2015 has been quite the year for us. I just finished my first year of grad school and I am transitioning to a new job that will allow me to be at home with Mike once again. While I have loved my work in Madison the last 2 1/2 years, being away from my husband during the week was more difficult than I had anticipated. I’m sad to be leaving a great job and my wonderful coworkers, but I am excited to see what opportunities my new position will bring.

Christmas is just a few days away, but the weather outside is more spring-like than winter. I’m not sure how I feel about the lack of snow. I’m trying to find ways to get into the Christmas spirit and this biscotti really hit the spot. The double chocolate base pairs perfectly with the white chocolate and candy canes. It’s sweet and crunchy and perfect with a mug of hot chocolate or some coffee.

I made my go-to Andes mint cookies for a cookie exchange last week, but I think that these biscotti will be my new holiday treat. So easy, so festive, and so good!

I want to wish you and your loved ones a very merry Christmas and a wonderful new year!

Double Chocolate Peppermint Biscotti

1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
8 ounces white chocolate chips
3/4 cup crushed peppermint candies

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 1 – 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and add eggs in, one at a time, until well combined. Scrape down the sides and add in the vanilla extract.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.  Add the dry ingredients and semisweet chocolate chips into the butter mixture and mix on low speed until just combined.
4. Lightly flour a work surface. Using a rubber spatula, scrape the dough onto the work surface (it will be very sticky) and lightly dust with flour. Using your hands, shape the dough into a ball and divide into two even pieces.
5. Form the dough into a log by rolling it back and forth. Place the logs onto the prepared baking sheet and press the dough into a longer log that is about 2 inches wide and 3/4 inch high. Make sure to leave enough room between the logs to allow them to spread slightly during baking.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes. Allow to cool on the baking pan for a couple minutes, or until just cool enough to handle.
7. Using a sharp knife, cut the logs diagonally into 3/4 inch slices. Turn the biscotti onto their side and bake for 10 more minutes to allow the biscotti to crisp up. Allow biscotti to cool for 5 minutes on the pan and move to a wire rack to cool completely .
8. Once biscotti are cool, it’s time to decorate them. Line the baking pan with a clean sheet of parchment paper.
9. Place white chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for about 1 minute, stirring every 20 seconds, or until chocolate is melted and smooth.
10. Dip one side of the biscotti into the melted chocolate, using the back of a spoon to make sure the biscotti is evenly covered. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy. Repeat with the remaining biscotti, re-heating the chocolate as needed.

recipe adapted from Once Upon a Chef