Chocolate Orange Biscotti

Name: Chocolate Orange Biscotti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 24 biscotti
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp fresh orange zest; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Highlighted under: Oven Food

I absolutely love baking during the holidays, and these Chocolate Orange Biscotti have become a favorite in my family. There's something magical about the combination of rich chocolate and zesty orange that elevates these crunchy treats. As I bake them, my kitchen fills with an intoxicating aroma that transports me to a cozy café in Italy. They are the perfect match for my afternoon coffee or as a thoughtful gift during the festive season. Trust me, once you try them, you'll want to make these biscotti year-round!

Created by

Zadie Whitmore

Last updated on 2026-01-11T19:00:37.569Z

Creating these Chocolate Orange Biscotti was a delightful endeavor that involved experimenting with different flavor combinations. I found that pairing the natural bitterness of dark chocolate with the brightness of fresh orange zest results in a really unique profile. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch, and the flavors meld beautifully.

One tip I learned is to let the biscotti cool completely before slicing; this ensures cleaner edges and a crisper texture. It’s tempting to dive in early, but patience truly pays off with this recipe!

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

The Role of Chocolate and Orange

The combination of rich chocolate and zesty orange in these biscotti creates a delightful balance that elevates their flavor profile. The unsweetened cocoa powder provides a deep, complex taste while the fresh orange zest adds a vibrant citrus note that brightens each bite. Don’t skip the zest; it’s what gives these biscotti their distinctive character and aroma. I recommend using fresh oranges rather than bottled zest for a more intense flavor and fragrance.

Using high-quality dark chocolate chips also enhances the texture and flavor. The chocolate should be around 60-70% cocoa for the best balance of sweetness and richness. If you prefer a milk chocolate taste, feel free to swap in milk chocolate chips, but remember that they will make the biscotti sweeter, which can affect the overall balance with the orange zest.

Perfecting the Biscotti Texture

Achieving the perfect biscotti texture requires careful attention during the baking process. After the initial baking, let the log cool for about 10 minutes; this makes slicing easier and helps maintain clean edges. Slicing them too soon may cause them to crumble, while waiting too long could lead to an overly hard log. Aim for slices that are about 1/2 inch thick to ensure they bake evenly during the second round in the oven.

During the second bake, keep an eye on the biscotti as they can go from perfectly crisp to overcooked quite quickly. Bake them until they are firm and have golden edges – this usually takes an additional 10-15 minutes. If they are crisp on the outside yet soft in the middle, return them to the oven for a few more minutes; this will help them dry out and achieve that classic biscotti crunch.

Storage and Enjoyment

These Chocolate Orange Biscotti can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, making them an excellent make-ahead treat for the holidays. To keep them extra fresh, you can also freeze them in a zip-top bag. They will maintain their quality for about three months. Just be sure to allow them to cool completely before freezing to avoid condensation buildup.

For serving, these biscotti pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. While I love them alongside a robust cup of coffee, they also complement hot cocoa or even a glass of dessert wine. For an extra indulgent experience, consider dipping them in melted chocolate after baking and setting them on parchment to harden. This adds another layer of complexity to their flavor and makes them an even more delightful treat.

Ingredients

For the Biscotti

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp fresh orange zest
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Notes:

Feel free to customize the nuts or chocolate used in this recipe based on your preferences!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.

Cream Sugars and Eggs

In another bowl, beat the sugars with the eggs until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla and orange zest.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts if using.

Shape and Bake

Form the dough into a log shape on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes or until firm.

Slice and Second Bake

Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then slice into biscotti shapes. Return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until crisp.

Cool Completely

Let the biscotti cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy with your favorite beverage!

Enjoy!

These biscotti are wonderful on their own or paired with coffee and tea.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled biscotti before serving!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your biscotti come out too dry, it might be due to overbaking in the second round. Make sure to check them a couple of minutes before the suggested time to ensure they don't become overly hard. If you find they are too soft after the first bake, they may need a longer baking time before slicing. Experiment with your specific oven, as baking times can vary widely.

Another common issue could be uneven baking, which can happen if your biscotti logs are not uniformly shaped. Aim for an even thickness when shaping the log to ensure uniform cooking. Additionally, remember to rotate your baking sheet halfway through for even browning, as some ovens have hot spots.

Variations and Additions

Feel free to experiment with different flavors in this biscotti recipe. Adding a teaspoon of almond extract instead of vanilla can create an interesting twist. You could also incorporate dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for added sweetness and texture. If you want to keep the biscuit chocolate orange theme, consider adding a splash of Grand Marnier or orange liqueur for an adult-only version.

For a nutty variation, substitute the chopped nuts with sliced almonds or pistachios, both of which complement the chocolate and orange beautifully. You could even combine them for a more complex flavor. Remember, the flexibility in the ingredients is part of the fun in baking biscotti, so don't hesitate to get creative!

Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Orange Biscotti are fabulous on their own, but I love to serve them with a simple orange-infused cream cheese dip. Just mix softened cream cheese with a little powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of orange juice until smooth. It's a delightful accompaniment that highlights the flavors of the biscotti.

You can also drizzle the biscotti with a light icing made from powdered sugar and orange juice for a sweet touch. For your next gathering, consider presenting them in a charming gift box lined with festive tissue paper. Not only do they make a lovely treat for guests, but they also double as an excellent homemade gift!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these biscotti ahead of time?

Yes, biscotti keep well in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

→ What can I substitute for nuts?

You can leave out the nuts entirely or replace them with seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will be sweeter.

→ Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.