Christmas is a time for gathering with loved ones, exchanging gifts, and indulging in delicious treats. And what better way to celebrate the festive season than with a batch of homemade biscotti? These twice-baked delights are wonderfully crisp, perfect for dunking in coffee or hot chocolate, and make fantastic gifts for friends and family. This recipe offers a simple, delicious approach to creating these classic Italian cookies, ensuring a memorable addition to your Christmas celebrations. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is designed to be easy to follow and incredibly rewarding.
Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped almonds (or other nuts like pecans or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or other dried fruits like cherries)
- Zest of one orange (optional, for extra festive flavour)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Make the Dough:
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In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. This incorporates air for a lighter biscotti texture.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Stir in the chopped almonds, dried cranberries, and orange zest (if using).
Bake the First Time:
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Turn the dough out onto the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the log is lightly golden brown.
Slice and Bake Again:
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Remove the log from the oven and let it cool slightly on the baking sheet.
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Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
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Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the log into 1/2-inch thick slices.
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Arrange the slices, cut-side down, on the baking sheet.
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Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the biscotti are golden brown and crisp.
Cool and Enjoy:
- Remove the biscotti from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Biscotti:
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough biscotti.
- Use a serrated knife: This type of knife prevents the biscotti from crumbling as you slice them.
- Let the log cool slightly: This prevents the slices from breaking apart when you cut them.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: This ensures even baking and crisp biscotti.
Variations:
- Chocolate Biscotti: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
- Spice Biscotti: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of cloves to the dough.
- Citrus Biscotti: Use lemon or lime zest instead of orange zest. A touch of lemon juice can enhance the flavour too!
Nutritional Information (per biscotti, approximate):
This will vary based on ingredients used. Use an online nutritional calculator for precise values based on your specific ingredients. Generally, expect a moderate amount of calories, carbohydrates and some healthy fats from the nuts.
These festive biscotti are a delicious and easy addition to your Christmas baking. Enjoy the process and the compliments you’ll receive! They're a delightful treat to share, a perfect gift, or a simple indulgence for yourself. Happy baking!