Baked Chocolate-Almond Biscotti with Orange Zest
Crunchy twice-baked biscotti infused with bright orange zest and studded with toasted almonds, perfect for dipping in coffee or tea. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 3/4 cup, toasted and chopped whole almonds
- 1/4 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs with 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1 tbsp orange zest until combined. Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and mix until a stiff dough forms.
- Step 3: Fold in 3/4 cup toasted chopped almonds evenly through the dough. Divide dough in half and shape each half into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 4: Bake logs for 25 minutes until firm to the touch. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Step 5: Using a serrated knife, slice the logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Arrange slices cut side down on the baking sheet and bake for another 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and dry.
- Step 6: Cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Chocolate-Almond Biscotti with Orange Zest take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Baked Chocolate-Almond Biscotti with Orange Zest?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Chocolate-Almond Biscotti with Orange Zest?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Chocolate-Almond Biscotti with Orange Zest for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Chocolate-Almond Biscotti with Orange Zest?
Italian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
