Holiday Biscotti Recipe – Bake Like an Italian Nonna!

Bring a touch of Italian tradition to your holiday table with Biscotti Treccine! These braided cookies, subtly flavored with orange zest and baked to golden perfection, are perfect for any festive occasion. The dough is easy to work with, and shaping the cookies into braids or circles adds a delightful homemade charm.

For an extra-special treat, top them with a tangy lemon icing and festive sprinkles. Whether you’re sharing them with family or adding them to your holiday dessert spread, these biscotti are sure to impress. Watch Nonna’s tips for perfecting every step, from kneading the dough to decorating!

Bake these festive cookies today and enjoy a little taste of Italy this holiday season.

Ingredients:

For the Biscotti:

• Eggs: 4
• Sugar: 7 oz
• Shortening: 6½ oz
• Flour: 4½ cups (plus extra for rolling)
• Milk: 2 oz
• Zest of 1 orange
• Baking Powder: 2 tbsp

For the Lemon Icing (Optional):

• Icing Sugar: 2 cups
• Juice of 2 lemons

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Directions:

1. Mix the Dough with an Electric Mixer:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, shortening, and sugar with an electric mixer until creamy (about 1½ minutes).
  
  
• Gradually add 3½ cups of flour while mixing, along with the milk and baking powder. Mix for an additional 2½ minutes to fully incorporate the ingredients.

2. Work the Dough by Hand:

• Stir in the orange zest and the remaining 1 cup of flour by hand.
  
  
• Knead the dough for about 3 minutes until it’s smooth, pliable, and no longer sticks to your hands. If needed, add a bit of extra flour to reach the right consistency—watch Nonna’s technique for guidance!

3. Shape and Bake the Biscotti:

• Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each piece into long strips on a clean, lightly floured surface.
  
  
• Shape the strips into braids, circles, or any desired design—get creative and watch how Nonna does it for inspiration!
  
  
• Place the shaped cookies onto a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes. Be careful not to overbake them.

4. Ice the Biscotti (Optional):

• Mix the icing sugar and lemon juice until you reach a thick but slightly loose consistency. Adjust with more lemon juice or sugar if needed.
  
  
• Spread the icing over the cooled biscotti. Using your hands works best for even coverage.
  
  
• Add sprinkles or other festive decorations if desired. Let the icing dry before serving.

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These Biscotti Treccine are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them perfect for holiday cookie platters or gifting. Mangia and enjoy the magic of Italian baking!

Watch Nonna Make Holiday Biscotti!

Tips to Enhance your Holiday Biscotti Baking Experience!

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients:
   Make sure the eggs, shortening, and milk are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.

2. Don’t Overwork the Dough:
   Knead the dough just until it’s smooth and pliable. Over-kneading can make the cookies dense instead of tender.

3. Add Flour Gradually:
   Incorporate the last cup of flour by hand to prevent the dough from becoming too dry. Adjust with a little extra flour only if it’s sticky.

4. Shape Consistently:
   Roll the dough into even strips to ensure uniform baking. Braiding or shaping them evenly helps maintain a consistent texture and appearance.

5. Watch the Baking Time:
   Biscotti Treccine bake quickly—just 12 minutes at 350°F. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as they should be soft and lightly golden.

6. Let the Icing Dry Fully:
   If using icing, allow the cookies to cool completely before applying it, and let the icing set before serving or storing to prevent sticking.

Did you Know?

Braided Shapes Symbolize Tradition
The braided design of Biscotti Treccine is deeply rooted in Italian baking traditions. Braids are often used in festive or celebratory baked goods, symbolizing unity and togetherness, making these cookies perfect for holidays and family gatherings.

Versatile Across Regions
While the recipe varies, Biscotti Treccine is beloved across different Italian regions. Some variations include flavoring the dough with anise, lemon, or vanilla, showing how local ingredients and traditions influence this versatile cookie.

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