Biscotti Di Natale Christmas Spiced Cookies

For those who crave the warm comforts of the holiday season, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked Christmas treats filling the kitchen. One traditional Italian delight that encapsulates the essence of cozy winter days is Biscotti Di Natale, or Christmas Spiced Cookies. These delightful cookies are full of festive flavors and are perfect for sharing with loved ones or as thoughtful homemade gifts during the holiday season.

**Biscotti Di Natale Christmas Spiced Cookies**

**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans

**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well until fully combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
6. Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a log about 2 inches wide.
8. Place the logs onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden brown.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.
11. Using a sharp knife, slice the logs diagonally into 1-inch thick cookies.
12. Place the sliced cookies back on the baking sheet and return them to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes to crisp up.
13. Once the cookies are golden brown and crunchy, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.

These Biscotti Di Natale Christmas Spiced Cookies are a delightful treat to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa, a steaming latte, or a fragrant tea. Their combination of warm spices, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans make them a wonderful addition to any holiday gathering or a thoughtful edible gift for friends and family. So why not spread some Italian festive cheer this season by baking up a batch of these delicious cookies to share with your loved ones? Buon Natale!