Cookie of the Day: Chocolate Cranberry-Pistachio Biscotti

These chocolate-dipped biscotti are crumbly and nutty, and they’re easy to store for gift-giving. Additions of dried cranberries and pistachios give them a festive red and green hue for the holidays.

 

Chocolate Cranberry-Pistachio Biscotti

 

1/2 cup (2 oz./60 g.) dried cranberries

3 cups (15 oz./470 g.) all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

4 Tbs. (2 oz./60 g.) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup (8 oz./250 g.) plus 1 tablespoon sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract

4 large eggs

1/2 cup (2 oz./60 g.) whole pistachios, plus finely chopped pistachios for dipping (optional)

1 tsp. water

10 oz. (315 g.) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

 

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Have ready an ungreased baking sheet.

 

Put the cranberries in a small bowl and cover with warm water. Soak until plumped, about 15 minutes. Drain, pat dry and set aside.

 

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt and whisk to mix well. In another large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the butter, the 1 cup sugar and the vanilla until fluffy and well blended, about 2 minutes. Beat in 3 of the eggs until well blended, about 2 minutes. Gradually stir in the flour mixture and beat until smooth, about 3 minutes. Stir in the cranberries and the whole pistachios.

 

On a lightly floured work surface, divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a log 11 inches (28 cm.) long by 1 1/2 inches (4 cm.) in diameter. In a small bowl, beat together the remaining egg and the water. Brush the top of each log with the egg mixture, and then sprinkle with the 1 tablespoon sugar. Place the logs, well-spaced, on the baking sheet and press down to flatten slightly.

 

Bake until slightly colored and somewhat firm to the touch, about 25 minutes. Transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack. Leave the oven on.

 

When the logs are cool, after about 10 minutes, transfer them to a cutting board and cut on the diagonal into slices about 3/4 inch (2 cm.) thick. Put the slices, cut side down, on the baking sheet and return to the oven. Bake until lightly golden, about 6 minutes. Turn the slices over and bake until the second sides are golden, 5-6 minutes longer. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.

 

In the top of a double boiler set over but not touching gently simmering water, melt the chocolate. Remove from the heat. Put the finely chopped pistachios in a small bowl. Working quickly, dip one-third of each cookie into the chocolate and then dip the chocolate-covered tip into the pistachios. Return the cookie to the rack until the chocolate sets. Set the chocolate back over the double boiler to remelt the chocolate as necessary.

 

Store in layers, separated by wax paper, in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Makes about 30 biscotti.