Chocolate Biscotti with Cranberries

[misty]

1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated white sugar

2 large eggs

1 large egg yolk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 3/4 cups (245 grams) all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (45 grams) Dutch-processed cocoa powder

1/2 cup (50 grams) dried cranberries

1/2 cup (90 grams) white chocolate chips


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes). Add the eggs and egg yolk, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Add to the butter mixture and beat until incorporated. Stir in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and divide it in half. Form each half into a log 10 inches (25 cm) long. Do this by rolling the dough back and forth into a cylinder shape with floured hands. Transfer the logs to the baking sheet, spacing them well apart (width-wise on the pan), and pat to even the shapes. Bake until firm to the touch, about 25 - 30 minutes (logs will spread during baking). Remove from the oven, place on a wire rack, and let cool for about 10 minutes.

Using a long spatula transfer the logs to a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut the logs into slices about 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick on the diagonal. Arrange the slices on the baking sheet and bake on about 8 - 10 minutes. Turn the slices over and bake until crisp and dry, about 8 - 10 minutes longer. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack.

Makes about 24 - 30 biscotti.

Note: These are wonderful with a white chocolate glaze: Melt 3 ounces (90 grams) of chopped white chocolate and 1 teaspoon of vegetable shortening in a small metal bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water. Watch carefully as white chocolate can burn easily. Stir to melt. Remove from heat and with an offset spatula spread a layer of white chocolate on one side of the biscotti (or dip one end into the melted chocolate). Let the chocolate dry on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

[jj]

That sounds so good. Can you get the Dutch processed cocoa powder anywhere? I've never heard of it.


I'm trying to find something different to make for a big birthday bash I'm throwing in May. I'm may try this to see if I'd want to serve it.

[misty]

I forgot to mention that I just use the regular cocoa. They come out just as good I think.

[jfla]

I've been thinking recently about making biscotti...something I've never done and this recipe sounds great! I think I'll try this one! Thank you

[jill]

mmmmm. Yes I cut and pasted to print.