Cinnamon Mocha Biscotti

Cinnamon Mocha Biscotti Recipe from Italy - Delicious and Easy-to-Make

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Cinnamon Mocha Biscotti is a delicious and crunchy Italian cookie that is perfect for dipping in coffee or enjoying on its own. This recipe combines the flavors of cinnamon, coffee, pecans, and chocolate for a truly decadent treat.

History

Biscotti originated in Italy and were traditionally made as a long-lasting, dry cookie that could be stored for long periods of time. The word "biscotti" actually means "twice baked" in Italian, which refers to the baking process of these cookies. Over time, biscotti have become popular all over the world and are enjoyed in a variety of flavors.

Ingredients

0.5 cup butter or margarine, softened
0.5 cup firmly packed brown sugar
0.5 cup white sugar
1 tbsp instant espresso or instant coffee granules
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1.5 tsp baking powder
0.25 tsp salt
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup chopped pecans
0.5 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
0.5 cup cinnamon baking chips (if cinnamon chips are unavailable in your area, use an additional 0.5 cup miniature chocolate morsels)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) using the convection bake setting.
Note: If you don't have a convection oven setting, you'll need to increase the baking times slightly for all stages of the recipe.
In a large bowl, combine the butter, sugars, and espresso or coffee granules. Beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla briefly.
Add the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until well blended.
Fold in the pecans, chocolate morsels, and cinnamon chips.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop the dough onto the paper and shape it into a large rectangle, about 0.75 inch thick.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until firm.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
Use a serrated knife to cut the dough into slices about 0.5 inch thick.
Place the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and return to the oven for 8 minutes.
Turn the slices and bake for an additional 8 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on wire racks before storing in an airtight container.

Variations

For a nut-free version, you can omit the pecans and use additional chocolate chips instead.
You can also experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use a serrated knife to cut the biscotti into slices, as this will help prevent crumbling.

- For a stronger coffee flavor, you can use espresso powder instead of instant coffee granules.

- Be sure to let the biscotti cool completely before storing them, as this will help them maintain their crunchy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon Mocha Biscotti is perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. They can also be served as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for making biscotti is the double baking process, which helps to give them their crunchy texture. Be sure to follow the instructions for baking times carefully to achieve the perfect consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have margarine, you can use butter as a substitute. You can also use regular chocolate chips instead of miniature chips if that's what you have on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

Cinnamon Mocha Biscotti can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks. They also freeze well for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cinnamon Mocha Biscotti on a decorative plate or platter for a beautiful presentation. You can also drizzle them with melted chocolate for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

Cinnamon Mocha Biscotti pairs well with a variety of beverages, including coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or even a glass of red wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Cinnamon Mocha Biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply place them in a 325°F oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cinnamon Mocha Biscotti contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cinnamon Mocha Biscotti contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cinnamon Mocha Biscotti contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cinnamon Mocha Biscotti contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cinnamon Mocha Biscotti is not a significant source of vitamins or minerals.

Alergens

Cinnamon Mocha Biscotti contains nuts and dairy.

Summary

Cinnamon Mocha Biscotti is a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a small amount of protein and healthy fats.

Summary

Cinnamon Mocha Biscotti is a delicious and crunchy cookie that is perfect for enjoying with a hot beverage or as a dessert. With the flavors of cinnamon, coffee, pecans, and chocolate, these biscotti are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a sunny afternoon in the bustling streets of Florence, Italy, where I stumbled upon a quaint little coffee shop tucked away in a corner. The aroma of freshly baked biscotti wafted through the air, drawing me in like a moth to a flame.

As I entered the shop, my eyes were greeted by rows of golden biscotti lined up neatly on trays, each adorned with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of mocha. The owner, a friendly Italian woman with a warm smile, welcomed me and offered me a cup of rich espresso to enjoy with my biscotti.

I took a bite of the crunchy biscotti and was instantly transported to a world of flavors. The subtle spiciness of cinnamon paired perfectly with the rich sweetness of mocha, creating a tantalizing combination that danced on my taste buds. I knew in that moment that I had to learn how to make this delectable treat for myself.

I struck up a conversation with the owner, who graciously shared her recipe with me. She told me that the secret to the perfect cinnamon mocha biscotti lies in the quality of the ingredients and the precise measurements. I eagerly scribbled down the recipe on a napkin, thanking her profusely for her generosity.

Back at home, I set to work recreating the magic of that unforgettable biscotti. I gathered the finest flour, the freshest eggs, the finest cinnamon, and the richest mocha powder I could find. With each ingredient carefully measured and mixed, I watched as the dough came together, transforming into a sticky mass that held the promise of deliciousness.

I kneaded the dough with gentle hands, shaping it into a long, slender log before placing it in the oven to bake. The scent of cinnamon and mocha filled my kitchen, wrapping me in a warm embrace that spoke of comfort and joy. As the biscotti emerged from the oven, golden and fragrant, I knew that I had succeeded in my quest.

I let the biscotti cool before slicing it into delicate pieces, marveling at the perfect texture and the beautiful swirls of cinnamon and mocha that adorned each slice. I poured myself a cup of espresso and indulged in a few pieces of the biscotti, savoring the harmonious blend of flavors that danced on my palate.

Since that fateful day in Florence, I have made the cinnamon mocha biscotti countless times, each batch more delicious than the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all fallen in love with the unique combination of cinnamon and mocha that makes this biscotti a true delight.

As I sit here, reminiscing about that sunny afternoon in Italy and the serendipitous discovery of this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and people who have enriched my life. Cooking has always been a source of joy and creativity for me, and the cinnamon mocha biscotti holds a special place in my heart as a testament to the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

I hope that you, too, will find joy in making this recipe and sharing it with your loved ones. May each bite of cinnamon mocha biscotti remind you of the beauty and magic that can be found in the simple act of cooking and sharing a meal with those you hold dear. Bon appétit!