Name: Jewish Chocolate Chip Mandel Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-485416H41M19S
Total time: PT-485416H41M19S
Cuisine: Jewish
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

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

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