Unlike many crumbly cookies, these biscotti are sturdy enough to mail. For a holiday gift, send a batch along with a pound of your favorite coffee beans.

　　

Ingredients

Makes about 3 dozen

　　1 3/4 cups dried cherries

　　1/2 cup amaretto (almond-flavored liqueur), plus more if needed

　　3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface

　　2 teaspoons baking powder

　　1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

　　4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

　　1 cup granulated sugar

　　4 large eggs (3 whole, 1 lightly beaten)

　　2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

　　3/4 cup whole blanched almonds, chopped

　　3 tablespoons coarse sanding sugar

　　

Step 1

Preheat oven to 325°F. Heat cherries and liqueur in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until cherries have softened, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 2 tablespoons liquid. If liquid equals less than 2 tablespoons, add enough liqueur to make 2 tablespoons.

　　

Step 2

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl. Put butter and granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Mix in 3 whole eggs, one at a time. Mix in reserved cherry liquid and the vanilla. Reduce speed to low, and gradually mix in flour mixture. Stir in cherries and almonds.

　　

Step 3

On a lightly floured surface, halve dough. Shape each half into a 12 1/2 by 2 1/2-inch log. Flatten logs to 1/2 inch thick. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush logs with beaten egg; sprinkle with the sanding sugar.

　　

Step 4

Bake 35 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Transfer to wire racks to cool, about 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F.

　　

Step 5

Cut each log on the diagonal into 16 to 18 pieces. Transfer pieces to racks, laying them on sides. Set racks on baking sheets. Bake 8 minutes; flip. Bake 8 minutes more. Let cool until crisp. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.

　　Martha Stewart's Cookies