During the holiday season, nothing quite beats the aroma of warm spices filling the kitchen as you bake festive treats to share with loved ones. Mincemeat Biscotti is a delightful twist on the classic Italian cookie, perfect for adding a touch of Christmas cheer to your baking lineup. These crunchy, twice-baked cookies are studded with the flavors of traditional mincemeat, a mixture of dried fruits and spices, creating a comforting and cozy treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and spread some holiday joy with Mincemeat Biscotti!
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup mincemeat
– 1/2 cup chopped mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in the mincemeat, chopped nuts, and dried cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a stiff dough forms.
7. Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a log, about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide, on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the logs are set and lightly golden brown.
9. Remove the logs from the oven and let them cool for 10-15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
10. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick biscotti cookies.
11. Place the sliced biscotti back on the baking sheet, cut side down, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies are crisp and lightly toasted.
12. Allow the Mincemeat Biscotti to cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Enjoy these festive Mincemeat Biscotti with a steaming mug of your favorite hot beverage or package them up in a pretty tin to give as a thoughtful homemade gift. The rich flavors of mincemeat combined with the crunch of the biscotti make these cookies a unique and delightful addition to any holiday spread. Share the love and warmth of the season with these delicious treats that are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!
