Dark Chocolate Espresso Biscotti Recipe
Introduction
Dark Chocolate Espresso Biscotti are a perfect treat for coffee lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike. These crunchy, lightly sweetened cookies combine rich cocoa and bold espresso flavors, making them an ideal companion for your morning coffee or an elegant after-dinner indulgence.

Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons of butter, melted
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1/3 cup of natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups of all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder
- 1/2 cup of dark chocolate, chips or chunks
- 1 large egg, whisked (for egg wash)
- 1 cup of dark chocolate, melted (for garnish)
- Flaky sea salt (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined.
- Step 2: Add baking powder, sea salt, cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and instant espresso powder to the wet ingredients. Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Step 3: Fold in the chopped dark chocolate evenly throughout the dough.
- Step 4: Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 3 hours, or in the freezer for about 45 minutes to firm up.
- Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 6: Transfer the chilled dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into an 8” x 4” rectangle.
- Step 7: Brush the tops of each rectangle with the whisked egg to create a shiny finish.
- Step 8: Bake for 22-24 minutes until the dough is lightly set in the center.
- Step 9: Remove from the oven and cool on a rack for 10 minutes. Then transfer the dough, with the parchment, onto a cutting board.
- Step 10: Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the dough into 3/4 to 1 inch wide strips starting from the short end.
- Step 11: Place each biscotti piece cut-side down on the baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes on each side until crisp.
- Step 12: Allow the biscotti to cool on a wire rack. Once cool, dip the tops in melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Tips & Variations
- For a more intense espresso flavor, increase the instant espresso powder by half a teaspoon.
- Try substituting dark chocolate with white or milk chocolate for a different twist.
- Chilling the dough thoroughly makes shaping easier and results in cleaner slices.
- The biscotti can be dipped in your favorite nuts or sprinkled with cocoa nibs before baking for added texture.
Storage
Store the biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 30 days. They maintain their crunch and flavor well. If you prefer them warm, reheat briefly in a low oven before serving, but avoid microwaving as it can soften their crisp texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these biscotti dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, but this may slightly change the texture and flavor. Ensure your chocolate is also dairy-free.
How do I know when biscotti are done baking?
The biscotti should feel firm and dry, not soft or doughy. After the first bake, the logs will be slightly set but still soft inside. After slicing, the second bake crisps them through and through; they should sound crisp when tapped.
PrintDark Chocolate Espresso Biscotti Recipe
Delight in these rich and crunchy Dark Chocolate Espresso Biscotti that combine the robust flavors of espresso with decadent dark chocolate. Perfect for dipping into your morning coffee or afternoon tea, these twice-baked Italian cookies are simple to make and wonderfully addictive, featuring a crisp texture with a hint of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 60 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 biscotti pieces 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Dark Chocolate Espresso Biscotti
- 8 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/3 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks
- 1 large egg, whisked (for egg wash)
Garnish
- 1 cup dark chocolate, melted
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 8 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, and 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder. Mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a cohesive dough.
- Incorporate Chocolate: Gently fold in 1/2 cup of chopped dark chocolate, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Chill Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 3 hours or place it in the freezer for about 45 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Shape Dough: Transfer the chilled dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Divide it in half and gently shape each portion into an approximately 8-inch by 4-inch rectangle.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the top of each shaped dough rectangle with the whisked egg to create a shiny, golden crust during baking.
- First Bake: Bake both rectangles at 350°F for 22-24 minutes, or until the dough feels lightly set but not fully baked in the center.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from oven and transfer the baking sheet onto a cooling rack. Let the dough cool for 10 minutes to firm up further.
- Slice Biscotti: Using the parchment paper or silicone mat, carefully transfer the slightly cooled dough onto a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the dough into strips between 3/4 to 1 inch thick, cutting from the short end.
- Second Bake: Arrange the cut biscotti pieces cut side down on a clean baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes on each side, flipping halfway through to achieve crispness.
- Cool Biscotti: Transfer the biscotti to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely.
- Prepare Garnish: Melt 1 cup of dark chocolate in a shallow wide bowl using a microwave or double boiler, stirring until smooth.
- Dip and Decorate: Dip the tops of each cooled biscotti into the melted dark chocolate, then immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a delightful finish.
- Storage: Store the finished biscotti in an airtight container. They will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 30 days.
Notes
- For a stronger espresso flavor, increase the instant espresso powder to 1.5 tablespoons.
- Ensure biscotti slices are cool before dipping in chocolate to prevent melting.
- Use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion to avoid crumbling when slicing the biscotti.
- Customize toppings by adding chopped nuts or dried fruit before baking second time.
- Store biscotti at room temperature in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness.
- These biscotti freeze well for up to 3 months if placed in a sealed container or freezer bag.
Keywords: biscotti, chocolate espresso biscotti, dark chocolate cookies, Italian biscuits, twice-baked cookies, coffee cookies, crunchy dessert

