The moment you take a bite of my Decadent Double Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti, you’re in for a delightful surprise. The intense aroma of rich chocolate dances through the air, while the satisfying crunch of toasted hazelnuts gives each nibble a luxurious texture. This recipe came to life one evening as I stared at an empty cookie jar, determined to create a festive treat that would impress guests during the holiday season—and boy, did it deliver!

Ideal for cozy gatherings or as a thoughtful gift, these biscotti elevate any occasion. What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity; in just a bit of time, you can craft cookies that look as good as they taste. Plus, the versatility allows for personal touches—like adding a splash of espresso or dried fruits—that brings your unique flavor profile to life. Perfectly paired with a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate, this biscotti is a indulgent yet approachable way to celebrate the season’s joys. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love This Double Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti

Irresistible, Elegant Treat: This biscotti is not just a cookie; it’s a festive delight that adds flair to any gathering.
Rich, Chocolate Indulgence: The deep chocolate flavor blends seamlessly with toasted hazelnuts for a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Quick and Simple: With straightforward steps, anyone can master this recipe and impress friends and family without any fuss!
Versatile Customization: Feel free to add spices or dried fruits to create your own unique flavor twist.
Perfect for Gifting: Pack these beauties in a decorative box, and they make an elegant, heartfelt gift for loved ones during the holiday season. Pair it with a cup of Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix for the ultimate treat experience!

Double Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti Ingredients

• Get ready to indulge in a delightful treat!

For the Biscotti

All-purpose flour – Provides structure; feel free to substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
Cocoa powder – Adds rich chocolate flavor; using dark cocoa can enhance the intensity even more.
Baking powder – Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring your biscotti is light and crunchy.
Granulated sugar – Balances sweetness and moisture; brown sugar can deepen the flavor.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness; you can swap it out for vegetable oil to make it dairy-free.
Eggs – Bind the mixture together and add moisture; for an egg-free option, opt for flax eggs.
Chopped hazelnuts – Introduce a delightful crunch and nutty flavor; almonds or walnuts make great substitutes.
Chocolate chips – Meltingly delicious throughout; dark or semi-sweet varieties work best for this double chocolate hazelnut biscotti.

How to Make Double Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup—a true win-win!
Mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sugar in a large bowl. Stir until fully combined and a fragrant chocolate aroma fills the air.
Cream the softened unsalted butter and eggs in another bowl until you have a smooth blend. Gradually add the dry mixture to this creamy goodness, mixing just until combined.
Fold in the chopped hazelnuts and chocolate chips gently. You want everything to be just mixed, so no over-mixing here—keep that texture light!
Shape the dough into a log about 12 inches long on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes until it’s set and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool the log for about 10 minutes, then slice it diagonally into ½-inch wide pieces. Bake again for 10-12 minutes per side until crisp and inviting.
Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing. This step is crucial for that signature biscotti crunch!

Optional: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Double Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti Variations

Feel free to unleash your culinary creativity and make this biscotti recipe your own!

Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a chewy but crisp texture that’s suitable for everyone.
Nut-Free: Omit the hazelnuts entirely or use sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without the nuts—great for school lunches!
Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and substitute butter with a plant-based option for a dairy-free delight.
Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of espresso powder to the dry ingredients, enlivening the chocolate richness for an unexpected twist that warms the soul.
Dried Fruit: Fold in ½ cup of dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity contrast, bringing bursts of tangy sweetness to each delicious bite.
Extra Chocolate: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled biscotti or sprinkle chocolate chips throughout the dough for an extra-fudgy experience.
Citrus Zing: Incorporate the zest of an orange or lemon into the dough for a refreshing brightness that beautifully complements the rich chocolate.
Peppermint Twist: Add crushed peppermint candy or extract to give your biscotti a festive flair, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter nights.

With these variations, the possibilities are endless—make it uniquely yours!

What to Serve with Double Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti?

Indulging in the rich, chocolatey delight of biscotti is just the beginning of your festive culinary journey. Let’s elevate your sweet experience!

Rich Hot Chocolate: The ultimate companion, this drink complements the chocolate flavors beautifully while adding a cozy warmth to your treat.
Bold Espresso: The sharp, rich notes of espresso enhance the biscotti while the bitterness beautifully balances its sweetness, creating a sophisticated pairing.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a sumptuous creaminess, making each bite of biscotti a dreamy indulgence as it melts together.
Sweet Fruit Compote: A bright and tangy compote, made from seasonal berries, adds freshness and lightens the richness of the biscotti, creating a delightful contrast.
Classic Coffee: Whether brewed or brewed decaf, a steaming cup of coffee provides a traditional, comforting match, perfect for dipping.
Homemade Eggnog: Especially delightful during the holidays, this creamy libation adds a festive twist that complements the chocolate and nutty flavors perfectly.
Gourmet Cheese Plate: The richness of mild cheeses like brie, paired with the crunch of biscotti, makes for an exciting savory twist alongside your sweet treat.

Take your time to savor each bite while enjoying these pairings, crafting an unforgettable experience that will linger in warm memories!

Expert Tips for Double Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti

Soften Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature to blend easily with sugar, which helps achieve a smooth dough for your biscotti.
Avoid Over-Mixing: Mix just until combined to keep the double chocolate hazelnut biscotti light and airy. Over-mixing can cause denser cookies.
Cooling Matters: Don’t skip the cooling time after the first bake. This allows the log to firm up and makes slicing easier, preventing breakage.
Uniform Slices: Use a sharp knife to cut your biscotti evenly; this ensures they bake consistently and results in a beautiful presentation.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg or incorporate dried fruits for a creative twist that personalizes your biscotti.

Make Ahead Options

These Double Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti are the perfect treat for meal prep enthusiasts! You can mix the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sugar) up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container to preserve freshness. Additionally, you can prepare the dough and shape it into a log, then refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just be sure to allow the dough to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before slicing and baking to maintain that signature crunch. When you’re ready to enjoy these delightful biscotti, simply bake them as instructed, and you’ll have a delicious treat that’s just as delectable as if it were made fresh!

How to Store and Freeze Double Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti

Airtight Container: Store your biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. This preserves their crunchiness and allows you to enjoy a lovely treat anytime.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the sliced biscotti in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy your frozen biscotti, thaw at room temperature or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes for that freshly baked warmth.

Gift-Ready: If you’re gifting these delicious treats, pack them in decorative boxes and seal tightly. They’ll stay fresh longer, making delightful gifts for any holiday or celebration!

Double Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti Recipe FAQs

What type of hazelnuts should I use for the biscotti?
Absolutely! I recommend using raw or roasted hazelnuts for the best flavor and crunch. If you can, go for hazelnuts that are lightly toasted to enhance their nutty aroma. Just ensure they are unsalted, as you’ll want to control the saltiness in your biscotti.

How do I store my Double Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti?
For maximum freshness, store your biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. This keeps them crunchy and ready for dipping. If you want them to last longer, freezing is a great option!

Can I freeze Double Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti?
Absolutely! To freeze, lay the sliced biscotti in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.

What can I do if my biscotti are too dry?
If your biscotti turn out too dry, it could be due to over-baking. For next time, make sure to slice them evenly and monitor closely during the second bake. Bake until they’re just crisp, but still a bit soft in the center, and remember, they will harden as they cool!

Are Double Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti safe for pets?
Very! While biscotti are a delightful treat for humans, they are not suitable for dogs or cats due to the chocolate content. Chocolate can be toxic to pets, so it’s best to keep these delectable treats for yourself.

What alternatives can I use for allergies?
If you have nut allergies, you can swap hazelnuts for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. For a gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, for egg-free biscotti, flax eggs are a fantastic substitute; mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit to thicken for each egg needed.