Cranberry Orange Biscotti

Imagine biting into a crispy, golden biscotti with a sweet, tangy twist from dried cranberries and the refreshing zing of orange zest. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Cranberry Orange Biscotti! This is the kind of treat that’s perfect for dipping into your morning coffee or tea, and it’s a showstopper for any holiday or special occasion. With just the right balance of sweetness and citrusy brightness, these crunchy cookies are perfect for when you want something satisfying but not too heavy. Trust me, you’ll be reaching for just one more piece!

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Orange Biscotti

Let me tell you why this Cranberry Orange Biscotti is so amazing:

Perfect for Dipping

Biscotti is made for dipping—whether it’s into your morning coffee, a hot cup of tea, or even a glass of dessert wine. The crunchy texture and delightful flavor make every dip a treat.

Sweet, Tart, and Zesty

The combination of dried cranberries and orange zest creates a perfect balance of sweet and tart, while the orange adds that beautiful citrusy brightness that everyone loves.

Great for Gifting

These biscotti are perfect for packaging up and giving as gifts during the holidays. Not only do they look gorgeous in a cute tin or jar, but they taste as good as they look!

Simple to Make

If you’ve been intimidated by biscotti before, don’t be! This recipe is easy to follow, with just a few basic ingredients and simple steps to follow. Even beginners can bake this treat with confidence.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Cranberry Orange Biscotti:

For the Biscotti Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 orange)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped if large
• 1/2 cup chopped pistachios (optional, but adds a nice crunch)

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Cranberry Orange Biscotti:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the biscotti from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the dried cranberries and pistachios (if using) with a spatula.

Step 5: Form the Biscotti Logs

Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log, about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them for expansion.

Step 6: Bake the First Time

Bake the biscotti logs in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden. The logs should be firm to the touch but not too hard yet.

Step 7: Slice and Bake Again

Remove the logs from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes on the baking sheet. Once they’ve cooled slightly, carefully slice them diagonally into 1-inch thick pieces using a sharp serrated knife. Arrange the slices back on the baking sheet, cut side down.

Step 8: Bake Again

Return the biscotti to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on both sides. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

(Note: The full instructions, including specific times, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 (about 2 cookies per serving)
Calories per serving: 160 kcal
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carbohydrates: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Biscotti

These Cranberry Orange Biscotti are perfect on their own, but they’re even better when paired with your favorite drink or a sweet treat. Here are some ideas for how to serve them:

Coffee or Tea

Nothing beats dipping these biscotti into a cup of coffee or tea. The citrusy sweetness pairs beautifully with both hot beverages.

Dessert Wine

For a special occasion, serve these biscotti alongside a glass of dessert wine like Moscato or Port. The sweetness of the biscotti will complement the wine’s rich flavor perfectly.

Holiday Breakfast

Serve these biscotti as part of your holiday breakfast spread. They add a festive touch alongside pancakes, eggs, and fruit.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips for making this recipe even better:

• Customize with nuts: If you’re not a fan of pistachios, feel free to swap in almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts instead.
• Make ahead: Biscotti are perfect for making ahead of time. They stay fresh for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container. You can even freeze them for up to 3 months!
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter biscotti, add an extra 2 tablespoons of sugar to the dough. You can also drizzle the cooled biscotti with a bit of white chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Try with other fruits: While cranberries and orange are a classic combo, feel free to experiment with dried cherries, raisins, or blueberries for different flavor profiles.

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A1: Yes! You can use a gluten-free flour blend to make these biscotti gluten-free. The texture might vary slightly, but they will still be delicious.

Q2: How can I store leftover biscotti?
A2: Store biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. They will stay crisp and fresh!

Q3: Can I dip these biscotti in chocolate?
A3: Absolutely! You can dip the cooled biscotti in melted white or dark chocolate for an added layer of indulgence.

Q4: Can I make this recipe without eggs?
A4: Yes! You can substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) for a vegan-friendly version.

Q5: How do I get my biscotti to be extra crispy?
A5: The key to crispy biscotti is baking them twice. Make sure the logs are firm after the first bake, and allow them to cool slightly before slicing. The second bake will give them that perfect crunch.

Q6: Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
A6: Yes! Mini chocolate chips would be a fantastic addition to this biscotti recipe. Just fold them in along with the cranberries and nuts.

Q7: Can I use fresh orange juice instead of zest?
A7: While zest provides a more concentrated orange flavor, you can use fresh orange juice in place of the zest for a milder orange taste. Add 2 tablespoons of juice to the dough.

Q8: Can I freeze the dough to bake later?
A8: Yes! You can freeze the dough logs before baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Q9: Can I use a stand mixer instead of a hand mixer?
A9: Yes! A stand mixer will work perfectly fine for mixing the dough. Just make sure to mix until everything is combined, but don’t overwork the dough.

Q10: Can I make a smaller batch?
A10: Yes! You can halve the recipe to make a smaller batch, just remember to adjust the baking times accordingly.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Orange Biscotti are the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy—great for dipping or enjoying on their own. They’re easy to make and versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a batch to share with friends or keeping them all to yourself, these biscotti will always hit the spot. So grab your ingredients and get baking—you won’t regret it!

Print