As the holiday season unfolds, there’s no better way to embrace the festive spirit than by filling your home with the aroma of freshly baked Holiday Biscotti. These delightful, twice-baked cookies are a timeless treat, perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying with a cozy cup of coffee or tea. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the ingredients, guide you through the step-by-step instructions, share cook notes and variations, and provide keto and low-carb versions. Let’s dive into the heartwarming world of Holiday Biscotti and create cherished moments this season.
Ingredients
For the Biscotti:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts)
- 1 cup dried fruits (cranberries, apricots, or cherries)
For the Holiday Drizzle:
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Festive sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
Crafting the Biscotti:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Create Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add vanilla extract, almond extract, and orange zest. Mix well.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
- Fold in Nuts and Fruits: Gently fold in the chopped nuts and dried fruits until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the Dough: Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a log on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten the logs slightly.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the logs are golden brown.
- Slice and Bake Again: Remove the logs from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes. Using a sharp knife, slice the logs diagonally into 1/2-inch slices. Place the slices back on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until crisp.
Drizzling with Holiday Cheer:
- Prepare the Drizzle: In a bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth.
- Drizzle and Decorate: Once the biscotti have cooled, drizzle the icing over the top of each cookie and add festive sprinkles for an extra touch of holiday joy.
Cook Notes
- Experiment with Flavors: Tailor the biscotti to your taste by trying different combinations of nuts and dried fruits. From classic almonds and cranberries to exotic pistachios and apricots, the possibilities are endless.
- Perfectly Golden Logs: Keep an eye on the color of the logs during the first bake. They should be a beautiful golden brown, indicating they are ready for slicing.
- Adjust Drizzle Consistency: If the drizzle is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add more confectioners’ sugar until you achieve the desired consistency.
Variations
1. Chocolate Bliss:
For a chocolatey twist, dip one end of the biscotti in melted dark or white chocolate. Allow it to set before serving.
2. Citrus Infusion:
Enhance the orange zest in the biscotti by adding a touch of lemon zest to the dough. This citrus infusion adds a bright, refreshing flavor.
3. Nut-Free Delight:
Catering to nut-free preferences? Simply omit the nuts and double up on dried fruits for a chewy, fruity biscotti.
Keto Versions
For those on a keto journey, consider these modifications:
- Almond Flour Base: Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour to achieve a lower carb count.
- Use Keto Sweeteners: Replace granulated sugar with keto-friendly sweeteners like erythritol or monk fruit.
- Mind the Fruits: Choose low-carb dried fruits in moderation or consider omitting them to reduce the carbohydrate content.
Low-Carb Version
To cater to low-carb preferences, make these adjustments:
- Almond and Coconut Flour Blend: Combine almond flour with coconut flour for a lower-carb alternative to all-purpose flour.
- Sugar-Free Drizzle: Use a sugar-free sweetener in the drizzle to maintain sweetness without the added carbs.
- Choose Low-Carb Nuts: Opt for nuts that are lower in carbs, such as almonds or pecans, to keep the overall carb count in check.
Holiday Biscotti is more than a treat; it’s a festive tradition that brings warmth and joy to every gathering. Whether you follow the classic recipe, explore tempting variations, or adapt it to keto and low-carb preferences, these cookies are bound to become a holiday staple. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and embark on a journey of delightful baking. Here’s to savoring the essence of the season with every crisp, flavorful bite of Holiday Biscotti!
