If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that manages to be both luxuriously rich and delightfully crisp, look no further than this Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti. Imagine deep cocoa flavor, sweet-tart cherries, and melty pockets of chocolate all bundled into every crunchy, dunkable slice. Whether you serve them with an afternoon coffee or wrap them up for a handmade gift, these Italian-inspired treats promise an irresistible combination of flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the basics has never felt so rewarding! Each ingredient in the Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti recipe plays a key role, from the depth of cocoa to the vibrant cherries, creating a symphony of taste and crunch. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of biscotti, helping each slice hold its perfect crisp shape.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings a deep chocolate flavor and gives each biscotti a rich, dark color.
- Baking powder: Lends just enough lift to create tender, crunchy cookies.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolatey notes.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens every bite and helps create a slightly glossy finish.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and keeps the texture tender, without overpowering flavors.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and give classic biscotti their signature structure.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth, blending perfectly with chocolate and cherry.
- Almond extract: Infuses a delicate nuttiness that pairs beautifully with cherries.
- Dried cherries: Provide pops of tangy sweetness and chewy texture in every cookie.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The soul of decadence, each chip makes for gooey, melty bites throughout.
How to Make Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your biscotti bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze. Using parchment keeps the logs from sticking and helps you lift them right off after baking.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first prevents any uneven pockets, so your Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti bakes up uniformly crispy with that essential chocolaty bite in every slice.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for achieving that perfect biscotti texture—lightness from the air incorporated here gives you the right crumb once baked.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated for a silky smooth dough. Then stir in both vanilla and almond extracts, which add layers of flavor that truly make your Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti unforgettable.
Step 5: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir your dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be gentle—overmixing can make your biscotti tough. The dough will be slightly sticky but that’s exactly what you want.
Step 6: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Now for the fun part: fold in the dried cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Every scoop you take ensures these sweet-tart nuggets and melty chunks are well-dispersed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Shape and Bake the Logs
Divide your dough in half and shape each piece into a 12-inch log, about 2 inches wide, on your prepared baking sheet. Flatten the logs slightly to create the classic biscotti shape—these will spread just a touch in the oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until they’re firm to the touch.
Step 8: Cool, Slice, and Second Bake
Allow the baked logs to cool on the pan for 10 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C), then use a serrated knife to cut the warm logs into 3/4-inch slices. Lay each slice cut side down and bake for an additional 10–12 minutes per side. This double-bake is what transforms Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti into that legendary, coffee-dunking perfection.
Step 9: Cool Completely
Once baked, allow your biscotti to cool completely on a wire rack. They’ll crisp up as they cool, locking in the flavors and crunch you crave. Now they’re ready to enjoy or store for later!
How to Serve Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti
Garnishes
Turn every biscotti into a showstopper with a drizzle of melted white chocolate once they’re cooled, or a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. These touches add pretty, bakery-style flair and amplify the decadence even more.
Side Dishes
Pair your Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti with hot espresso, creamy lattes, or a tall glass of cold milk for a timeless treat. If you want to get fancy, a scoop of vanilla gelato or a bowl of fresh cherries on the side make each bite even more luxurious.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack biscotti in a clear jar and tie off with a ribbon for a heartfelt gift, arrange them on a dessert platter at brunch, or nestle a few atop individual cups of coffee for cozy, café-style charm. No matter how you serve them, these cookies always steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti crisp by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delightful for up to two weeks, making them perfect for snacking, gifting, or spontaneous coffee breaks.
Freezing
Biscotti freeze beautifully! Place completely cooled slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for that satisfying chocolate-cherry crunch.
Reheating
If your biscotti lose a bit of their crunch, simply pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 4 to 5 minutes. Let them cool again, and they’ll be as crisp and fresh as the day you baked them!
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
For this recipe, dried cherries are best because they lend chewiness without adding excess moisture, which is crucial for achieving the classic biscotti crunch. Fresh cherries might make the dough too wet and affect the bake.
Can I substitute other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Try different dried fruit like cranberries or apricots, or swap in white chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a new twist on Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti. Nuts like almonds or pistachios are also delicious additions.
Why do we bake biscotti twice?
The signature crunch of biscotti comes from that essential second bake. It drives out extra moisture, creating cookies that are sturdy enough for dunking and long-lasting on the counter.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
You can substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture may change slightly, but you’ll still get scrumptious, chocolate-cherry bliss!
How can I make my biscotti slices more even?
For perfect, uniform slices, let the baked logs cool for exactly 10 minutes, then use a sharp serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion. This avoids breaking and helps keep each Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti looking bakery-perfect.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to biscotti, these Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti are sure to become a forever favorite. Their irresistible blend of rich chocolate, tangy cherries, and satisfying crunch makes them a joy to bake, share, and, most important, eat. Give them a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!
Print
Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 biscotti 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of chocolate and cherries with these decadent biscotti. Perfect for dipping into coffee or enjoying on their own, these crunchy treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Mix-Ins:
- 1 cup dried cherries
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
- Combine and Fold: Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in dried cherries and chocolate chips.
- Shape and Bake: Divide dough, shape into logs, bake, cool, slice, and bake again until crisp.
Notes
- For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle cooled biscotti with melted white chocolate.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscotti
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
