Double Chocolate Pistachio Biscotti

I hope you try these delightful Double Chocolate Biscotti if you have time to bake one more cookie.  I combined a few recipes to come up with these delicious double chocolate biscotti that are perfect with coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon or a glass of milk or wine in the evening.

They are easy to make and a delicious addition to a holiday cookie platter.  They aren't as dense as some Biscotti so much easier to eat.

Twas three days before Christmas, and all through the house...
The smell of baked cookies was stirring more than just one mouse.

The mice quickly retreated to safety because...
A coyote was near and had such strong jaws!

These three young knights saved the day,
By hiding the mouse family safely away :)

This big coyote was one of two in our yard this morning. We've been seeing them more frequently this year and so it seems that the coyote population is growing in our area. 

I wish you a very safe and Merry Christmas and Holiday Season.  We are looking forward to seeing our three sweet grandsons on Christmas Day!

I'm sure their stockings will be hung by the chimney with care :)

Double Chocolate Pistachio Biscotti

Printable Recipe

2-1/2 cups all purpose flour, scoop and level method
1/2 cup bittersweet cocoa powder, such as Ghirardelli
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) butter, just barely softened
3 teaspoons freshly grated navel orange zest (about 2 large oranges)
1 cup
2 large eggs
1-1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup whole salted pistachios
2 tablespoons finely chopped pistachios blended with 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 ounces shaved bittersweet chocolate
1 egg, mixed with 1 teaspoons water

Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment, mix butter and orange zest on medium high speed until smooth.  Slowly add 1 cup of sugar and beat for another minute.

Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat for a minute each, scraping down the bowl.  Add vanilla and mix.  Reduce speed to low and add dry ingredients, slowly, mixing just until combined.  Do not over mix.

Remove bowl from mixer and fold in 1 cup of the whole pistachios and the shaved chocolate.  Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 F.

In a food processor, pulse the 2 tablespoons of pistachios with the 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar.

Position oven shelves in upper and lower third of the oven.  Prepare 2 baking sheets with parchment or silicone liners.

Divide dough into thirds, and on lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 12 x 3 inch log (about 1 inch thick) and place on one of the baking sheets sideways.  All three should fit on one large baking sheet.

Brush each with egg wash and sprinkle the tops with the chopped pistachio and sugar mixture.

Bake for 25 minutes or until just lightly browned. Remove from oven and let rest on the pan for 5 minutes.

Reduce oven temperature to 300 F.  Using a large spatula, carefully remove each log to a cutting surface and cut into 1 inch slices. Using 2 baking sheets, lay the slices on their sides and return to the oven for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and turn slices over.  Bake for another 7 to 10 minutes.  Allow to rest for 5 minutes and transfer to baking rack to cool completely.

Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks or freeze.