Christmas Biscuits are the perfect holiday treat that not only look festive but also burst with delicious flavors. Imagine the sweet, tangy taste of dried cranberries coupled with the nutty crunch of pistachios, all brought together by a hint of Amaretto and the refreshing zest of orange. These delightful biscochos are ideal for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season, making them a beloved tradition in many households. Whether enjoyed with a warm cup of tea or gifted to loved ones, these biscuits truly embody the spirit of Christmas.
What You’ll Need for Christmas Biscuits
To make these festive delights, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup dried cranberries (150 g)
- 1 cup shelled pistachios (130 g)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125 g)
- 1/2 cup sugar (100 g)
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup Amaretto (60 ml)
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate (90 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- pinch of salt
How to Make Christmas Biscuits
Follow these simple steps to create your Christmas Biscuits:
- Preheat your oven to 180 °C (350 °F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Stir in the Amaretto and grated orange zest, mixing until evenly incorporated.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, stirring until fully blended.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and pistachios, ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout the dough.
- Shape the dough into two logs, about 2 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the logs are golden brown.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes. Carefully slice the logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
- Return the sliced pieces to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to crisp them up.
- While the biscuits are cooling, melt the dark chocolate in a microwave or over a double boiler. Dip the ends of the biscochos into the melted chocolate.
- Allow the chocolate to set before serving your delicious Christmas Biscuits!
Serve & Enjoy Christmas Biscuits
These Christmas Biscuits are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. For a lovely presentation, arrange them on a festive platter and maybe drizzle a little extra melted chocolate on top for a decorative touch. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Serve them with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea, and watch your guests delight in the beautiful combination of flavors.
Expert Tips for Christmas Biscuits
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a touch of almond extract or a few pinches of cinnamon to the dough.
- If you don’t have Amaretto on hand, other flavored liqueurs, like orange liqueur, can work well too.
- To store your biscochos, place them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Christmas Biscuits FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries can be quite tart and may affect the overall sweetness of the biscuits. If you want to use fresh ones, consider cooking them with a bit of sugar to sweeten them before adding.
How do I know when the biscuits are fully baked?
The logs should be golden brown on the outside. After slicing, they should crunch slightly when you bite into them—you can return them to the oven for a few more minutes if they seem soft.
Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the logs ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to slice and crisp them. They also make great gifts when packaged nicely!
Give these Christmas Biscuits a try, and you’ll bring a sweet taste of tradition to your holiday celebrations. Enjoy the process and the delicious results, and happy baking!