Chocolate-Cherry Almond Biscotti with Citrus Zest
Crunchy twice-baked Italian biscotti studded with tart dried cherries, toasted almonds, and bright citrus zest — perfect for dunking in coffee or tea. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 75 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking 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 110 calories and feeds 24, 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 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup, chopped dried tart cherries
- 3/4 cup, chopped toasted almonds
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/2 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 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/2 tsp salt until combined.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs with 1 tsp vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a thick dough forms.
- Step 3: Fold in 3/4 cup chopped dried tart cherries, 3/4 cup toasted chopped almonds, 1 tbsp orange zest, and 1 tbsp lemon zest until evenly distributed.
- Step 4: Divide dough in half. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, shape each half into a log approximately 12 inches long and 3 inches wide, flattening slightly.
- Step 5: Bake for 25 minutes until firm to the touch. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Step 6: Using a serrated knife, slice each log diagonally into 1/2-inch thick biscotti pieces. Arrange slices cut side down on the baking sheet.
- Step 7: Return to oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, then flip biscotti and bake another 12-15 minutes until dry and crisp. Cool completely before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chocolate-Cherry Almond Biscotti with Citrus Zest take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (20 min prep + 55 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 Chocolate-Cherry Almond Biscotti with Citrus 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 Chocolate-Cherry Almond Biscotti with Citrus 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 Chocolate-Cherry Almond Biscotti with Citrus Zest for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). 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 Chocolate-Cherry Almond Biscotti with Citrus 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.
