Go Back

Italian Christmas Biscotti (Biscotti di Natale)

These twice-baked Italian Christmas cookies are crisp, subtly sweet, and perfect for holiday gifting. A simple recipe with optional additions for extra festive flavor.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Cookies, Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter softened
  • 1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar
  • 4 Large Eggs
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Candied Fruit (orange, citron) optional
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Nuts (almonds, walnuts) optional
  • as needed Powdered Sugar for dusting

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Electric Mixer (optional)
  • Baking Sheets
  • Parchment Paper
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. Gently fold in candied fruit and nuts (if using).
  5. Divide dough in half. Roll each half into a 1 1/2-inch diameter log. Place logs onto prepared baking sheets.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until lightly golden. Cool on baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Once cool, slice logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange slices, cut-side up, on baking sheets.
  8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Cool completely on a wire rack before dusting with powdered sugar.

Notes

Store biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Experiment with different types of candied fruit and nuts for unique flavor combinations. For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of regular butter.