If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s perfect for dipping into your morning coffee or enjoying as a light afternoon snack, look no further than this Cranberry Orange Biscotti. The combination of tangy cranberries and zesty orange makes these biscotti incredibly flavorful, while their crunchy texture is perfect for a satisfying bite. Trust me, once you take a nibble, you’ll be hooked. It’s a simple, yet elegant cookie that feels like a little slice of heaven with every dunk. Let’s dive into why you’ll love it!
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Why You’ll Love Cranberry Orange Biscotti
Crisp and Crunchy: Biscotti is all about that perfect crunch, and these babies deliver it! They’re crisp on the outside, with just the right amount of snap, yet light enough to enjoy with your favorite drink.
Bursting with Flavor: The juicy, tart cranberries paired with the fresh orange zest create a refreshing burst of flavor that makes these biscotti a treat for the taste buds.
Perfect for Gifting: Whether you’re looking for a homemade gift or something special to share at a gathering, these biscotti are just the thing. They look as impressive as they taste, making them a fantastic gift for friends and family.
Easy to Make: Despite their elegance, these biscotti are surprisingly easy to make! With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time.
Versatile: These biscotti pair wonderfully with tea, coffee, or even a glass of wine, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. You can even drizzle them with a bit of melted white chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these tangy, sweet, and oh-so-crunchy biscotti:
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the biscotti, giving them structure and that signature crunch.
Sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart cranberries and bright orange zest.
Baking Powder: Helps the biscotti rise and maintain a light, airy texture inside while being crispy on the outside.
Eggs: The binding agents that hold everything together, ensuring the biscotti are perfectly firm yet not too dry.
Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla enhances the flavor and adds a rich depth to the biscotti.
Orange Zest: The zest of an orange adds that citrusy punch, bringing a fresh brightness to every bite.
Dried Cranberries: The tartness of dried cranberries pairs perfectly with the orange zest, creating a wonderful contrast of flavors.
Almonds: Whole almonds add a bit of nuttiness and texture to each bite, making the biscotti even more satisfying.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the biscotti from sticking.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the orange zest and mix to combine.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
Add the Good Stuff: Gently fold in the dried cranberries and almonds, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a log about 12 inches long. Place the log onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the First Time: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the log is golden and firm to the touch. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before moving on to the next step.
Slice the Biscotti: Once the log has cooled slightly, use a sharp knife to slice it into 1-inch thick pieces on the diagonal.
Bake the Biscotti Again: Lay the sliced biscotti flat on the baking sheet and return to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden and crisp.
Cool and Serve: Allow the biscotti to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them with a warm drink or on their own as a delightful snack!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 150
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
Total Time: 55-65 minutes
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Biscotti
With Coffee or Tea: Biscotti and a hot beverage are the perfect pairing. The crunch of the biscotti makes for a satisfying bite, especially when dipped into a warm mug of coffee or tea.
As a Sweet Snack: Enjoy these biscotti on their own as a quick snack during your afternoon break or after dinner.
Gift Them: Pack them up in a cute tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift that’s sure to be appreciated.
Drizzle with Chocolate: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the top for a little extra sweetness.
Additional Tips
Make Ahead: Biscotti actually tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make them ahead of time. They’ll store well in an airtight container for up to a week.
Customize the Add-ins: If you want to mix things up, try adding other dried fruits like cherries or apricots, or swap the almonds for pistachios for a fun twist.
Store Properly: To keep your biscotti fresh and crunchy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Freeze for Later: Biscotti freezes beautifully, so feel free to make a double batch and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?
A1: Fresh cranberries will work, but they’re much more tart and may release more moisture, so you may need to adjust the baking time and add a little extra sugar to balance the flavors.
Q2: Can I make these biscotti gluten-free?
A2: Yes! You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to use one with a good structure to support the biscotti’s crunch.
Q3: How do I store leftover biscotti?
A3: Store leftover biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and crisp!
Q4: Can I make these biscotti without nuts?
A4: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of almonds or have a nut allergy, you can leave them out or replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for some crunch.
Q5: How do I know when the biscotti is done baking?
A5: The biscotti should be golden brown and crisp. When you press lightly on them, they should feel firm.
Q6: Can I add more orange zest?
A6: Of course! If you love the flavor of orange, feel free to add a little extra zest to the dough for a stronger citrus punch.
Q7: Can I dip these biscotti in chocolate?
A7: Yes! Drizzling or dipping them in melted white or dark chocolate adds a nice touch and enhances the flavor.
Q8: Can I make these biscotti ahead of time?
A8: Yes! Biscotti actually tastes better after sitting for a day or two, and they’ll stay fresh for a week when stored in an airtight container.
Q9: Can I use a different dried fruit?
A9: Absolutely! Feel free to swap cranberries for dried cherries, blueberries, or even raisins if you prefer.
Q10: How can I make my biscotti more crunchy?
A10: If you prefer extra crunch, bake the biscotti a little longer during the second round of baking, checking every 5 minutes until they reach your desired crispness.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Orange Biscotti are a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy afternoon or a special gathering. Their irresistible crunch, paired with the vibrant flavors of orange and cranberry, will leave you coming back for more. So, go ahead, make a batch, and enjoy a little slice of happiness with each bite!
Print
Cranberry Orange Biscotti
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 41 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 11 minutes
- Yield: 16 biscotti cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Cranberry Orange Biscotti recipe is a perfect balance of sweet and citrusy flavors, packed with dried cranberries, fresh orange zest, and crunchy pistachios. Twice-baked to achieve the classic crisp texture, these Italian cookies are dipped in rich chocolate for an irresistible treat. A must-try for holiday baking and dessert lovers! Ideal for healthy recipes, recipes to try, and quick high-protein meals.
Ingredients
For the Egg Wash:
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon water
For the Biscotti:
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2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, melted
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3/4 cup (149g) granulated sugar
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1/4 cup (53g) light brown sugar, packed
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1 tablespoon (14g) orange zest, finely grated
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1 tablespoon (14ml) orange juice
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 large egg yolk, room temperature
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1 tablespoon (14ml) mild olive oil
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2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
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1 1/4 cups sweetened dried cranberries
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3/4 cup whole unsalted pistachios
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1/4 cup (50g) sparkling sugar
For the Chocolate Coating:
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8 ounces (227g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
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1/2 cup (57g) lightly salted pistachios, roughly choppe
Instructions
For the Egg Wash:
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In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water until well combined. Set aside.
For the Biscotti:
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom (if using), and salt. Set aside.
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In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, orange zest, and orange juice until well combined.
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Beat in the eggs and egg yolk, then mix in the olive oil and vanilla.
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Gradually add the flour mixture, then fold in the cranberries and pistachios until just combined.
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Cover the dough and chill for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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With moistened hands, divide the dough in half and shape into two 10×4-inch loaves.
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Place the loaves on the prepared baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with sparkling sugar.
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Bake for 24 minutes until pale golden brown. Let cool for 15 minutes.
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Using a serrated knife, slice into ½-inch pieces. Place slices cut side down on a baking sheet.
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Bake for 9 minutes, then flip and bake for another 8 minutes until golden. Let cool completely.
For the Chocolate Coating:
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Fill a saucepan ⅓ full with water and bring to a simmer.
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Place a heatproof bowl over the pan, ensuring it doesn’t touch the water. Reduce heat to low.
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Add chopped chocolate to the bowl and stir occasionally until fully melted.
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Remove from heat, ensuring no water gets into the chocolate.
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Dip each biscotti into the melted chocolate and place back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Sprinkle with chopped pistachios. Allow chocolate to set before serving.
Notes
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Chilling the dough helps with shaping and prevents spreading.
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For extra crunch, bake the biscotti for a few more minutes after slicing.
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Try dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
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Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscotti
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg