Pistachio & Cranberry Biscotti (Simple Gourmet)

A delicious Italian treat
with holiday flavors ❤

Ingredients:

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter at room temperature

3/4 cup sugar

2 eggs at room temperature

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 cups flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoons salt

3/4 shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped

2/3 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped

1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

1 teaspoon shortening

Method:

Preheat oven to 350*. Line a baking sheet with sides with parchment paper and set aside.

Cream together the butter and sugar in a large bowl for 3 minutes, at medium speed, until light and fluffy. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Mix in the eggs, one at a time, at low speed and then add the vanilla.

Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, again.  Add the sifted ingredients and mix on low speed just until combined. Stir in the pistachios and cranberries.

Divide the dough into 2 equal portions. On the prepared baking sheet, form each portion into a log about 15 inches long and 1 1/4 inches wide. Place the logs 3 inches apart.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the logs are light golden brown. Cool on the pan for 15 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board. Use a serrated knife to cut each log into 1 inch thick slices. 

Arrange the slices cut side down on the baking sheet. Return to the oven for 12 more minutes, until firm and golden in color. Transfer to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely.

Line the baking sheet with waxed paper. Place the chocolate chips and the shortening in a microwavable bowl. Heat for 30 seconds. Stir and heat for another 30 seconds. Repeat until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Dip one end of each cookie into the melted chocolate. Shake off any excess chocolate and place on the waxed paper lined sheet. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the chocolate. Store in an airtight container, with sheets of wax paper between layers, in the refrigerator. Makes about 30 biscotti.

Notes:

These cookies are delicious with coffee, tea, hot chocolate or milk!

Our nephew and his wife are serving an Italian meal at the family Christmas Dinner ~ I created this recipe as a surprise to compliment the meal. ❤ ❤