Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti Recipe
If the thought of a crisp, chocolatey cookie packed with bursts of tart cherries makes your heart skip a beat, then you’re about to meet your new favorite treat: Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti. This irresistible Italian-inspired cookie takes the classic biscotti to a whole new level, blending the richness of cocoa with sweet dried cherries and a double dose of chocolate. Perfect for dipping in your morning coffee, gifting to friends, or savoring as a midnight snack, these biscotti promise to bring a little extra joy to any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti plays a starring role, from the creamy butter that lends richness to the tangy cherries that surprise in every bite. These pantry staples come together for a treat that’s as easy to make as it is to devour.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter creates a tender crumb and brings out the full flavor of the chocolate.
- Granulated sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness to balance the cocoa and tart cherries.
- Large eggs: Eggs provide structure and a little richness, helping the dough hold together beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances all the chocolatey notes.
- Almond extract: A hint of almond gives a subtle, sophisticated depth that pairs perfectly with cherries.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of biscotti, giving them their signature snap.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: For that deep, decadent chocolate flavor that makes these biscotti so special.
- Baking powder: Ensures just the right amount of lift, so your biscotti aren’t too dense.
- Salt: A little salt sharpens the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Dried cherries: Tart, chewy cherries provide pops of flavor and color in every slice.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty chocolate pockets add even more decadence to every bite.
- Optional: melted chocolate for drizzling: For an eye-catching finish and an extra layer of indulgence.
How to Make Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the biscotti bake evenly and are easy to remove later. Having everything ready to go makes the process feel effortless and sets you up for biscotti success.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for creating that signature crisp-yet-tender biscotti texture, so don’t rush it. A hand mixer or stand mixer works best here, but a little elbow grease and a sturdy spoon will do the trick too!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. This is where your kitchen will start to smell absolutely dreamy, as those extracts mingle with the butter and sugar.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This quick step ensures the cocoa is evenly distributed, giving every biscotti a uniform, chocolatey hue and flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix—just bring the dough together so it’s uniform. The dough will be thick and a bit sticky, which is exactly what you want for shaping later.
Step 6: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate
Gently fold in the dried cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Make sure they’re well distributed, so every slice of biscotti gets those wonderful bursts of fruit and chocolate. If you want to get fancy, you can soak the cherries in warm brandy or cherry juice for even more flavor before adding them in.
Step 7: Shape and Bake the Logs
Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide on your prepared baking sheet. Flatten them slightly with your hands. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until firm to the touch. The aroma at this step is pure chocolate-cherry heaven.
Step 8: Cool, Slice, and Second Bake
Let the biscotti logs cool for 10 minutes (they’ll be hot and fragile right out of the oven). Lower the oven to 325°F. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the logs diagonally into 3/4-inch thick slices. Lay the slices cut-side down on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes; then flip each biscotti and bake for an additional 10 minutes until crisp and golden. This double-bake is what gives biscotti their signature crunch.
Step 9: Cool and Drizzle with Chocolate
Let the biscotti cool completely on a wire rack. If you’re feeling extra decadent, drizzle them with melted chocolate for a bakery-worthy finish. Once the chocolate sets, your Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti are ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti
Garnishes
A drizzle of melted chocolate is a classic touch, but you can also sprinkle on a pinch of flaky sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar for contrast. For a festive look, try a few chopped dried cherries or even a scattering of crushed pistachios right on top of the wet chocolate.
Side Dishes
These biscotti shine alongside a strong cup of coffee, creamy hot chocolate, or even a glass of dessert wine. For a truly special treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla bean gelato or a dollop of whipped cream on the side—perfect for ending a dinner party with style.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack a bundle of Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti in a clear cellophane bag tied with ribbon for a homemade gift, or arrange them in a pretty tin for the holidays. For parties, stand them upright in a fancy mug or glass jar on your dessert table so guests can help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti keep beautifully! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. They’ll stay crisp and fresh, making them ideal for snacking, gifting, or packing in a lunchbox.
Freezing
If you want to make a bigger batch or save some for later, biscotti freeze like a dream. Place completely cooled biscotti in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment. They’ll keep for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked snap, warm the biscotti in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This is especially lovely if you enjoy dunking them in hot drinks, as it makes the chocolate extra melty again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
Fresh cherries have a lot more moisture, which can make the biscotti dough too wet and affect the texture. Dried cherries are best for this recipe, but you can soak them briefly in warm brandy or juice for extra flavor.
How do I keep my biscotti from crumbling when slicing?
Let the baked logs cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and use a sharp serrated knife with gentle sawing motions. This keeps your Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti looking beautiful and intact.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. The texture will be a bit different but still delicious and crisp.
What’s the best way to drizzle chocolate on top?
Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in short bursts, then use a spoon or a piping bag to drizzle over the cooled biscotti. Let the chocolate set before storing or serving.
Are Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti good for gifting?
Absolutely! These biscotti are sturdy, store well, and look gorgeous, making them a perfect homemade gift for holidays, birthdays, or just because.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking a batch of Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti, from the rich aroma in your kitchen to that first satisfying, chocolate-studded bite. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them solo, this recipe is bound to become a beloved favorite. Give it a try and treat yourself—you deserve every delicious dunk and crunch!
Print
Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 biscotti 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti, a perfect blend of rich cocoa, sweet dried cherries, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Crispy and flavorful, these biscotti are ideal for dipping in coffee or gifting to loved ones.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 3/4 cup dried cherries
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional
- Melted chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and clean-up.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender biscotti texture.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts for depth of flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and producing tough biscotti.
- Fold in Add-ins: Carefully fold in the dried cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips to evenly distribute the bursts of fruit and chocolate.
- Shape Dough Logs: Divide the dough in half. On the prepared baking sheet, shape each half into a log approximately 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Flatten the logs slightly for even baking.
- Bake Logs: Bake the logs at 350°F for 25–30 minutes or until they are firm to the touch and set.
- Cool Logs: Remove the logs from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes, making them easier to slice.
- Slice Biscotti: Reduce oven temperature to 325°F. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice each log diagonally into 3/4-inch thick slices for the classic biscotti shape.
- Second Bake: Arrange the slices cut-side down on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Flip each slice and bake an additional 10 minutes until cookies are crisp and golden.
- Final Cooling and Optional Drizzle: Let the biscotti cool completely on a wire rack. If desired, drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra decadent touch.
Notes
- Store biscotti in an airtight container for up to two weeks to maintain freshness and crunch.
- For added flavor, soak dried cherries in warm brandy or cherry juice before folding them into the dough.
- These biscotti are perfect for gifting or enjoying alongside your favorite coffee or tea.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscotti
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
