The holiday season is the perfect time to gather around the kitchen and create delicious treats that warm the heart and soul. One Italian Christmas baking recipe that never fails to impress is the Cioccolato Speziato – Spiced Christmas Chocolate. This delightful dessert combines the rich sweetness of chocolate with the warmth of aromatic spices, creating a truly special treat to enjoy with loved ones during the festive season.
Cioccolato Speziato – Spiced Christmas Chocolate
Ingredients:
– 250g dark chocolate, chopped
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cocoa powder
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/2 tsp ground cloves
– 1/2 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional for topping)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides for easy removal later.
2. In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and unsalted butter. Melt the mixture in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and well combined. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler on the stovetop. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. This mixture of warm spices will infuse your chocolate dessert with the cozy flavors of the holiday season.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Slowly pour in the melted chocolate mixture, stirring continuously to incorporate.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as you want your Cioccolato Speziato to be rich and fudgy.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle the top with chopped nuts for some extra texture and crunch.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
8. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the Cioccolato Speziato to cool completely before slicing into decadent squares. These spiced chocolate treats are best enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of mulled wine for the ultimate holiday indulgence.
Cioccolato Speziato – Spiced Christmas Chocolate is a delightful twist on traditional Christmas desserts, combining the richness of dark chocolate with the aromatic flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for sharing with loved ones and spreading joy during the festive season. Serve these fudgy, spiced chocolate squares at your next holiday gathering and watch them disappear in no time!
