Brownie Mix Biscotti

I think everyone is probably guilty of walking down the baking isle around the holidays, seeing brownie mix on some crazy sale, and grabbing a couple boxes. And then you remember - boxed brownies aren't that great. Now what?

Or maybe that's just me.

Either way, this is a great solution! It's easy, it makes a lot, and it's pretty enough for parties, gifts, or just to impress relatives.

1 (19.5 oz) box brownie mix

1 c. all purpose flour

1/2 c. softened butter

2 eggs

1 c. nuts or chocolate chips (optional)

You will also need:

Parchment paper

Cookie Sheets

a long, serrated knife

(optional) extra melting chocolate and things to decorate with

Mix all of the ingredients together! Just throw them all in. I started this in my mixer, but it quickly became too thick to mix. So, I'd suggest just going straight to using your hands. It's much easier.

Line your cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Once your dough is well combined, form the dough into two long rectangles. Make sure the dough is more mounded in the middle to achieve the standard biscotti shape.

Preheat your oven to 350°F

Bake your biscotti for 30 - 35 minutes (or until firm to the touch)

Remove from the oven, and cool for 10 minutes

After your loaves have cooled for 10 minutes, transfer them to a cutting board and cut them into 3/4 inch slices. You really need a good, serrated knife for this. Other knifes will just squish the biscotti.

Change the parchment on your cookie sheet.

Now, lay your biscotti on their sides on your freshly prepared cookie sheet.

They can be a little crowded because they're not going to grow in size anymore.

Bake these (still at 350) for another 10 minutes.

Then, turn off your oven and leave them alone for another 30 - 40 minutes.

After they've dried, remove from the oven, transfer cooling racks, and cool completely

Lay out a sheet of wax paper or parchment on your counter. If you line up your biscotti end to end, (I think) it makes it easier to drizzle chocolate on them.

Choose your melting chocolate, and pour the melted product into a ziplock bag. (or a piping bag if you're fancy) - Snip the corner and drizzle chocolate over the biscotti. If you're adding sprinkles, shake them on as you go so they can stick in the still-melted chocolate.

If you don't want to drizzle the chocolate, you can also dip them and then roll in sprinkles, nuts, mini chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, m&m's, coconut, etc.

Store these in an airtight container - they can last for 1 - 2 weeks