Christmas Biscotti

Submitted by coffy_bean

"I have always loved biscotti and thought I would be adventurous and try my hand at it. And this is what came of it. I call it x-mas biscotti because of the pistachios and cherries; but it is delicious anytime of year!! Feel free to experiment with other fruits and nuts. Enjoy!!!"

 

• Ready In: 1hr 10mins
• Ingredients: 11
• Yields: 24 biscotti

ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated orange peel
• 3 eggs
• 2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup pistachios, finely ground
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 3⁄4 cup sweetened dried cherries or 3/4 cup cranberries
• 1⁄2 cup pistachios
• 2⁄3 cup white vanilla baking chips, melted (optional)

directions

1. heat oven to 325. line cookie sheet with cooking parchment paper.
2. in large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.
3. add orange peel and eggs, one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.
4. on low speed, beat in flour, ground nuts, baking powder, and salt.
5. stir in berries and nuts.
6. divide dough in half. on 1 side of cookie sheet, shape half of dough into 10 inch log. repeat with remaining dough on same cookie sheet.
7. bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
8. cool 25 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to cutting board.
9. cut logs crosswise into 1/2 inch slices; discard ends. place slices, cut side down, on cookie sheet.
10. bake about 18 minutes longer, turning once, until biscotti are crisp and light brown.
11. immediately remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. cool completely, about 30 minutes.
12. drizzle with melted baking chips; let stand until set before storing.