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Jewish Chocolate Chip Mandel Bread

This classic Jewish chocolate chip mandel bread recipe offers a delightful twist on the traditional cookie. With its twice-baked method, it achieves the perfect balance of sweetness and a satisfying crunch. The use of chocolate chips makes it a crowd-pleaser, while also being incredibly adaptable to your favorite nuts, dried fruits, and spices. This recipe is rooted in Eastern European Jewish culinary traditions, often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions.

  • Total Time: 1 hour and 10-20 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 24 slices

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. Beat melted butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
  5. Divide dough in half and shape into 12-inch long logs on baking sheets.
  6. Bake 25-30 minutes, until golden. Cool on sheets for 10-15 minutes.
  7. Reduce oven to 250°F (120°C). Slice logs diagonally into 1/2-inch slices.
  8. Bake slices cut-side down for 15-20 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.
  9. Cool completely on wire racks.

Notes

  • For a more traditional flavor, replace the chocolate chips with chopped almonds.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice for extra warmth and complexity.
  • This recipe can easily be adapted for dietary needs. Explore gluten-free flour variations, vegan butter, and egg substitutes (like a flax egg).
  • Author: Juana M. Benedict
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50-60 minutes (total for both bakes)
  • Category: Dessert, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Jewish
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg