Cherry Pistachio Biscotti are a delightful and elegant treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. These twice-baked Italian cookies are studded with tart dried cherries and crunchy pistachios, offering a wonderful contrast in textures and flavors. The biscotti are subtly sweet with a hint of vanilla and have a satisfyingly crisp texture that softens beautifully when dunked. Their festive colors make them particularly appealing for holiday gifting or entertaining.
Recipe: Cherry Pistachio Biscotti
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
- 1 cup dried cherries, chopped
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the chopped pistachios and dried cherries.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the vanilla extract and orange zest if using. Add this to the dry ingredients, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
- Shape the Dough:
- Divide the dough in half. On the prepared baking sheet, shape each half into a log approximately 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Space them well apart as they will spread.
- First Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the logs are light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Slice and Bake Again:
- Transfer the logs to a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut diagonally into 3/4-inch thick slices. Place the slices cut side down back on the baking sheet.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, turning the slices over halfway through, until they are crisp and golden.
- Cool and Store:
- Allow the biscotti to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve or Store:
- Enjoy these biscotti with your favorite beverage or pack them in airtight containers where they can keep for several weeks.
Cherry Pistachio Biscotti bring a festive and flavorful twist to the traditional biscotti, making them a delightful addition to any cookie assortment, especially during the holidays. Their crunchy, chewy texture and the combination of cherries and nuts offer a tasty experience that’s both satisfying and uniquely delicious.
