Cioccolato Paradiso(Orange-Scented, Chocolate-Nut Biscotti)
Orange-scented, chocolate-nut biscotti with a crunchy texture and rich flavors, perfect for tea time or as a gift for chocolate lovers and those who enjoy citrus hints.
Ingredients
- 2 cups almonds or Macadamias ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter ⓘ
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 3 eggs, separated
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon orange oil or zest of 1 orange, finely chopped ⓘ
- 3 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 cups coarsely chopped milk chocolate ⓘ
Instructions
- Place nuts in a shallow pan and bake in a preheated 325°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool.
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolks, vanilla, and orange oil or zest; mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in chopped chocolate and cooled nuts.
- Divide dough in half and shape each into a log about 12 inches long on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in a 325°F oven for 25-30 minutes until golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Slice logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick slices.
- Arrange slices on baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes until crisp.
- Cool completely before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a different flavor, try substituting hazelnuts for the almonds or macadamias. If you prefer a less sweet biscuit, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup. Make sure to chop the chocolate coarsely for better distribution throughout the dough. Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary; the biscotti should be golden and firm.
Serving Suggestions
These biscotti are perfect for dipping in coffee or tea. Serve them alongside a sweet dessert wine or with a side of whipped cream for a delightful treat. They also pair beautifully with Italian recipes like Alfie'S Fettucine or a simple fruit salad for a light dessert option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To maintain their crispiness, avoid refrigerating them. If they become slightly soft, you can re-crisp them by placing the slices in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cioccolato Paradiso(Orange-Scented, Chocolate-Nut Biscotti) contains roughly 176 calories, with 4g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can substitute the almonds or macadamias with walnuts, pecans, or even pistachios for a unique flavor. Just ensure that the nuts are coarsely chopped and toasted for the best results.
How do I know when the biscotti are done baking?
The biscotti are done when they are golden brown and firm to the touch. After the first baking, allow them to cool slightly before slicing. The second bake will crisp them up further, so keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Can I make these biscotti gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture, and follow the same instructions for baking to achieve delicious results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).