Baking · Biscotti
Orange Cacao Nib Biscotti
Cacao nibs stay crunchy rather than melting into this lightly sweet dough. Orange zest brings a bright aroma to the firm slices, which dry during a second bake.
Illustrative image
- Total
- 90 min
- Active
- 15 min
- Servings
- Calories
- 96 cal / serving
- Difficulty
- Medium
Ingredients · 16 servings
- 1/3 cup cacao nibs
Navitas Naturals Cacao Nibs - Organic - Raw - 16 oz16 OZ · $31.69 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
King Arthur All Purpose Flour - 2 2 #2 # · $6.67 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine saltpantry staple
Checked items are in your order. Amounts scale with servings; products are sold as whole packages.
Steps
Heat and line
Heat the oven to 350°F and line a large sheet with parchment. Whisk flour, baking powder and salt together in a bowl.
Build the dough
In another bowl whisk eggs, sugar, vanilla and zest for 1 minute. Fold in the flour mixture and nibs until a sticky dough forms; do not taste it raw.
⏱ 1 min
Shape and bake
With damp hands shape a 12-by-4-inch log on the sheet. Bake for 25 minutes until puffed and firm with a center of 160°F (71°C), extending baking if needed.
⏱ 25 min
Slice the log
Cool on the sheet for 15 minutes and lower the oven to 300°F. Use a serrated knife with gentle sawing motions to cut 16 slices about 3/4 inch thick.
⏱ 15 min
Dry both sides
Lay slices cut-side down and bake for 10 minutes. Turn each slice and bake another 10 minutes until dry on both faces; they will crisp further as they cool.
⏱ 10 min
Finish on rack
Transfer slices carefully to a wire rack and cool for 15 minutes before serving. Cool fully before sealing to avoid trapped steam.
⏱ 15 min
Nutrition per serving estimated
1 serving = 1 biscotto (one sixteenth of batch)
- Calories
- 96
- Protein
- 2.7 g
- Carbs
- 16.2 g
- Fat
- 2.2 g
- Fiber
- 1.3 g
- Sugar
- 6.3 g
- Sodium
- 76 mg
Estimated from package nutrition labels and USDA FoodData Central values. Actual values vary.
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Read recipe →Tips and substitutions
Grate only the orange skin; the white pith tastes bitter.
Let the first bake rest before slicing so the knife does not drag through a soft log.
Replace orange zest with 2 teaspoons lemon zest for a sharper citrus note.
For a gluten-free variation use a labeled baking blend with binder; the log may be more delicate, so slice slowly. The base contains wheat and egg.
Storage, serving and make-ahead
Storage
Cool completely and keep in an airtight tin at room temperature for up to 7 days. Freeze dry biscotti for up to 1 month.
Serving suggestions
Serve a firm slice with coffee or tea for dipping, or crumble a small piece over a scoop of ice cream.
Make ahead
Bake and dry the biscotti a day ahead for serving. Store separately from moist cakes, fruit or soft cookies to protect their crunch.
Allergens and product labels
Contains: wheat, egg.
Check each product label for allergen details.
Questions about this recipe
Are cacao nibs the same as chocolate chips?
No. Nibs are pieces of cacao with a bitter crunch, while chips contain sugar and soften or melt when heated.
Why do biscotti need two bakes?
The first bake sets the log so it can be sliced. The second removes moisture from the cut surfaces for a crisp finish.
About this recipe
Estimates use package labels and USDA data; actual values vary.
By Akechi · Published .
Ingredient amounts are for cooking; products are sold as retail packages and pantry extras may be needed. Browse all recipes.