Christmas Biscotti

Christmas Biscotti is a festive and flavorful holiday treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. These crunchy, twice-baked Italian cookies are packed with seasonal flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, dried cranberries, and pistachios, giving them a delightful mix of sweet and nutty goodness. Often dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with holiday colors, these biscotti are perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa during the holiday season. Whether as a gift or as part of your holiday cookie platter, Christmas Biscotti brings warmth and cheer to your celebrations.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
• 1/2 cup white or dark chocolate, melted (optional for dipping)
• Holiday sprinkles (optional for decoration)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Make the dough: In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pistachios.
4. Shape the biscotti: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 10 inches long and 2 inches wide. Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet and flatten them slightly.
5. First bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the logs are golden brown and firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes.
6. Slice and second bake: Using a sharp knife, slice the logs into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Lay the biscotti slices flat on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning.
7. Dip and decorate (optional): Once the biscotti have cooled completely, dip one end of each cookie in melted chocolate and decorate with holiday sprinkles.

These Christmas Biscotti are crunchy, festive, and filled with holiday flavors, making them the perfect cookie to enjoy with coffee or hot cocoa during the Christmas season!