Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti: Your Perfect Holiday Treat and Thoughtful Gift

There’s something uniquely comforting about a batch of homemade biscotti, especially when it’s infused with the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and sugar. These twice-baked Italian cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a versatile companion for your morning coffee, an ideal afternoon snack, and the perfect edible gift that truly conveys care and thoughtfulness. This Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti recipe is designed to be easy, delivering a delightful crunch and a flavor that evokes holiday cheer with every dip.

The holiday season often brings with it a delightful mix of anticipation and, let’s be honest, a dash of holiday shopping stress. Just recently, I embarked on my monthly expedition to Walmart, armed with a carefully curated list. While the practical essentials like shampoo and hair color (a little help maintaining that ‘natural blonde’ look, you know!) were easily checked off, the real challenge began in the toy aisles. Shopping for a diverse age range – girls aged 13, 10, 8, and 6, and boys aged 15 and 2 – quickly reminded me of the modern gifting dilemma.

The ‘big’ gifts for everyone were already secured, leaving me to hunt for those elusive smaller items and stocking stuffers. In an era dominated by screens and gadgets, finding non-electronic gifts that spark genuine joy can feel like a quest for hidden treasure. I did manage to snag a few small items, but the struggle was real. Take, for instance, the two-year-old: everything that looked remotely ‘cool’ was marked 6+. Perhaps it makes me a ‘bad’ Grandma, but a Nerf gun ended up in the cart anyway. After all, with two older sisters, a young man needs to learn the art of playful self-defense early on!

And girls? They should be simple, right? Wrong! The 13 and 10-year-olds would undoubtedly adore a bucket full of makeup, but I confess to having a slight aversion to my granddaughters resembling circus clowns before their time. How many lip glosses can one pre-teen truly need? Thankfully, a discovery of adorable, fun socks for all the girls offered a small victory. Yes, socks. I’m that mom, the one who reliably stuffs stockings with practical (yet fun!) socks and underwear every Christmas. It’s a tradition, I tell myself, a practical gesture of love.

My husband, at least, is blessedly easy to shop for. We’ve established a tradition of exchanging smaller tokens during the holidays, reserving a special January shopping trip, just the two of us, to pick out exactly what we truly desire. It’s a lovely way to extend the holiday cheer and avoid last-minute gift-giving pressure.

But some gifts carry a deeper significance. My son-in-law, currently deployed in Afghanistan, is also incredibly easy to shop for, though the reasons are far more profound. For him, a care package isn’t just a gift; it’s a lifeline, a tangible piece of home in a box. These packages mean the world not just to him, but to all those serving far away from their loved ones. It’s a small reminder that they are remembered, cherished, and incredibly missed.

And this is where these delightful Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti truly shine. When it comes to sending love across miles, biscotti is the absolute perfect shippable food. Its sturdy, twice-baked nature ensures a good shelf life, meaning it arrives fresh and intact, ready to be enjoyed. Plus, it tastes absolutely wonderful. I personally love savoring these with my morning coffee, enjoying what feels like a sophisticated, grown-up version of cinnamon toast – a perfect moment of comfort and warmth.

The Enduring Charm of Biscotti: A Timeless Treat

Biscotti, a classic Italian cookie, translates literally to ‘twice-baked.’ This traditional method is precisely what gives these cookies their signature crispness and extended shelf life, making them ideal for long journeys (or just lasting longer in your pantry!). Originating in Tuscany, biscotti were historically a staple for travelers and soldiers due to their durability. Today, they remain a beloved treat worldwide, renowned for their delightful crunch and versatility. While traditionally enjoyed with Vin Santo, a sweet dessert wine, their firm texture and subtle sweetness make them the quintessential companion for a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk.

Why Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti?

The combination of warm cinnamon and sweet sugar creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and exhilarating. It’s a taste that resonates with cozy mornings, festive gatherings, and quiet moments of indulgence. Unlike many delicate cookies, biscotti holds its own, offering a satisfying bite that’s not overly sweet, making it suitable for any time of day. This particular Cinnamon Sugar variant adds an extra layer of warmth and aromatic spice, transforming a simple cookie into an extraordinary experience.

Crafting Your Own Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making biscotti from scratch is a surprisingly simple and rewarding process. The magic lies in the two-stage baking, which transforms a soft dough into perfectly crisp, golden-brown cookies. This recipe, adapted from the wonderful The Busty Baker, guarantees delicious results every time. I highly recommend visiting her site for more culinary inspiration, especially her Buckeye Cookies and Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies!

Tips for Perfect Biscotti

• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour mixture, mix just until the ingredients come together to form a stiff dough. Overmixing can lead to tough biscotti.
• Shape with Care: When forming the log, aim for an even thickness. This ensures consistent baking and slicing. A little flour on your hands can help prevent sticking.
• Slice While Warm: The key to clean, even slices is to cut the biscotti while they are still warm from the first bake, but not hot enough to crumble. Use a sharp, serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion.
• The Second Bake is Essential: Don’t skip the second bake! This is what gives biscotti its characteristic crisp, dry texture. Keep an eye on them; you want them golden, not burnt.
• Flavor Variations: While cinnamon sugar is divine, feel free to experiment! A splash of almond extract or even orange zest can add another dimension to your biscotti. You could also add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the dough.
• Storage: Once completely cooled, store your biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or freeze them for longer storage.

Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg plus 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon butter extract (can use vanilla or almond also)
• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• for topping
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

1. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 4-5 minutes. Add egg and egg yolk, beating well. Blend in butter extract. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon, just give a quick stir with a whisk or fork to blend. Add flour mixture to butter mixture, 1 cup at a time, making sure ingredients come together to form a stiff dough.
2. Shape dough into a long log, about 3 inches by 10-12 inches. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg, combine sugar and cinnamon topping and generously sprinkle over log. Bake for 45 minutes in a preheated 325 degree oven. Remove from oven and while still warm, slice diagonally into 3/4 to 1 inch slices. Place slices back on baking tray, slice side down. sprinkle with remaining cinnamon sugar. Place back in oven for 15 minutes, until just golden.
3. Let cool completely then store in air tight container.

Notes

recipe source ChocolateChocolateandmore.com

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The Gift of Homemade: Spreading Joy with Biscotti

Beyond a personal indulgence, these Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti make an extraordinary homemade gift. In a world saturated with mass-produced items, a gift made with your own hands carries a special warmth and personal touch. Imagine the delight of friends, family, or even colleagues receiving a beautifully packaged assortment of these delicious, crunchy cookies. They are perfect for holiday gift baskets, teacher appreciation gifts, hostess presents, or simply as a thoughtful gesture to brighten someone’s day.

Packaging Ideas for Your Edible Gifts

• Cellophane Bags: Clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon are a classic way to showcase your biscotti.
• Decorative Tins: Reusable tins not only look charming but also help keep the biscotti fresh.
• Mason Jars: Layer biscotti vertically in a large mason jar, perhaps with a decorative tag and a recipe card tied around the neck.
• Small Gift Boxes: Line small boxes with parchment paper, arrange the biscotti neatly, and add a sprinkle of tissue paper for a professional touch.

Whether they’re destined for a care package for a deployed loved one, a holiday party host, or just a neighbor, these biscotti are sure to be a cherished treat. They represent comfort, home, and the simple pleasure of good food shared with those you care about.

Beyond the Biscotti: Discover More Delicious Food Gifts

If you loved making these Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti and are looking for more homemade edible gift ideas or delightful treats for your own pantry, explore these other fantastic recipes from our kitchen. Handmade gifts are always a hit, especially during the festive season!