Name: Grandma Annie’s Chocolate Chip Mandel Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 25 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Jewish
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off with back edge of knife; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1¼ teaspoons cinnamon, divided; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (or 1 cup vegetable oil); 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, divided; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon almond extract; 3 large eggs; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; ¾ cup coarsely chopped pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 79 reviews

If you’re searching for a treat that’s comforting, a little nostalgic, and absolutely irresistible, you have to try Grandma Annie’s Chocolate Chip Mandel Bread Recipe. This delightful Jewish cookie combines the crispness of biscotti with the sweet, chocolatey goodness of traditional chocolate chip cookies to create a perfect snack that’s both crunchy and tender. Everyone who bites into these double-baked mandel bread slices instantly falls in love with the warm spices, buttery dough, and melty chocolate chips. It’s a timeless recipe that brings family and friends together, making any occasion feel special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a creamy, light beige dough mixture. The dough has a smooth, thick texture with some soft peaks and swirls made by the beaters. Two metal beaters of a white electric hand mixer are inserted into the dough on the right side of the bowl, showing some dough clinging to them. The bowl's edge has a light dusting of white flour. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of Grandma Annie’s Chocolate Chip Mandel Bread Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one adds a unique layer of flavor or texture that’s essential to achieving that perfect crunch and rich taste.

3 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base for the dough, giving structure and softness to every bite.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the mandel bread rise just enough for a light texture without being cakey.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
1¼ teaspoons cinnamon, divided: Brings warm spice notes that brighten and complement the chocolate.
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle earthy depth that makes the flavor more complex and interesting.
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (or vegetable oil): Provides richness and tenderness with a silky mouthfeel.
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, divided: Sweetens the dough and also creates a slightly caramelized crunch when baked.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness naturally and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
¼ teaspoon almond extract: Adds that classic mandel bread flavor, reminiscent of toasted almonds.
3 large eggs: Bind the dough and add a light, airy texture once baked.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient that delivers melty pockets of rich chocolate in every bite.
¾ cup coarsely chopped pecans, walnuts or slivered almonds (optional): Adds crunch and nutty flavor, but feel free to skip if you prefer just chocolate.

How to Make Grandma Annie’s Chocolate Chip Mandel Bread Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, one teaspoon of cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. This step ensures that the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed so every bite tastes consistent and flavorful.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Mixture

Using an electric mixer, beat the melted butter, one cup of sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract together until combined. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating on medium speed until the mixture thickens and turns a pale yellow, about two to three minutes. This process helps incorporate air, giving your mandel bread a light and tender crumb.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix on low speed just until the flour is incorporated—overmixing will make the mandel bread too dense. Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts if you’re using them. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 1 to 2 hours to let it firm up for easy shaping.

Step 4: Shape and First Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and set two racks in the center positions. Line two baking sheets with parchment. Lightly flour a clean surface and divide the dough into two logs, about 2 inches wide, 13 inches long, and 1 inch tall. Place them on the prepared sheets and bake for roughly 25 minutes until lightly golden, rotating the sheets halfway through to ensure even baking.

Step 5: Slice, Sugar, and Second Bake

After removing the logs from the oven, let them cool for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, reduce the oven temperature to 250°F. Mix the remaining tablespoon of sugar with ¼ teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Slice the logs diagonally into ¾-inch-thick cookies. Flip each cookie onto its side, sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then flip and repeat on the other side. Place the cookies back in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until golden and crispy. Let them cool completely on the baking sheets—this is what delivers that addictive crunch.

How to Serve Grandma Annie’s Chocolate Chip Mandel Bread Recipe

The image shows a metal baking tray lined with brown parchment paper holding 15 pieces of biscotti. Each biscotti slice is light golden brown with visible darker spots of nuts and chocolate chips scattered throughout. The edges are slightly darker and crisp. The biscotti pieces are arranged in a loose, uneven pattern across the tray. There is a fine dusting of powdered sugar sprinkled lightly over the biscotti and parchment paper. The tray sits on a white marbled surface with a white tiled wall in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While Grandma Annie’s Chocolate Chip Mandel Bread Recipe is wonderful on its own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate creates an elegant finishing touch. Freshly chopped nuts sprinkled on top right after drizzling make for an irresistible look and added texture.

Side Dishes

This mandel bread pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. It also complements creamy soups or a fruity spread like apricot preserves for a sweet-salty contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the mandel bread slices in a basket lined with parchment paper for a cozy gift or potluck contribution. You can also layer them in a dessert trifle with whipped cream, berries, and chocolate ganache for an indulgent twist that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover mandel bread in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp and fresh for up to two weeks. The cookies actually get crispier as they sit, so you’ll enjoy a delightful crunch even days later.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, the dough freezes beautifully. Shape the dough into logs, wrap thoroughly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw until pliable and continue with the recipe. You can also freeze fully baked cookies by double-wrapping them; just thaw overnight before serving.

Reheating

To bring back the freshly baked crispness, warm mandel bread slices in a 300°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This will refresh their crunch and melt the chocolate slightly for that just-baked taste.

FAQs

What makes mandel bread different from biscotti?

Mandel bread is similar to biscotti but typically has a richer, softer crumb and is often flavored with almond extract and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Plus, adding chocolate chips, as in Grandma Annie’s recipe, gives it a sweet twist that’s distinct.

Can I use different types of chocolate in this recipe?

Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, you can substitute with dark, milk, or white chocolate chips depending on your preference. Chopped chocolate bars also work wonderfully for pockets of gooey chocolate.

Are nuts necessary in Grandma Annie’s Chocolate Chip Mandel Bread Recipe?

Nuts are optional and can be left out if you prefer nut-free treats or allergies are a concern. They do add a lovely crunch and depth of flavor, but the recipe is fantastic even without them.

How long does the dough need to chill before baking?

Chilling the dough for 1 to 2 hours is important to firm it up for shaping into logs. It helps prevent spreading and ensures the mandel bread holds its shape while baking, leading to that perfect texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind the texture and taste might vary slightly, but the delicious spirit of Grandma Annie’s Chocolate Chip Mandel Bread Recipe will still shine through.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you embrace the joy and warmth that comes from baking and sharing Grandma Annie’s Chocolate Chip Mandel Bread Recipe. It’s a recipe that carries love and tradition in every bite, perfect for brightening your day or gifting to those you care about. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to cookie!