Chocolate Orange Biscotti

Name: Chocolate Orange Biscotti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24 biscotti
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1 tsp orange zest; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making these Chocolate Orange Biscotti! The combination of rich chocolate and zesty orange creates a truly delightful flavor that keeps me coming back for more. Preparing these treats is a simple yet rewarding process to enjoy with my morning coffee or as an afternoon snack. With their perfect crunch and irresistible sweetness, these biscotti are sure to impress anyone who tries them. I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of baking them!

Created by

Maisie Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-12T00:01:14.849Z

Every time I bake these Chocolate Orange Biscotti, I remember the first time I experimented with combining chocolate and orange; it was a culinary revelation! The aroma that fills my kitchen as they bake is simply intoxicating. After my first batch was a hit with family and friends, I was inspired to perfect the recipe.

What makes this biscotti unique is the careful balance of flavors and the method I use. By mixing the ingredients just until combined and double-baking them, I achieve that coveted crunch without compromising the delightful taste. Trust me, pairing these with a hot cup of coffee is an experience you don’t want to miss!

        Why You Will Love This Biscotti
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to achieving the perfect texture in your Chocolate Orange Biscotti lies in the balance of dry and wet ingredients. The all-purpose flour provides structure, while the unsweetened cocoa powder gives that rich, chocolatey flavor. If you wish to lighten the biscotti, consider using a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Just be aware that the texture might vary slightly, but it can still yield a delightful result when baked correctly.

Orange zest is more than just a flavor enhancer in this recipe; it also adds a natural freshness that cuts through the richness of the chocolate. Be sure to use a microplane or fine grater to get the zest evenly without the white pith, which can be bitter. If fresh oranges aren’t available, a quality orange extract can be a suitable substitute for that zesty punch.

Moreover, the semi-sweet chocolate chips provide pops of chocolate within the crunchy biscotti. Opt for high-quality chocolate, as it significantly impacts the taste. You might also try dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor, or even white chocolate if you're looking for a sweeter twist. Make sure to fold the chocolate chips at the end gently to avoid them melting fully into the dough.

Baking Techniques for Perfect Biscotti

Shaping the dough into a log is critical for achieving the classic biscotti form. You want to make sure the log is approximately 12 inches long and 3 inches wide to ensure even baking. A slightly shorter log will yield thicker slices, while a longer log might produce thinner ones. Keep in mind, the size will also influence the baking time, so adjust accordingly. I find that using damp hands helps prevent the dough from sticking while shaping the log.

Cooling the log before slicing is an essential step to prevent crumbling. After the initial bake, let it sit for about 10 minutes until it's manageable but still warm. This slight cooling allows the biscotti to firm up, making slicing easier without losing the integrity of the pieces. When slicing, a serrated knife works best to achieve clean edges, enhancing the visual appeal of each cookie.

The second bake is where the biscotti gets its signature crunch. Keep a close eye towards the end of this bake—10 to 12 minutes is generally sufficient, but ovens can vary. The biscotti should be golden-brown with hard edges. Turning them halfway through ensures even baking on both sides, resulting in uniform texture throughout each piece.

Ingredients

For the Biscotti

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tsp orange zest
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well blended.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest until combined.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Form the Dough

Transfer the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a log about 12 inches long and 3 inches wide.

Bake the Log

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until firm to the touch.

Cool and Slice

Allow the baked log to cool for 10 minutes, then slice it diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces.

Final Bake

Place the slices back on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Cool and Serve

Once baked to a crisp, allow the biscotti to cool completely before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Orange Biscotti!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, dip half of the biscotti in melted chocolate and allow them to cool on parchment paper for a beautiful finish.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Chocolate Orange Biscotti can easily be made ahead of time, making them a perfect treat for gatherings or holiday gift-giving. Once cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Their crunchy texture holds well, so you can enjoy them over a longer period without losing their delightful bite.

If you're planning to make a larger batch for future snacking, you can also freeze biscotti. After the second bake and cooling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. This double wrapping helps prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours, and they’ll still maintain their signature crunch.

For a different serving experience, consider drizzling the cooled biscotti with melted chocolate or a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and orange juice or water. This adds an extra layer of flavor and makes them visually appealing, perfect for special occasions.

Variations to Explore

Feel free to experiment with different flavors in your biscotti. For a nutty twist, you can fold in chopped almonds or hazelnuts along with the chocolate chips. The addition of nuts not only enhances the flavor but also adds an enjoyable crunch. If you love incorporating spices, a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can introduce a warm dimension that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and orange.

Dried fruit can also make a delightful addition. Try incorporating cranberries or cherries for a fruity zest that complements the chocolate. Just be mindful of the moisture these fruits add; you might want to slightly reduce the number of chocolate chips to maintain the right dough consistency. Keep in mind, the fruit can add a chewiness that contrasts with the typical biscotti crunch.

Lastly, for those who enjoy a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the dry ingredients. This unexpected twist can provide a unique depth of flavor that'll surprise your taste buds and elevate your biscuit experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate or even white chocolate for a different flavor.

→ How should I store these biscotti?

Store the biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze the biscotti?

Yes, biscotti freeze beautifully! Just wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer bag for up to three months.

→ What can I pair these biscotti with?

These biscotti are perfect with coffee, tea, or even a glass of dessert wine for a sophisticated touch.