Name: Dark Chocolate Cherry Italian Biscotti Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 6 Tbsp melted butter, cooled; 2/3 cup white sugar; 2 eggs (room temperature); 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup dried cherries; 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips; 1 egg; 1 Tablespoon almond milk or regular milk; 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips (for melting)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 80 reviews

If you’re searching for a delectably crisp treat that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or afternoon tea, this Dark Chocolate Cherry Italian Biscotti Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. The perfect balance of sweet, tart dried cherries and rich dark chocolate chips sealed into a crunchy yet tender biscotti creates a traditional Italian cookie experience with a deliciously modern twist. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply indulging yourself, these biscotti bring a festive, cozy vibe to any kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl sits on a dark surface, filled with a thick yellow batter mixed with scattered dark brown raisins, creating a textured contrast. The batter looks smooth and sticky, with some glossy spots where light hits. A clear spatula with a white blade rests inside the bowl on the right side, partially covered in the batter. The inside of the bowl has some smeared batter marks, showing the mixing process. There is a black number

This recipe relies on straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to form that classic biscotti crunch while packing vibrant flavors. Each item plays a crucial role from structure to sweetness to the luscious bursts of dark chocolate and cherries scattered throughout.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, providing the perfect texture when balanced just right.
Melted butter: Adds richness and helps keep the biscotti tender despite their crisp finish.
White sugar: Sweetens the dough without overpowering the natural flavors.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture for a cohesive dough.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm aromatic notes.
Baking powder: Gives just enough lift so the biscotti aren’t too dense.
Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
Dried cherries: Bring a tart, chewy pop that contrasts delightfully with chocolate.
Dark chocolate chips: Offer a rich, bittersweet complement to the cherries and bright vanilla.
Egg and milk wash: Creates a glossy exterior for the logs before baking and helps the chocolate adhere when dipped.

How to Make Dark Chocolate Cherry Italian Biscotti Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Combine Wet Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure a hot and ready environment for baking those biscotti logs. Then, in a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, white sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fragrant. Fold in the dried cherries, which will add bursts of vibrant tartness after baking.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients and Form Dough

Next, gently mix in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. If you want to avoid lumps and achieve the smoothest dough, sift the flour before adding it in. Use a spoon to combine at first and switch to your hands if needed, making sure to incorporate every bit of flour evenly for that perfect biscotti stability.

Step 3: Shape Logs and Bake

Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, shape each half into logs roughly 7 by 3 inches. Brush the logs with the egg and milk wash for a lovely golden finish. Bake them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes, allowing the dough to firm up into the traditional biscotti form.

Step 4: Cooling and Lowering Oven Temperature

After removing the logs from the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes. This short rest lets the biscotti firm enough to slice without crumbling. Lower your oven temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for the critical “second bake.”

Step 5: Slice into Biscotti Shapes

Using a serrated bread knife, carefully slice the logs into pieces about half an inch to three-quarters of an inch thick. You can cut straight across for classic shapes or diagonally for a bit more surface area and a stylish look.

Step 6: Second Bake for Crispness

Place the biscotti slices back onto the parchment-lined sheet and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes. This second bake dries out the cookies for that signature crunch everyone loves in biscotti.

Step 7: Dip in Melted Dark Chocolate

While the biscotti cool, melt your dark chocolate chips gently in a double boiler or using 30 second bursts in the microwave, stirring between each to prevent burning. Dip the bottoms of the biscotti into the melted chocolate and drizzle some over the tops for a stunning and delicious finish. Set them back on a clean parchment sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to let the chocolate harden beautifully.

How to Serve Dark Chocolate Cherry Italian Biscotti Recipe

The image shows a golden-baked loaf of bread with dark, dried fruit pieces mixed inside. The loaf is partly sliced with one thick slice fully cut and laid flat beside it. Several thinner slices lie nearby, showing a soft and slightly crumbly texture with visible dried fruit chunks. The bread has a light brown crust with cracks and a pale yellow crumb inside. The background is a white marbled texture with some bread crumbs scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few finely chopped pistachios or slivered almonds over the chocolate before it sets for an added crunch and vibrant color contrast. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate festive touch that pairs wonderfully with the dark chocolate cherry combination.

Side Dishes

This biscotti shines alongside a steaming cup of freshly brewed espresso, cappuccino, or even a frothy chai latte. The chewy cherries and bittersweet chocolate complement warm beverages perfectly, making it a cozy accompaniment any time of day.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your biscotti in a decorative tin or a rustic wooden basket lined with parchment paper. Tie a pretty ribbon around each biscotti for a charming homemade gift, or stack them in a glass jar for a stunning kitchen display that invites guests to help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover biscotti fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their delightful crunch and flavor for up to two weeks when properly sealed.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the biscotti in a ziplock bag or airtight container for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving to enjoy their original crisp texture.

Reheating

If you want to revive that just-baked warmth and crunch, pop the biscotti in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them lose their crispness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries in this Dark Chocolate Cherry Italian Biscotti Recipe?

Fresh cherries contain a lot of moisture, which can alter the texture and baking time of biscotti. Dried cherries are preferable for consistent results and that perfect chewy bite.

How important is the second bake in this biscotti recipe?

The second bake is essential because it dries out the biscotti slices, giving them the classic crunch that biscotti are known for. Skipping this step would result in softer cookies.

What type of dark chocolate works best for dipping?

Use quality dark chocolate chips or bars with at least 60% cocoa content for the best flavor and melting quality. Avoid chocolate blends with a lot of additives or low cocoa percentages.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before forming the logs and baking. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping to make handling easier.

Is it necessary to brush the logs with egg and milk wash?

While not absolutely required, the egg and milk wash helps achieve a shiny, appealing finish and also assists the chocolate coating in adhering better after dipping.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the joy of biting into perfectly crisp biscotti dotted with juicy dried cherries and luxuriously coated in dark chocolate. This Dark Chocolate Cherry Italian Biscotti Recipe is a delightful treat that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make. Whether for sharing or savoring on your own, I can’t recommend giving it a try enough—your taste buds will thank you!