Mocha-Almond Biscotti
Crunchy, coffee-flavored biscotti with toasted almonds and a rich mocha accent, perfect for dunking in coffee or tea, appealing to those who love a sophisticated treat.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole unblanched almonds ⓘ
- 2 cups white flour ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 large eggs ⓘ
- 2 large egg whites ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons water ⓘ
- 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Spread almonds on a baking sheet and bake for 12 to 14 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Whisk eggs, egg whites, and vanilla in a separate bowl.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Stir in cocoa powder, instant coffee powder, melted chocolate, and almond extract.
- Fold in the toasted almonds.
- Shape the dough into two logs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until firm and golden.
- Let cool slightly, then slice into biscotti and bake for an additional 10 minutes until dry and crisp.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense mocha flavor, consider using dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can substitute the almonds with sunflower seeds. To achieve a uniform shape, use a ruler to measure the logs. Make sure to let the biscotti cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling, ensuring a crisp texture.
Serving Suggestions
These mocha-almond biscotti are perfect for dipping in coffee or tea, enhancing your coffee break experience. They pair beautifully with a rich espresso or a glass of dessert wine. For a delightful treat, serve alongside a slice of Easy Spinach Lasagna or as part of a dessert platter with other Italian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store the biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To reheat, simply place the biscotti in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to restore their crispness without losing flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mocha-Almond Biscotti contains roughly 474 calories, with 31g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (90% of the Daily Value), protein (63% of the Daily Value), and iron (53% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1103mg per serving (48% 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 biscotti recipe?
Absolutely! While almonds add a nice crunch and flavor, you can substitute them with walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts according to your preference. Just make sure to toast them as directed to enhance their flavor before adding them to the dough.
How do I make these biscotti less sweet?
If you want to reduce the sweetness, try cutting back on the sugar by 1/4 cup. You can also balance the flavors by adding a bit more cocoa powder or a pinch of salt to enhance the overall taste without increasing sweetness.
Can I make these biscotti gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the white flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to achieve the right texture in your biscotti.
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).