These crunchy Christmas biscotti are perfect for the holiday season! Flavored with hints of almonds and spices, they are great for dipping in your favorite coffee or tea.
Baking these treats always fills my kitchen with festive cheer. Plus, they make great gifts! Just wrap them up, and you have a perfect holiday surprise for friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the main structure for your biscotti. If you’re gluten-free, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps with the biscotti’s crispness. For a healthier option, you can substitute with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute you prefer.
Dried fruits: I love using a mix of cranberries, raisins, and sultanas, but feel free to customize with your favorites, like chopped apricots or dates! Just keep the total amount the same.
Nuts: Almonds and pecans are excellent choices, but you can swap in walnuts or pistachios for a different flavor. Omit them entirely if you’re nut-free, or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Extracts: The vanilla and almond extracts add wonderful flavor. If you want to switch it up, consider using hazelnut or orange extract for a unique twist!
How Do I Get My Biscotti Crunchy Yet Not Overdone?
Biscotti is all about that delightful crunch. Here’s how to achieve it without turning them into rocks:
- After your first bake, let the logs cool slightly to make slicing easier without crumbling.
- When cutting, use a serrated knife and cut gently to avoid crushing the dough.
- Bake the slices evenly on each side. Be patient and don’t rush the flipping part, as good air circulation is key for crispness.
- Make sure to cool the biscotti completely on a wire rack after the second bake; this helps them firm up nicely.
Enjoy your baking, and feel free to get creative with flavors and mix-ins! This recipe is all about personal touch for the holidays. Happy baking!
How to Make Christmas Biscotti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Mix-Ins:
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as dried cranberries, golden raisins, and sultanas)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or pecans)
Optional Toppings:
- White chocolate for drizzling
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 50-60 minutes to bake, making for a total time of about 1 hour and 15-20 minutes. Just a little waiting while it cools down, and you’ll have perfect biscotti ready to enjoy or share!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until they’re well combined. This creates the base for your biscotti!
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs with the vanilla and almond extracts. This will add that delightful flavor to the biscotti.
4. Combine Everything:
Gradually stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until everything is nicely mixed together. You want a thick and slightly sticky dough.
5. Add the Good Stuff:
Carefully fold in the dried fruits and chopped nuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Shape the Dough:
Divide the dough into two portions. Shape each portion into a log about 10-12 inches long and 2-3 inches wide. Place them on the lined baking sheet with some space in between, as they’ll spread a little!
7. First Bake:
Bake the logs for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden and firm when you touch them. The aroma you’ll get in your kitchen is fantastic!
8. Cool and Slice:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the logs cool for about 10 minutes. Then, using a serrated knife, cut each log diagonally into 1/2-inch thick slices.
9. Second Bake:
Place the slices cut side down on the baking sheet. Bake again for 10-12 minutes. Flip each slice and bake for another 10 minutes until they’re crisp and golden.
10. Final Touch and Serve:
Allow the biscotti to cool completely on a wire rack. If you went for the optional melted white chocolate, drizzle it over the cooled biscotti and dust them lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy your crunchy, fruity Christmas biscotti, perfect for the holiday celebrations! They also make great gifts if you decide to share.
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for This Biscotti?
Yes! You can easily substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free to keep the recipe entirely gluten-free!
How Should I Store Leftover Biscotti?
Store leftover biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. They will stay crisp if sealed properly. You can also freeze them for up to three months for longer storage!
Can I Make Adjustments to the Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the dried fruits and nuts based on your preferences. Just keep the total amount the same so the texture of the dough remains consistent. You can even add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra holiday flair!
What’s the Best Way to Enjoy Biscotti?
Biscotti is perfect for dipping! Pair it with a hot beverage like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate to enhance the flavors. If you’ve drizzled with white chocolate, it adds a delightful touch to the experience!
