. Lay the slices cut side down on the baking sheet and bake again for an additional 10 to 12 minutes until the biscotti are crisp and dry.
  9. Cool and serve: Let the biscotti cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.

Notes

  • For a more intense chocolate flavor, use high-quality dark cocoa powder and chocolate chunks.
  • Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
  • Store biscotti in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
  • You can substitute candied cherries with dried cranberries or cherries for a less sweet alternative.
  • Biscotti keep well for up to two weeks and are excellent for gifting or afternoon snacks.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-37 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

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