Chocolate-Dipped Almond Biscotti are crunchy, twice-baked Italian cookies that are perfect for dipping in coffee or tea. These delightful biscotti are flavored with almonds and finished with a rich chocolate dip, making them an irresistible treat!

Ingredients

For the Biscotti:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup sliced almonds (toasted)

For the Chocolate Dip:

• 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (optional, for smoothness)

Timing

Making Chocolate-Dipped Almond Biscotti takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 50-60 minutes for baking and cooling.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Biscotti Dough

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the toasted sliced almonds.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Biscotti

1. Form Logs: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide on the prepared baking sheet.
2. First Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the logs are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
3. Slice: Using a sharp knife, slice the logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
4. Second Bake: Place the sliced biscotti cut side down on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until they are dry and crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Dip

1. Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and vegetable oil (if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Dip the Biscotti

1. Dip Biscotti: Dip one end of each biscotti into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the dipped biscotti on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Set: Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or refrigerate for quicker setting.

Step 5: Serve

1. Enjoy: Serve your Chocolate-Dipped Almond Biscotti with coffee or tea, or enjoy them as a sweet snack on their own!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Chocolate-Dipped Almond Biscotti (per biscotti, based on 24 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Biscotti
Calories	120
Protein	3g
Fat	5g
Carbohydrates	17g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	6g

Tips for Customization

• Nut Variations: Substitute almonds with other nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts for different flavors.
• Flavored Chocolate: Use dark chocolate or white chocolate for dipping, or add flavor extracts (like orange or peppermint) to the chocolate.
• Add Spices: Incorporate spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for added warmth and flavor.

Conclusion

Chocolate-Dipped Almond Biscotti are a delightful treat that combines the crunch of biscotti with the richness of chocolate. Perfect for coffee breaks or as a sweet gift, these biscotti are sure to impress. Enjoy this delightful recipe!