A cookie with the Christmas spirit to enjoy all year long!

At Christmas, baking cookies with family is a tradition in our house. The requirements are pretty simple – the cookies should have red and green hues and should be tasty! The Italian Biscotti is my recurring favorite. The pistachio and cranberries provide the color, and the recipe does the rest of the magic! A crumbly, delicious creation with the holiday spirit!

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup light olive oil
  • 3/4 cup caster sugar (superfine)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1-1/2cups pistachio nuts

Method:

  • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
  • Line a baking or a cookie sheet with parchment paper and lightly dust with flour.
  • In a large bowl, mix together oil and sugar until well blended. Mix in the vanilla.
  • Add eggs and beat them until well blended.
  • Combine flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually stir into egg mixture.
  • Mix in cranberries and pistachios until just combined.
  • Knead for 2-3 mins on a floured surface. Sprinkle a little water onto the dough surface to combine everything well.
  • Divide the mixture into two portions and roll each into a log about 25 cm (10 in) long and 8 cm (3 1/4 in) wide. Slightly flatten the tops.
  • These two divided portions will look like two logs on a cookie sheet or a baking tray that has been lined with parchment paper. Dough may be sticky; use wet hands to handle dough more easily.
  • Place the logs on the tray, allowing room for spreading.
  • Beat the remaining egg and brush over the logs to glaze.
  • Bake for 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until logs are light brown.
  • Remove from oven, and set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
  • Reduce oven heat to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C).
  • Cut logs on diagonal into 3/4 or 1/4 inch slices.
  • Place flat side down on the tray and bake for 8 mins. Turn the biscuits over and cook for a further 8 mins., or until slightly brownish in color, crisp and dry.
  • Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Mine turned out super delicious, crumbly, and nice! 👌

Ah! The colors! The texture! The taste! Enjoy! 😍

Try it out and let met know what you think!😊