If you’re on the hunt for a treat that’s both delightfully crunchy and bursting with rich flavors, this Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine biting into a crisp, chocolate-infused cookie studded with luscious dark chocolate chunks and sweet, chewy candied cherries — perfect for dunking in your morning coffee or enjoying as an afternoon pick-me-up. This recipe brings together simple pantry essentials in a way that feels indulgent yet approachable, making every bite a little moment of happiness you’ll want to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each adding a special touch to the biscotti’s texture, depth, and mouthwatering appeal. From the cocoa powder’s rich color to the unique burst of sweetness from candied cherries, every element plays a key role.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that ensures your biscotti hold their classic crunch.
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Packs that deep, chocolatey flavor and a beautiful dark hue.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Provides just the right lift without compromising crispness.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the biscotti while also helping with the tender crumb.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moistness to the dough.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to that satisfying texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a lovely aromatic note.
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks: Melts slightly during baking, creating irresistible pockets of gooey chocolate.
- ¾ cup candied cherries, chopped: Offers bursts of vibrant sweetness that perfectly complement the bittersweet cocoa.
How to Make Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start with a warm oven ready at 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your biscotti from sticking and make cleanup effortless. Setting up your workspace right away ensures smooth sailing through the steps ahead.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the leavening and intensifies the chocolate flavor throughout the dough.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy and fluffy. This creates a lovely base for your dough and introduces air, which helps the biscotti achieve a tender bite despite their signature crunch. Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each to keep the texture smooth. Finish this step with a dash of vanilla extract to infuse warmth into the batter.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into your wet butter mixture. Stir gently until just combined — overmixing can lead to tough biscotti, so keep it light and easy. You want a dough that’s thick but pliable, ready for the delicious add-ins.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate and Cherries
Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the dark chocolate chunks and chopped candied cherries, making sure they’re well-distributed but not smashed. These ingredients give the biscotti their signature bursts of flavor and irresistible textures.
Step 6: Shape the Dough Into a Log
Using your hands, shape the dough into a rough log about 12 inches long and 3 inches wide. Place this log onto your prepared baking sheet. This classic shape is the secret to those perfect slices once baked and cooled.
Step 7: First Bake
Bake the log for 25 minutes until it’s firm to the touch but not overly hard. Remove from the oven and set it aside to cool for 30 minutes. Cooling here is key — it helps the dough solidify for slicing without crumbling.
Step 8: Slice and Bake Again
Once your biscotti log has cooled, grab a serrated knife and slice it diagonally into ½-inch-thick slices. Arrange the slices cut side down on the baking sheet. Bake again for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn crisp and the biscotti achieve their signature crunch.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the biscotti to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This final step lets them harden to the perfect texture, ideal for dunking without falling apart. Once cooled, they’re ready to delight your taste buds or to gift to someone special.
How to Serve Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your biscotti by sprinkling a little powdered sugar or drizzling melted dark chocolate over the top for an elegant finish. Toasted almond slivers pressed on before the second bake add a satisfying crunch and a hint of nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and cherry flavors.
Side Dishes
This biscotti is perfect alongside a hot cup of espresso, rich hot chocolate, or even a light-bodied dessert wine. The bitterness of coffee or cocoa contrasts beautifully with the sweet and tart notes of the cherries, crafting a delightful flavor harmony with every bite and sip.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these biscotti in a rustic mason jar or arrange them on a wooden platter with fresh cherries and chocolate squares for a visually stunning dessert tray. They also make charming gifts when wrapped in clear cellophane and tied with a ribbon — a fantastic way to share your love for baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay crisp and delicious for up to two weeks. Keeping them dry is key to maintaining that perfect crunch you’re aiming for.
Freezing
If you want to keep your biscotti fresh for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and tuck them into a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
For a fresh-from-the-oven feel, warm frozen or stored biscotti in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or until heated through. This little trick revives their crunch and enhances the aroma of chocolate and cherries.
FAQs
Can I substitute dried cherries for candied cherries?
Absolutely! Dried cherries will work well, offering a slightly different texture and a less sweet, more natural fruit flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Is it necessary to bake the biscotti twice?
Yes, the two-step baking process is what gives biscotti their signature crispness. The first bake cooks the dough, and the second bake dries it out so it becomes perfectly crunchy and ideal for dunking.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate chunks?
You can! Milk chocolate will give a sweeter, creamier taste. Just keep in mind that dark chocolate offers a nice bittersweet balance against the cherries and cocoa powder.
How long do biscotti stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, biscotti can stay fresh for up to two weeks, making them a wonderful make-ahead treat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure it contains xanthan gum for texture! The biscotti will still be delicious but might be a bit more fragile.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about homemade biscotti, especially when they’re as indulgent and satisfying as this Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti Recipe. It’s a treat that feels both fancy and approachable, perfect whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones. Give it a try — I promise these biscotti will become a treasured part of your baking repertoire, bringing a little sweetness and crunch to your everyday moments.
Print
Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 37 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Indulge in these Decadent Chocolate Cherry Biscotti, a perfect balance of rich cocoa, sweet cherries, and dark chocolate chunks. This twice-baked Italian treat is crisp, flavorful, and ideal for dipping in coffee or enjoying as a delightful snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 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
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly combine all dry components.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in the vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet mixture, stirring carefully until just combined to form a dough.
- Fold in chocolate and cherries: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chunks and chopped candied cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the dough: On the prepared baking sheet, form the dough into a 12-inch-long log, approximately 3 inches wide; this will be the base for the biscotti slices.
- Bake: Bake the log in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until set. Remove it and allow it to cool for 30 minutes to firm up before slicing.
- Slice and bake again: Using a serrated knife, slice the cooled log into ½-inch-thick biscotti pieces. Arrange the slices cut side down on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until they are crisp and golden.
- Cool and serve: Let the biscotti cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them with coffee or tea for a delicious treat.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- Allowing the biscotti to cool completely after the second bake ensures maximum crispness.
- Store biscotti in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to two weeks.
- For a nutty variation, consider adding chopped almonds or walnuts along with the chocolate and cherries.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the biscotti to prevent crumbling.
