Chocolate Fig Biscotti

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup diced dried figs

Directions

1. Set an oven rack in the center and heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Cover 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, then leave it nearby.
2. Using a stand mixer with the paddle in place, cream the butter and sugar in the mixer bowl until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Add the flour mixture and keep mixing until the dough gathers together; it will look dry. Mix in the figs.
3. Cut the dough into 2 equal portions. Shape each one into a 12- by 2-inch log, then set them on the prepared baking sheets. Bake until the logs are baked through but still tender, about 30 minutes.
4. Once the logs have cooled enough for you to work with them, slice them with a serrated knife into 3/4-inch pieces. Return the slices to the baking sheet and bake again until they are crisped and toasted, about 10 minutes more. Move the biscotti to a wire rack and let them cool completely.