Chocolate Pistachio Biscotti is the ideal treat for anyone who loves deep chocolate flavor paired with the nutty crunch of pistachios. This twice-baked Italian cookie is famous for its crisp texture, long shelf life, and beautiful presentation. In this version, the dark cocoa and chopped chocolate give each bite an intense, brownie-like richness, while the pistachios add color, crunch, and a slightly salty balance. The result is a biscotti that is flavorful, crisp, and surprisingly easy to make.
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Pistachio Biscotti
- Deep chocolate flavor: Made with cocoa powder and finely chopped dark chocolate inside the dough.
- Perfect crunch: The double-baking method makes the biscotti crispy but not overly hard.
- Beautiful texture: Bright green pistachios give each slice a festive and elegant appearance.
- Easy to store: These biscotti last for weeks in an airtight container, making them ideal for gifts or meal prep.
- Effortlessly impressive: Though simple to prepare, they look like something straight from an Italian bakery.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Dark chocolate (finely chopped or chocolate chips)
- Pistachios (coarsely chopped)
- Melted dark chocolate for dipping or drizzling
- Extra pistachios for garnish
How to Make Chocolate Pistachio Biscotti
1. Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and part of the chopped chocolate. These dry ingredients are processed until they become a fine, crumbly mixture. This ensures an even chocolate flavor throughout the dough.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract. The dough begins as crumbly but comes together as you mix. Once it forms a soft dough, turn it onto a lightly floured surface.
2. Add the Pistachios
Fold in the coarsely chopped pistachios. Their texture and color add richness and beauty to the chocolate dough. Knead just enough to distribute the nuts evenly without overworking.
3. Shape the Logs
Divide the dough into two logs (or one larger log if you prefer bigger biscotti). Flatten slightly so they bake evenly. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. First Bake
Bake the logs until firm and set. They should be slightly cracked and dry on the surface but still soft inside. Allow the logs to cool for about 10–15 minutes before slicing.
5. Slice the Biscotti
Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the logs diagonally into thin pieces, about 1 cm thick. Diagonal slices give biscotti their classic elongated shape.
6. Second Bake (The Crisping Stage)
Arrange the slices cut-side up on the baking sheet and bake again. This second bake dries the biscotti to achieve the perfect crunchy texture. Turn them once halfway through if you prefer extra crispiness.
7. Optional: Add Chocolate Coating
Once cooled, you can dip the ends in melted dark chocolate or drizzle thin lines across the surface. Sprinkle extra chopped pistachios before the chocolate sets for added beauty.
Tips for Perfect Biscotti
- Use a serrated knife to prevent crumbling when slicing.
- Let the logs cool slightly—too hot and they fall apart, too cold and they become hard to cut.
- For softer biscotti, shorten the second bake.
- For very crunchy biscotti, extend the second bake by a few minutes.
- Toast the pistachios lightly before adding for extra flavor.
How to Serve Chocolate Pistachio Biscotti
- With espresso, cappuccino, or hot chocolate
- Crumbled over vanilla ice cream
- As part of a holiday gift box
- With afternoon tea
- As a sweet snack on their own
How to Store Them
Biscotti store exceptionally well. Once fully cooled, place them in an airtight container. They keep fresh for up to 3 weeks. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Pistachio Biscotti combines all the best elements of Italian baking: simplicity, elegance, and rich flavors. With their deep chocolate taste and vibrant pistachio crunch, they’re the perfect cookie for coffee lovers and dessert fans alike. Make a batch for your home, or package them beautifully as a thoughtful homemade gift.