Christmas Biscotti with Red Currants and Pistachios are the perfect blend of flavors to warm your holiday season. These crispy treats are studded with tart red currants, crunchy pistachios, and sweet white chocolate, making them an absolutely delightful companion for your morning coffee or a sweet afternoon snack. The beautiful colors and textures not only taste great but also add a festive touch to any holiday gathering. So, let’s get baking!
What You’ll Need for Christmas Biscotti
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 312 g (2 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
- 200 g (1 cup) sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 90 g (1/2 cup) white chocolate chips
- 70 g (1/2 cup) shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
- 70 g (1/2 cup) dried cranberries
- 30 g (1/4 cup) candied citron peel, finely chopped
- 3 large eggs
- 15 ml (1 tablespoon) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 15 ml (1 tablespoon) water
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Step-by-Step Christmas Biscotti Recipe
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Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so your biscotti won’t stick.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.
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Add Mix-ins: Toss in the white chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, dried cranberries, and candied citron peel. Mix thoroughly so that everything is evenly distributed.
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Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and frothy.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until it forms a crumbly dough.
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Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a clean surface. Gently knead it with your hands just until it becomes smooth and cohesive.
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Shape the Logs: Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Roll each piece into a log about 23 cm (9 inches) long. Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 15 cm (6 inches) between them.
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Flatten the Logs: Press each log gently down until they are about 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick.
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Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the water and egg white. Brush this mixture over the logs and sprinkle them with a bit of sugar.
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Bake: Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are lightly golden.
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Cool and Slice: Remove from the oven and let the biscotti cool for a few minutes. Once they are cool enough to handle, slice them diagonally into approximately 2 cm (1 inch) thick pieces with a serrated knife.
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Second Bake: Arrange the slices cut side up on the baking sheet and return them to the oven. Bake for another 15 minutes or until they are crisp and lightly toasted.
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Cool Completely: Let the biscotti cool on a wire rack before storing them in an airtight container. They can last for several weeks if kept in a cool, dry place.
How to Serve Christmas Biscotti
These beautiful biscotti are lovely served alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For a special touch, consider presenting them on a festive platter sprinkled with powdered sugar or drizzled with melted chocolate. You can also pair them with a sweet cheese spread or enjoy them as a delightful treat after dinner. They make great gifts, too! Just bag them up in a pretty cellophane and tie with a ribbon.
Expert Tips for Christmas Biscotti
- Chop Wisely: When chopping the pistachios and candied citron, try to keep the pieces somewhat large. This will give your biscotti a nice crunch and visual appeal.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to swap out the white chocolate and cranberries for your favorite ingredients! Try adding almonds, hazelnuts, or even dried apricots for a different flavor.
- Storage Secrets: To keep your biscotti crunchy, make sure they are completely cool before storing, and use an airtight container.
Christmas Biscotti FAQs
Can I make these biscotti in advance?
Absolutely! They store well for several weeks, making them perfect for holiday baking in advance.
What other flavors pair well with these biscotti?
Try adding orange zest or a hint of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.
How can I keep the biscotti from getting too hard?
Make sure to keep an eye on the second bake; they only need about 15 minutes to get crisp without becoming overly hard.
Don’t wait too long to try baking these Christmas Biscotti with Red Currants and Pistachios! They’re sure to become a new holiday favorite in your home. Happy baking!