When it comes to desserts, there are two flavors that are truly a match made in heaven: chocolate and coffee. The chocolate’s sweetness is enhanced by the coffee’s fragrance and bitterness, making for a delightfully aromatic flavor. One of my favorite ways to pair these flavors is in Chocolate & Coffee Biscotti.
Mix the dry ingredients - In a large bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, instant coffee grounds, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
Mix the wet ingredients - Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar on a medium-high speed. Add in vanilla and the eggs one at a time and continue to beat until light and creamy.
Make the dough - Turn the mixer down to a lower speed and slowly add the flour mixture. The ingredients will begin to form a dark brown dough. Once the dough is homogeneous, turn off the mixer and remove the bowl from the machine. Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts.
Make logs to bake - Once the dough is ready, use your hands to form two balls of dough on a floured surface and roll them into two logs about 2 to 3 inches wide and 1 inch high.
Bake the logs - Place the logs onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper leaving space between them, then pop them in the oven for 35 minutes, or until slightly firm.
Bake them again - Once the logs look cracked on the top, remove the logs from the oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes. Cut the dough diagonally into ½ inch slices. Place the biscotti back on the baking sheet, cut side down. Bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cookies are crisp.
Let the cookies cool and enjoy - Once the cookies are done baking the second time, let them cool completely, then dust powdered sugar on them and enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.