If you’ve been on the hunt for a crisp, flavorful treat that perfectly balances tart and sweet, look no further than this Cranberry Orange Biscotti Recipe. With the delightful zing of orange zest weaving through chewy dried cranberries and the satisfying crunch of pistachios, these biscotti are an absolute showstopper. Whether you’re dipping them into your morning coffee or sharing with friends over tea, this recipe promises a cozy, festive bite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cranberry Orange Biscotti Recipe comes together with simple pantry staples and a few bright additions that bring texture and vibrant flavors to the forefront. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the warm cinnamon in the flour mixture to the luscious orange zest that lifts every bite.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives biscotti structure and a light crumb.
- Baking powder: Helps the biscotti rise just enough for a tender crunch.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and subtle spice for depth.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and a lovely buttery taste.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with the golden crust.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
- Orange zest: The star ingredient giving a fresh citrus kick.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a gentle sweetness and rounds out flavors.
- Almond extract (optional): A hint of nuttiness enhancing the overall profile.
- Dried cranberries: Tangy bursts that contrast beautifully with the buttery dough.
- Chopped pistachios (optional): Nutty crunch and lovely green flecks.
- Egg and water (for egg wash): Creates a shiny, golden finish on the biscotti logs.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Biscotti Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This preparation ensures your biscotti won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. This blend sets the warm, spiced undertone and provides the right lift to your dough.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, usually around 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial for giving your biscotti that tender crumb and subtle sweetness.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavors
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the orange zest, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. These ingredients infuse the dough with complex citrus and warm, aromatic notes.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be gentle here to keep the dough tender but not overworked.
Step 6: Fold in Cranberries and Pistachios
Carefully incorporate the dried cranberries and chopped pistachios. These add lively pops of tart and crunch, making every bite of your Cranberry Orange Biscotti Recipe simply irresistible.
Step 7: Shape the Dough Logs
Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a 12-inch long log on your prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten the logs to about an inch thick for even baking and that signature biscotti shape.
Step 8: Apply Egg Wash and First Bake
Whisk together the remaining egg and a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush this over the tops of the logs to develop a beautiful golden hue as they bake. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until firm and lightly golden.
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Let the logs cool on the sheet for 10 minutes before lowering your oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). Then transfer the logs to a cutting board and slice diagonally into 1-inch wide pieces. This step creates the classic biscotti form and the perfect size for snacking.
Step 10: Second Bake for Crispness
Return the slices to the baking sheet, cut-side down, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through to get an even crisp on both sides. This double-baking step is what transforms the dough into that satisfying crunch we all love in biscotti.
Step 11: Cool Completely
Allow the biscotti to cool on a wire rack. This final step lets them set perfectly so you can enjoy their full texture and flavor.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Biscotti Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant touch, sprinkle powdered sugar lightly over your biscotti or drizzle melted white chocolate on top. Adding slivered almonds or extra chopped pistachios can also boost the visual appeal and texture.
Side Dishes
Biscotti pairs wonderfully alongside a warm cappuccino, chai tea, or a glass of sweet dessert wine. Consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla gelato or alongside a fresh fruit salad to balance the crunchy sweetness with refreshing juiciness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Cranberry Orange Biscotti Recipe pieces upright in a pretty jar or basket lined with festive tissue paper for gift-giving. Or present them stacked on a decorative platter alongside small bowls of fruit preserves or nut butters for dipping fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your biscotti fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Their dry, crisp texture helps them keep beautifully without the need for refrigeration.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away, biscotti freeze wonderfully. Place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy your Cranberry Orange Biscotti Recipe anytime.
Reheating
To refresh your biscotti after storage, warm them briefly in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back their crispness and toasty flavors with ease.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries contain a lot of moisture, which can affect the biscotti texture. It’s best to stick with dried cranberries to maintain the classic crunch and flavor balance in this Cranberry Orange Biscotti Recipe.
What if I don’t have pistachios? Can I omit them?
Absolutely! Pistachios add a nice crunch and color, but the biscotti are delicious even without them. You can substitute with other nuts like almonds or walnuts or leave them out entirely.
Is almond extract necessary?
The almond extract is optional but highly recommended if you want to deepen the nutty essence in your biscotti. If you don’t have it, vanilla alone still makes for a fantastic flavor.
How long will these biscotti stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these biscotti can stay fresh for up to two weeks. Their dry texture actually helps prolong shelf life compared to softer cookies.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that is designed for baking, but results may vary in texture. Be sure to include xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already have it to help with binding.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Cranberry Orange Biscotti Recipe a try. It’s an absolute joy to bake, filling your kitchen with uplifting scents and rewarding you with crunchy, zesty treats perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Whether it’s a quiet morning moment or a festive gathering, these biscotti elevate the experience beautifully.
Print
Cranberry Orange Biscotti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Cranberry Orange Biscotti recipe that combines the bright zest of orange with tart dried cranberries and optional crunchy pistachios. These twice-baked Italian cookies are crisp, flavorful, and perfect for enjoying with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 orange)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Add-ins
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios (optional)
For Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Then mix in the orange zest, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pistachios if desired.
- Shape Dough Logs: Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each into a log about 12 inches long on the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten Logs: Slightly flatten the logs with your hands so they are approximately 1 inch high.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk together the remaining egg and 1 tablespoon water to make an egg wash, then brush it over the tops of the dough logs.
- First Bake: Bake the logs at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until firm and lightly golden brown.
- Cool Logs: Remove from oven and let the logs cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.
- Lower Oven Temperature: Reduce oven heat to 325°F (163°C) for the second bake.
- Slice Logs: Transfer the logs to a cutting board and slice into 1-inch diagonal pieces using a sharp serrated knife.
- Second Bake: Place biscotti slices cut side down on the baking sheet.
- Bake Until Crisp: Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the biscotti halfway through baking until golden and crisp.
- Cool Completely: Transfer biscotti to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy your cranberry orange biscotti as a snack or paired with your favorite hot beverage.
Notes
- You can omit the almond extract if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Chopped pistachios add a nice crunch, but you can leave them out or substitute with other nuts.
- Ensure the biscotti are completely cooled to achieve the perfect crisp texture.
- Store cooled biscotti in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
- For gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
