There’s something undeniably delightful about the combination of orange and dark chocolate. It’s a pairing that brings a burst of citrus freshness alongside the rich, deep notes of chocolate, making it a match made in heaven. Today, we’re diving into the world of biscotti, a classic Italian treat that’s perfect for dunking in coffee or enjoying as a sweet snack. These Orange and Dark Chocolate Biscotti are easy to make and will fill your kitchen with a heavenly aroma. Let’s get started!

Reasons to Love Orange and Dark Chocolate Biscotti

If you’re on the fence about making biscotti, here are a few reasons that might sway you:

Perfect for Dunking: Biscotti are traditionally dry, making them ideal for dipping in coffee, tea, or even a glass of dessert wine.
Versatile Treat: These biscotti are great for breakfast, snacks, or as a sweet treat to share with friends.
Easy to Customize: You can easily tweak the flavors to suit your taste or the season’s offerings.
Long Shelf Life: Biscotti can be stored for weeks, making them a perfect make-ahead gift or treat.

Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that come together to create these delicious Orange and Dark Chocolate Biscotti:

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature: Adds richness and a tender crumb.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the biscotti and contributes to the perfect texture.
2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients and gives structure.
2 tablespoons finely grated orange zest: Infuses the biscotti with vibrant citrus flavor.
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice: Enhances the orange flavor and moistens the dough.
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
1/4 teaspoon almond extract: Complements the orange and chocolate beautifully.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the base for the biscotti.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the biscotti rise slightly.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
1/3 cup slivered almonds: Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
1 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks: Provides rich chocolatey goodness.
6 ounces dark chocolate, melted (optional for dipping): A decadent finish for your biscotti.

Equipment Breakdown

To make these delightful biscotti, you’ll need a few essential pieces of equipment:

Mixing bowls: For combining the wet and dry ingredients.
Electric mixer: Makes it easy to cream the butter and sugar together.
Baking sheets: For baking the biscotti; line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Cooling rack: Allows the biscotti to cool completely after baking.
Knife: For slicing the biscotti into perfect pieces.

Orange and Dark Chocolate Biscotti Cooking Guide

Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps to create your Orange and Dark Chocolate Biscotti:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in the Goodies

Gently fold in the slivered almonds and dark chocolate chips or chunks until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave space between the logs as they will spread during baking.

Step 7: First Bake

Bake the biscotti logs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 8: Slice and Second Bake

Using a sharp knife, slice the logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Place the slices cut side down back on the baking sheets and return them to the oven. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the biscotti are crisp and golden.

Step 9: Cool and Dip (Optional)

Allow the biscotti to cool completely on a cooling rack. If desired, dip the cooled biscotti in melted dark chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.

Seasonal Flavor Boosts

Looking to enhance your biscotti even further? Here are some seasonal flavor boosts you can try:

Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor.
Incorporate dried cranberries or cherries for a festive touch.
Use lemon zest instead of orange for a bright, tangy twist.
Experiment with different types of nuts, such as hazelnuts or walnuts, for varied texture.

Problems & Prevention

While baking is a joyful experience, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are some common issues you might face and how to prevent them:

Dry Biscotti: Make sure not to overbake the biscotti during both baking stages. They should be crisp but not overly hard.
Dough Too Sticky: If your dough is too sticky to handle, you might need to add a little more flour, but do this gradually.
Uneven Texture: Ensure that your ingredients are well mixed and that the dry ingredients are fully incorporated into the wet mixture.
Chocolate Not Setting: If you dip the biscotti in melted chocolate, make sure it’s not too hot, or it may not set properly.

Prep Ahead & Store

Preparing ahead of time can save you a lot of hassle. Here’s how to prep and store your biscotti:

You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before shaping and baking. Once baked, the biscotti can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. They also freeze well, so consider making a double batch and freezing half for later!

Quick Questions

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate for dark chocolate, but keep in mind that it will make the biscotti sweeter.

How do I know when my biscotti are done baking?

The biscotti should be golden brown and firm to the touch. They will harden more as they cool.

Can I omit the almonds?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of almonds, feel free to leave them out or substitute them with another nut or even seeds.

What drinks pair well with biscotti?

Coffee, tea, and dessert wines pair beautifully with biscotti. The crisp texture and flavors complement these beverages perfectly.

Bring It to the Table

Now that you have mastered the art of making Orange and Dark Chocolate Biscotti, it’s time to enjoy them! Whether you’re savoring them with your morning coffee or sharing them with friends, these biscotti will surely impress. Their delightful texture and flavor make them a perfect addition to any gathering or a sweet treat to indulge in.

Baking these Orange and Dark Chocolate Biscotti is not just about the end result; it’s about the joy of creating something delicious from scratch. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s get baking!

Orange and Dark Chocolate Biscotti

These Orange and Dark Chocolate Biscotti are an irresistible treat! Perfectly crunchy and bursting with citrus and chocolate flavors.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Servings: 24 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons finely grated orange zest
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup slivered almonds
1 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks
6 ounces dark chocolate melted (optional for dipping)

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Baking sheets
Cooling rack
Knife

Method

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Gently fold in the slivered almonds and dark chocolate chips or chunks until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave space between the logs as they will spread during baking.
Bake the biscotti logs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes.
Using a sharp knife, slice the logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Place the slices cut side down back on the baking sheets and return them to the oven. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the biscotti are crisp and golden.
Allow the biscotti to cool completely on a cooling rack. If desired, dip the cooled biscotti in melted dark chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.