Choclate Pizzettes Recipe
Choclate Pizzettes are an irresistible blend of tender, spice-infused cookies studded with almonds and rich chocolate, then finished with a glossy chocolate glaze. Imagine a crisp, fragrant shell giving way to melt-in-your-mouth softness, zesty citrus notes, and a deep cocoa warmth in every bite. These pizzettes are a celebration of flavors, textures, and pure chocolate joy—perfect for holiday spreads, special gatherings, or those everyday moments that call for a little extra magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every element of Choclate Pizzettes plays a unique role! From the roasty almonds that provide crunch and depth, to those bursts of citrus dancing through the dough, and of course, enough chocolate to make any cocoa lover swoon. Here’s what you’ll need to bring these pizzettes to life (each one really does matter!).
- Raw skin-on almonds: Toasted almonds add nutty flavor, crunch, and rustic texture—don’t skip toasting, it makes a difference!
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure, holding everything beautifully together.
- Baking powder: Lends just the right lift for a soft, cakey center.
- Kosher salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Melted for extra tenderness and to help infuse those warming spices throughout.
- Ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg: This harmonious trio delivers the pizzette’s signature, cozy spice profile.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb.
- Dutch-process cocoa powder: Gives deep, fudgy flavor and that iconic, dark look.
- Large egg and egg yolk: For moisture, richness, and that perfect chewy bite.
- Bittersweet chocolate chips: Pockets of melty, bittersweet chocolate in every cookie!
- Lemon and orange zest: Fresh zest brightens up the chocolate and spice for a balanced, aromatic finish.
- More bittersweet chocolate (for glaze): Because you can never have too much chocolate.
- More unsalted butter (for glaze): Adds shine and lusciousness to the chocolate topping.
- Powdered sugar: Helps create a silky smooth glaze with a hint of sweetness.
- Pinch of kosher salt (for glaze): Rounds out the glaze and pops the chocolate flavor even more.
How to Make Choclate Pizzettes
Step 1: Toast the Almonds
Begin by placing your almonds on a rimmed baking sheet and popping them into an oven preheated to 350°. Let them toast, tossing once, for about 7 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re deeper in color and their fragrance fills your kitchen. Allow them to cool completely, then finely chop—this keeps the nuts crunchy throughout your Choclate Pizzettes.
Step 2: Prepare the Spiced Butter and Dry Ingredients
While the almonds cool off, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Next, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Let this spiced butter sit for a few minutes to let those flavors infuse—it’s like giving your dough a fragrant hug right from the start!
Step 3: Mix and Shape the Dough
In a big bowl, whisk your granulated sugar and cocoa powder together. Pour in that aromatic spiced butter, making sure to scrape all those precious spices from the pan. Whisk until smooth, then add the egg and egg yolk, whisking with gusto until everything is creamy and glossy. Fold in your dry ingredients, then stir in those cooled, chopped almonds, chocolate chips, and both orange and lemon zests. Once combined, turn the dough onto a clean surface, divide it in half, and roll each half into a log about 1½” wide. Flatten these logs to about 2” wide, then slice each at a diagonal into 1” wide pizzettes. Arrange the cookies on two parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them apart to give room for a little puffing.
Step 4: Bake the Choclate Pizzettes
Move your trays into a 375° oven, placing them on the upper and lower racks. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, rotating the sheets top to bottom and front to back halfway through to ensure even baking. When the pizzettes are firm at the edges but still soft in the centers, pull them from the oven and let them cool completely. Your whole kitchen will smell divine!
Step 5: Make the Chocolate Glaze
It’s glaze time! Melt bittersweet chocolate and a touch of butter in a heatproof bowl set over barely simmering water, or do short bursts in the microwave, stirring each time. Once melted and smooth, whisk in powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of boiling water until it’s shiny and luscious. This glaze is the finishing touch that takes these treats over the top.
Step 6: Dip and Set
Dip the tops of each cooled cookie into the glaze, turning them so you get a generous coating. Set each cookie glaze-side up on a wire rack and let them sit for about 2 hours. The glaze will set to a gorgeous sheen, making every Choclate Pizzette look irresistible.
Step 7: Storing Your Cookies
Once the glaze has set, your pizzettes are ready to enjoy. They’ll keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or you can freeze them to make them last even longer.
How to Serve Choclate Pizzettes
Garnishes
For a stunning finish, you can sprinkle the wet glaze with a touch of flaky sea salt, chopped candied orange peel, or even a few extra toasted almond bits. These tiny details add an elegant touch and a pop of flavor that make your Choclate Pizzettes stand out on any dessert table.
Side Dishes
Pairing Choclate Pizzettes with the right beverage or side makes them even more memorable. A mug of strong espresso or a cup of spiced tea works beautifully. For a little creamy indulgence, set out fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla gelato next to the cookies, letting their flavors mingle. Cheese boards with soft, tangy cheeses can also be a delightful, unexpected partner!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, stack Choclate Pizzettes on a rustic wooden board scattered with slices of dried citrus and sprigs of fresh rosemary. You can also wrap a few in parchment and twine for heartfelt homemade gifts, or layer them in a clear glass jar for an eye-catching holiday centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cooled and glazed Choclate Pizzettes in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to five days, retaining their soft interiors and that crave-worthy crisp at the edges. Place sheets of parchment between layers, if necessary, to keep the glaze picture-perfect.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the finished pizzettes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, with parchment between each layer to keep them from sticking. They’ll stay delightful for up to a month—and can be a lifesaver when you need a decadent treat at a moment’s notice.
Reheating
Enjoy Choclate Pizzettes straight from the container or at room temperature, but if you love a slightly melty chocolate top, pop them in the microwave for five to ten seconds. If you prefer, you can also give them a quick warm-up in a 300° oven for just a few minutes.
FAQs
Can I substitute other nuts for the almonds?
Absolutely! While almonds offer a classic crunch in Choclate Pizzettes, hazelnuts or walnuts make delicious alternatives. Just be sure to toast and chop them for the best texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have Dutch-process cocoa powder?
You can use natural cocoa powder in a pinch, but Dutch-process will give your pizzettes a richer flavor and darker color. If you use natural, the result may be a touch lighter and a bit more tangy, but still tasty!
Can I make Choclate Pizzettes gluten-free?
Certainly! Substitute a good-quality all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for the regular flour. The cookies might be a touch more delicate, so handle them gently, but they will still deliver on flavor.
How should I store pizzettes if I live in a humid climate?
Humidity can make cookies lose their crispness, so store Choclate Pizzettes in an airtight container with a small packet of uncooked rice or a food-safe silica gel to help absorb excess moisture. This keeps the cookies at their best texture!
Can I add more flavors to the glaze?
Absolutely! Stir a drop of orange oil, a little bit of espresso powder, or even a pinch of chili powder into the glaze for a unique twist. These flavors play nicely with the deep chocolate and warming spices already in the pizzettes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s as charming as it is delicious, I can’t recommend baking a batch of Choclate Pizzettes enough! The combination of spices, nuts, citrus, and layers of chocolate is just unforgettable. There’s real joy in every bite—so treat yourself and share a little with the people you love. Happy baking!
Print
Choclate Pizzettes Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful Chocolate Pizzettes are a perfect blend of rich chocolate flavors and aromatic spices, topped with a glossy glaze. A treat for chocolate lovers!
Ingredients
Cookies
- ¾ cup raw skin-on almonds
- 1½ cups (188 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ¾ tsp. ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp. ground cloves
- ½ tsp. ground nutmeg
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 4 oz. bittersweet chocolate chips (about 1 heaping cup)
- 1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
- 1 tsp. finely grated orange zest
Glaze and assembly
- 2 oz. bittersweet chocolate
- 2 tsp. unsalted butter
- ⅔ cup (75 g) powdered sugar
- Pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
- Cookies – Place racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 350°. Toast almonds on a rimmed baking sheet until slightly darkened and fragrant. Let cool, then finely chop. Increase oven temperature to 375°.
- Meanwhile, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Melt butter in a saucepan and stir in cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Remove from heat and let sit to infuse.
- Whisk sugar and cocoa powder in a bowl. Combine with spiced butter, add eggs, and mix in dry ingredients, almonds, chocolate chips, lemon zest, and orange zest. Shape into logs, slice, and bake cookies.
- Glaze and assembly – Melt chocolate and butter. Add powdered sugar, salt, and water to make a smooth glaze. Dip cookies in glaze and let set on a wire rack.
- Pizzettes can be stored airtight at room temperature or frozen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Chocolate Pizzettes, Chocolate Cookies, Dessert Recipe, Chocolate Glaze, Baking
