Q1: Why are my biscotti logs falling apart and crumbling when I slice them?

The most common culprit is that you let the logs cool for too long before you sliced them. It is crucial to slice them while they are still warm and pliable, after only about 10 minutes of cooling.

Q2: Can I use butter instead of oil?

You can, but you will have to change the mixing method (by creaming the butter and sugar) and the final cookie will have a slightly softer, richer, and less "crisp" texture. The oil is the brilliant, simple secret to this recipe's light, crunchy texture and its easy, one-bowl preparation.

Q3: Can I add a chocolate drizzle?

Yes, absolutely! These cookies are fantastic with a festive drizzle. After the biscotti have cooled completely, you can drizzle them with some melted white chocolate or dark chocolate for an even more decadent treat.

Q4: Can I use a different kind of nut or dried fruit?

Of course! This recipe is a wonderful base. It would also be fantastic with toasted almonds and dried cherries, or hazelnuts and chopped dried apricots.

Q5: Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Because this recipe is made with oil instead of butter, the cookie itself is naturally dairy-free.

Pistachio Biscotti (An Easy & Festive Christmas Cookie!)

Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti (An Easy & Festive Christmas Cookie!)

A classic recipe for Italian twice-baked cookies, or biscotti. This version is packed with the festive, holiday colors of green pistachios and red dried cranberries. The simple dough is flavored with both vanilla and almond extracts, formed into logs, and baked. The logs are then sliced and baked a second time until they are perfectly dry and crunchy, making them ideal for dipping in coffee or hot chocolate.

Author: Evelyn

Ingredients

¾ cup white sugar
¼ cup light olive oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
2 large eggs
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups pistachio nuts
½ cup dried cranberries

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix the sugar and olive oil together until well blended. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts, then beat in the eggs one at a time.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined.
Fold in the pistachios and dried cranberries by hand.
Divide the dough in half. On the prepared cookie sheet, form each piece into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. (Tip: The dough may be sticky; wet your hands with cool water to handle it more easily).
Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the logs are light brown.
Remove from the oven and let the logs cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.
Reduce the oven temperature to 275°F (135°C).
Carefully transfer the logs to a cutting board. Cut the logs on the diagonal into 3/4-inch-thick slices.
Lay the cookies cut-side down on the parchment-lined cookie sheet.
Bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, until the cookies feel dry to the touch. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Notes

This is a classic ‘twice-baked’ cookie, which is what gives it its signature dry, crunchy texture.
The dough is sticky; the article recommends wetting your hands to make shaping the logs easier.
These cookies are perfect for holiday gift-giving as they are sturdy and last a long time when stored properly.
The red and green colors from the cranberries and pistachios make these a festive Christmas cookie.

Find it online: https://cookupjoy.com/cranberry-pistachio-biscotti/