Amazing Peanut Butter Cup Biscotti Recipe: A Crunchy & Delicious Treat
Biscotti, meaning “twice-baked” in Italian, are traditionally hard, dry biscuits that are perfect for dunking in coffee, tea, or even Vin Santo. But don’t let their reputation fool you; biscotti can also be incredibly flavorful and satisfying, especially when you add the irresistible combination of peanut butter and chocolate. This recipe for Peanut Butter Cup Biscotti takes the classic Italian treat and elevates it with the creamy, nutty goodness of peanut butter and the sweet, decadent charm of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. These biscotti are not only delicious but also make a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family, especially during the holidays.
## Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cup Biscotti Recipe
* **Irresistible Flavor Combination:** The marriage of peanut butter and chocolate is a flavor profile that’s universally loved. The nutty richness of the peanut butter perfectly complements the sweet, slightly bitter notes of the chocolate, creating a symphony of taste that will leave you wanting more.
* **Perfectly Crunchy Texture:** The double-baking process ensures that these biscotti are incredibly crunchy, providing a satisfying textural contrast to the soft peanut butter cups. The biscotti retain some tenderness from the peanut butter, so are not as hard as some traditional biscotti.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite their sophisticated flavor, these biscotti are surprisingly easy to make. The recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Biscotti are a fantastic make-ahead dessert. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks, making them perfect for holiday baking or whenever you need a sweet treat on hand.
* **Customizable:** This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences. You can experiment with different types of chocolate, add nuts or spices, or even drizzle the finished biscotti with melted chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 3 cups, plus more for dusting
* **Baking Powder:** 1 teaspoon
* **Baking Soda:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon
* **Unsalted Butter:** 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1 cup
* **Light Brown Sugar:** 1/2 cup, packed
* **Creamy Peanut Butter:** 1/2 cup
* **Eggs:** 3 large
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon
* **Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups:** 1 1/2 cups, coarsely chopped (about 12-15 cups, depending on the size)
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large Mixing Bowl
* Electric Mixer (stand or hand-held)
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Baking Sheets
* Parchment Paper
* Serrated Knife
* Cooling Rack
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create your own batch of amazing Peanut Butter Cup Biscotti:
**Step 1: Prepare the Dough**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a separate large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. **Add Peanut Butter:** Beat in the creamy peanut butter until well combined.
5. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
6. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. **Fold in Peanut Butter Cups:** Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
**Step 2: Shape and Bake the Logs**
1. **Divide Dough:** Divide the dough in half.
2. **Shape into Logs:** On a lightly floured surface, shape each half of the dough into a log about 12 inches long and 3 inches wide. Gently flatten the logs slightly.
3. **Transfer to Baking Sheets:** Carefully transfer the logs to the prepared baking sheets, leaving several inches of space between them.
4. **Bake:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the logs are lightly golden brown and firm to the touch. They may crack slightly on top, which is perfectly normal.
**Step 3: Cool and Slice the Logs**
1. **Cool Slightly:** Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the logs cool on the baking sheets for about 10-15 minutes. This will make them easier to handle.
2. **Reduce Oven Temperature:** Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
3. **Slice the Logs:** Using a sharp, serrated knife, carefully slice the logs into 1/2-inch thick biscotti. Cut them at a slight angle for a more traditional look.
**Step 4: Second Bake (Biscotti!)**
1. **Arrange Biscotti on Baking Sheets:** Arrange the biscotti cut-side up on the baking sheets, leaving a little space between each one.
2. **Bake Again:** Bake for 10-12 minutes on each side, or until the biscotti are golden brown and crisp. The longer you bake them, the crunchier they will become. Adjust baking time according to your desired level of crispness.
3. **Cool Completely:** Transfer the biscotti to a wire rack and let them cool completely before storing.
## Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cup Biscotti
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough can result in tough biscotti. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
* **Chill the Dough (Optional):** If the dough is too sticky to handle, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping the logs. This will make it easier to work with.
* **Use a Serrated Knife:** A sharp, serrated knife is essential for slicing the biscotti cleanly. A dull knife will crush the logs and result in uneven slices.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** The baking time may vary depending on your oven. Keep a close eye on the biscotti during the second bake and adjust the time accordingly to achieve your desired level of crispness.
* **Let Cool Completely:** Allow the biscotti to cool completely before storing. This will prevent them from becoming soggy.
* **Add a Chocolate Drizzle:** Once the biscotti have cooled, melt some semi-sweet or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the tops for an extra touch of indulgence.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to experiment with different flavors and additions. Try adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or spices to the dough. You can also use different types of chocolate for the drizzle.
* **Quality of Peanut Butter Cups:** Use high-quality Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for the best flavor and texture. Generic brands may not melt or taste as good.
## Variations and Add-Ins
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet) to the dough for an extra chocolatey flavor.
* **Nuts:** Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as peanuts, almonds, or walnuts, for added crunch and flavor.
* **Dried Fruit:** Mix in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, cherries, or apricots for a chewy and fruity twist.
* **Spices:** Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm and cozy flavor.
* **Espresso Powder:** Stir in 1 tablespoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor and add a hint of coffee.
* **White Chocolate:** Substitute white chocolate chips for semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a sweeter flavor profile.
* **Peanut Butter Drizzle:** Drizzle melted peanut butter over the biscotti along with or instead of chocolate.
* **Sea Salt:** Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top after drizzling with chocolate to enhance the flavors.
## Serving Suggestions
* **Dunking:** The classic way to enjoy biscotti is by dunking them in coffee, tea, or Vin Santo.
* **Dessert Platter:** Include Peanut Butter Cup Biscotti on a dessert platter alongside other cookies, cakes, and pastries.
* **Gift Giving:** Package the biscotti in a decorative tin or bag and give them as a homemade gift.
* **Ice Cream Topping:** Crumble the biscotti over ice cream or yogurt for added texture and flavor.
* **Snack:** Enjoy a biscotti as a satisfying snack any time of day.
## Storage Instructions
* **Airtight Container:** Store the cooled biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. They will gradually lose some of their crispness over time, but they will still be delicious.
* **Freezing:** For longer storage, you can freeze the biscotti. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw completely before serving.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?**
A: While creamy peanut butter is recommended for a smoother texture, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer. The biscotti will have a slightly more pronounced peanut flavor and a bit more texture.
**Q: Can I make these biscotti without Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups?**
A: Yes, you can substitute the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with other chocolate chips or chunks, or even omit them entirely for a more traditional peanut butter biscotti. However, the peanut butter cups are what make this recipe special.
**Q: Why are my biscotti too hard?**
A: Biscotti can become too hard if they are baked for too long during the second bake. Reduce the baking time slightly and check them frequently to prevent over-baking. Also, make sure you are not slicing them too thin.
**Q: Why are my biscotti too soft?**
A: Biscotti can be too soft if they are not baked long enough during the second bake. Increase the baking time slightly and check them frequently to achieve your desired level of crispness. Letting them cool completely on a wire rack helps them to crisp up as well.
**Q: Can I use a different type of flour?**
A: All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe. Using other types of flour may affect the texture and consistency of the biscotti.
**Q: Can I make these biscotti gluten-free?**
A: Yes, you can make these biscotti gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that is designed for baking and contains xanthan gum or another binding agent.
**Q: The dough is too sticky to handle, what can I do?**
A: If the dough is too sticky to handle, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping the logs. This will make it easier to work with.
## Peanut Butter Cup Biscotti Recipe Card
**Yields:** Approximately 24 biscotti
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 50-60 minutes (including both bakes)
**Ingredients:**
* 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
* 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
* 3 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 1/2 cups Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, coarsely chopped
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in peanut butter until combined.
5. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
7. Gently fold in chopped peanut butter cups.
8. Divide dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, shape each half into a 12-inch long log.
9. Transfer logs to prepared baking sheets.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
11. Let cool on baking sheets for 10-15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
12. Using a serrated knife, slice logs into 1/2-inch thick biscotti.
13. Arrange biscotti cut-side up on baking sheets.
14. Bake for 10-12 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crisp.
15. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before storing.
Enjoy your homemade Peanut Butter Cup Biscotti! They’re the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family. Happy baking!