Choc nut and cranberry biscotti - they're delicious, chewy, but with a little bit of crunch - perfect biscuits for the holiday season.
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Cookies, biscuits, whatever you call them one thing seems to be consistent the world over - everyone has a recipe for a chocolate chip version.
Some like them crunchy, some like them chewy for others they must be a bit of both (I think I’m in that camp).
My Christmas version of the classic biscuit (that’s what we Aussies call cookies) has a little bit of festivity added.
If you haven’t got your recipe for Santa’s treat sorted then this just might be it.
Now I’ll just let you know that there is not much healthy about this biscuits.
Yes I used wholemeal flour and they have the goodness of oats, pecans and cranberries but there is a rather generous amount of sugar - you have been warned.
But ‘tis the season after all!
These biscuits fall into the ‘chewy’ camp but don’t worry there is a little bit of crunch added by the pecans.
When you take them out of the oven at the 8 minute mark, you’ll probably think they’re not quite done.
I did that the first time but you’ll just have to trust me and fight your instinct to put them back - unless you want them super crunchy (read-a little bit burnt).
They will firm up when they’ve been out for a little while.
If you’re not a fan of cranberries or pecans you can mix it up a bit - try chopped dates and walnuts or almond and sultanas.
Hazelnuts are seriously delicious with dates too.
Feel free to add a teaspoon of your favourite ground spice to really up the festive level.
Recipe
Choc nut and cranberry biscuits
Ingredients
- 250 g 9oz unsalted butter, chopped, at room temperature
- 1½ cups firmly packed brown sugar
- 2 free-range eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups plain wholemeal flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 pinch salt
- 150 g 5.3ozdark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 185C(400F) fan-forced and line two oven trays with baking paper.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the eggs and vanilla.
- Add the flour, oats, baking soda and salt and cinnamon and stir on low speed until just combined.
- Tip in the chocolate chips, pecans and cranberries and mix just until they are dispersed in the batter (you don’t want any cookies to miss out on chocolatey, nutty, berry goodness!).
- Using a tablespoon of dough at a time, roll the dough into balls and place on the baking tray leaving 3cm between each ball.
- Bake the cookies for 6-8 minutes and swap the trays half-way through if you are using more than one tray at a time.
- Let them cool on the trays until they are firm enough to move then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
sherry from sherrys pickings says
these look wonderful Claire. all the best for the festive season. Merry xmas to you and yours.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I haven't made Santa's treat yet and I love chewy cookies that I know are biscuits but old habits die hard.
Thank you for all the wonderful recipes and stories throughout 2015 and I can't wait to see what you do next year. I remember your wedding post and now you have two children and your first exciting Christmas with Ollie who can open his presents.
Have a very merry Christmas!
Claire says
I can't believe how fast the time has gone Maureen! Hope you had a Merry Christmas. x
Hotly Spiced says
I love chewy and crunchy cookies. Beautiful festive flavours in these cookies, Claire. Wishing you and your growing family a very Merry and blessed Christmas. So sorry I wasn't able to arrange a time to catch up - we are flat out entertaining family! xx
Melissa says
Merry Christmas to you and your boys Claire, I hope you have a great time and thank you for your fabulous posts, I always love reading them xxx
Claire says
Thanks Melissa! You're very welcome x
Diane Jogia says
Happy Christmas to you and your family, Claire. Thanks for all the tips and recipes and family news and garden reports.....I always enjoy reading your blog! Have a wonderful break, and I'll look forward to seeing you back in my in-box in the new year :)
Claire says
You're very welcome Diane. Thanks for reading!