Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti with Orange Zest
Oct 12
5 min read
No comments
Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti with Orange Zest are crispy, twice-baked Italian cookies combining rich chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, and fresh orange zest. Perfect for coffee-dipping or as a flavorful snack, their delightful mix of bittersweet cocoa and aromatic citrus makes them irresistible treats for any occasion.
Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti with Orange Zest are crisp, twice-baked Italian cookies that combine the rich flavor of cocoa, the nuttiness of roasted hazelnuts, and the bright fragrance of orange zest. These biscotti are perfect for dipping in coffee or enjoying as a sweet snack any time of day. The dough is shaped into logs, baked, sliced while still warm, and then baked again to achieve their signature crunch. The bittersweet chocolate chunks add depth to every bite, while the orange zest infuses a fresh aroma that enhances all other flavors. Biscotti keep well for several weeks when stored in an airtight container, making them ideal for making ahead or gifting. Serve them at gatherings, as a dessert after meals, or alongside your afternoon espresso. Both elegant and rustic, these biscotti are sure to become a favorite treat for both chocolate and nut lovers alike.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour — 2 cups
- Unsweetened cocoa powder — 1/3 cup
- Baking powder — 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Salt — 1/4 teaspoon
- Granulated sugar — 1 cup
- Large eggs — 3
- Vanilla extract — 2 teaspoons
- Orange zest — 1 tablespoon (from 1 large orange)
- Unsalted butter (melted) — 4 tablespoons
- Roasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped — 1 cup
- Bittersweet chocolate, chopped — 2/3 cup
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale, then mix in vanilla extract, orange zest, and melted butter.
4. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined.
5. Fold in the chopped hazelnuts and bittersweet chocolate.
6. Divide the dough into two portions and shape each into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Place the logs on the baking sheet, leaving space between them.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until set. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
8. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (150°C). Using a sharp knife, slice each log diagonally into 1/2-inch wide pieces.
9. Arrange the slices cut side down on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes on each side, until crisp.
10. Cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.