Sugar Cookie Biscotti: Festive, Crunchy, and Perfect for Holidays
Crunchy twice-baked cookies that stay fresh for a week, adding color to every occasion.
Sugar Cookie Biscotti: The Ultimate Festive Treat
If you’re searching for an easy, show-stopping holiday cookie, look no further than sugar cookie biscotti. With a crunchy texture, colorful sprinkles, and a sweet glaze, these cheerful treats stand out in dessert trays, holiday gift boxes, and cozy gatherings alike. Simple ingredients and a straightforward process make this recipe a favorite for both new and seasoned bakers.
Why Sugar Cookie Biscotti?
- Festive appearance: Rainbow sprinkles and shimmering glaze make every piece a celebration.
- Make-ahead friendly: Stays fresh up to a week in an airtight container, and freezes well for three months.
- Versatile gifting: Biscotti package beautifully for teachers, hosts, and loved ones.
- Holiday dessert tray: Complements other cookies and sweets perfectly.
- Coffee companion: Biscotti are the classic choice for dunking into hot drinks.
What Is Biscotti?
Biscotti (meaning “twice-baked” in Italian) are crisp, elongated biscuits with a satisfying crunch. Traditionally, biscotti recipes are flavored with almonds or chocolate, but this version channels all the joy of a sugar cookie, making it ideal for celebrations and colorful dessert spreads.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups | Provides structure |
| Baking powder | 1 1/2 tsp | Leavening agent |
| Salted butter (room temperature) | 1/2 cup (1 stick) | For moist texture and flavor |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | Sweetness |
| Large eggs (room temperature) | 3 | Binding and richness |
| Vanilla extract | 2 1/4 tsp | Classic flavor |
| Rainbow sprinkles | 1/2 cup | Color and festivity |
| Vegetable oil | For shaping | Keeps hands from sticking |
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups | For glaze |
| Milk | 3 tbsp (plus more as needed) | For glaze |
Baking Step-by-Step: Sugar Cookie Biscotti
- Prep the oven and pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Combine dry ingredients:
- Whisk flour and baking powder together in a medium bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar:
- Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar until creamy and pale—about 3–4 minutes.
- On low speed, beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, then 2 tsp vanilla.
- Scrape bowl sides and bottom to combine evenly.
- Add dry ingredients and sprinkles:
- On low speed, add the flour mixture in three additions. Mix until just combined—not overmixed!
- Using a wooden spoon, gently fold in 6 tbsp rainbow sprinkles.
- Shape the dough into loaves:
- Divide dough in half, then place both halves on prepared baking sheet.
- Oil your hands lightly (using vegetable oil) to prevent sticking, and shape each half into an 8 × 4½ inch rectangle, about ½ inch thick.
- Leave space between loaves for expansion.
- Lightly beat the remaining egg and brush over the loaves.
- Sprinkle tops with the remaining 2 tbsp sprinkles.
- First bake:
- Bake at 350°F until lightly golden, 25–30 minutes.
- Remove and let cool on the pan for about 15 minutes (essential for slicing).
- Slice into biscotti:
- Transfer slabs to a cutting board.
- Using a large serrated knife, slice crosswise into ½-inch thick pieces.
- Biscotti should be sliced while warm to minimize crumbling.
- Second bake:
- Arrange slices on baking sheet with cut sides up.
- Bake 10 minutes (still at 350°F), then flip each biscotti piece.
- Bake another 10 minutes until lightly golden and dry.
- Transfer to a rack to cool completely (at least 15 minutes).
- Make the glaze:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 3 tbsp milk, and ¼ tsp vanilla.
- Whisk in extra milk as needed, 1 tsp at a time, until glaze is thin enough for dipping or drizzling but still thick enough to set.
- Decorate:
- Dip cooled biscotti into glaze, or drizzle it over the tops with a spoon.
- Let glaze set for at least 15 minutes before serving or packaging.
- Dip cooled biscotti into glaze, or drizzle it over the tops with a spoon.
Expert Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookie Biscotti
- Best cutting tool: Always use a serrated knife for slicing warm, baked loaves. This minimizes crumbling and gives clean edges.
- Sprinkles: Rainbow sprinkles hold their color well during baking; avoid nonpareils as they can bleed.
- Shaping: Oil your hands before shaping the dough to avoid sticking and keep neat edges.
- Glaze consistency: Add milk slowly to the glaze to master the “sweet spot”—it should flow off the whisk and pool briefly before settling.
Serving and Storage
- Serving: Sugar cookie biscotti are ideal for dessert trays, coffee dates, and as edible holiday gifts.
- Storage:
- Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze in airtight packaging for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature to serve.
- Prepare ahead: Both baked and glazed biscotti can be stored in advance, making this recipe perfect for busy seasons.
Decorating Ideas and Variations
- Sprinkle swap: Customize with seasonally colored sprinkles—red and green for Christmas, pastel for spring, or themed for birthdays.
- Glaze colors: Add a drop of food coloring to your glaze for vibrant accents.
- Flavor twists: Try almond or lemon extract in place of vanilla for a different profile.
- Add-ins: Blend in white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for variety.
What others are reading
Frequently Asked Questions: Sugar Cookie Biscotti
How do you keep biscotti from crumbling?
Slice the loaves while they’re still warm (about 15 minutes out of the oven) and use a serrated knife. Waiting until they’re cool can result in more crumbly slices.
Can sugar cookie biscotti be made ahead?
Yes! Store in an airtight container for up to one week or freeze for three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What’s the secret to perfect glaze?
Finding the right consistency is key—start with 3 tbsp milk and add more slowly. The glaze should flow off the whisk and sit on the surface for a few seconds before blending in.
Can I use unsalted butter?
Absolutely. If using unsalted butter, consider adding a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
How thick should the biscotti slices be?
Each should be about ½ inch thick, which provides both crunch and structure for dipping and decorating.
Homemade Biscotti: Troubleshooting & Tips
- Dough is sticky: It’s normal! Use oiled or slightly wet hands to shape it into loaves.
- Biscotti are pale: Extend the second bake by a few minutes, but watch closely to avoid over-browning.
- Glaze isn’t setting: Add a little more powdered sugar for thickness, or let cookies stand a bit longer to set completely.
- Biscotti too soft: Bake the sliced pieces an extra few minutes for ultimate crunch.
Perfect Pairings and Occasions
- Hot beverages: Serve biscotti with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or festive eggnog.
- Holiday platters: Pair with other seasonal favorites like gingerbread, shortbread, and fudge for a varied dessert tray.
- Gift packaging: Wrap groups of biscotti in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a delightful homemade gift.
Related Cookie Recipes to Try
| Cookie Type | Texture | Main Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Sugar Cookies | Pillowy | Fluffy interior, easy mixing |
| Angel Sugar Cookies | Melt-in-your-mouth | Classic flavor, church potluck favorite |
| Traditional Biscotti | Crunchy | Almonds or chocolate chips, twice-baked |
Professional Tips for Holiday Baking Success
- Batch baking: Make multiple logs and vary sprinkle colors for a big batch gifting session.
- Freeze for later: Both dough and finished biscotti can be frozen. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to bake time.
- Uniform pieces: Use a ruler to measure your slabs for evenly-sized cookies.
Quick Biscotti FAQs
- Q: Can I skip sprinkles?
A: Yes, but they add festive color. Try mini chocolate chips, holiday jimmies, or chopped nuts instead. - Q: Is it necessary to glaze?
A: Glaze adds sweetness, but non-glazed biscotti are delicious and more coffee-focused. - Q: Why two baking times?
A: First bake sets shape; second bake dries out the slices for signature crunch.
Conclusion: Festive Baking Made Easy
Sugar cookie biscotti delivers color, crunch, and holiday cheer in every bite. With easy mixing, versatile storing, and cheerful decoration options, it’s an ideal recipe to anchor your seasonal baking lineup, gift-giving plans, or anytime coffee breaks. Prep a batch this week and enjoy the satisfaction—and sweetness—of homemade, sprinkle-packed biscotti.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a62854625/sugar-cookie-biscotti-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a62843505/soft-sugar-cookies-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a9471/my-favorite-sugar-cookies/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a90139/how-to-make-biscotti/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g63148903/sugar-cookie-inspired-recipes/
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Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.
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