If you are looking to brighten up your cookie collection with something both crisp and bursting with vibrant flavors, this Cranberry Orange Biscotti Recipe is an absolute must-try. The delightful balance of tart dried cranberries and zesty orange peel woven into a crunchy, twice-baked cookie makes it a charming treat that’s perfect for sharing or savoring on your own. Whether you’re new to biscotti or a seasoned fan, this recipe delivers a satisfying snap and fresh, fruity notes that will quickly make it one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cranberry Orange Biscotti Recipe happens because of a simple lineup of ingredients that come together to create a perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color. Each component contributes something special—from the softness of butter to the burst of fresh orange zest and the chewiness of cranberries.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy structure needed for that classic biscotti crunch.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the biscotti rise just enough for a light texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough without overpowering the citrus and cranberry notes.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and tenderness to the biscotti.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the biscotti’s perfect crumb.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Infuses fresh, citrusy aroma and bright flavor that stands out beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
- ¾ cup dried cranberries: Provide bursts of tart sweetness complementing the orange zest.
- ½ cup chopped almonds (optional): Introduce extra crunch and a nutty contrast.
- 1 tablespoon orange juice: Enhances moisture and intensifies the citrus flavor.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Biscotti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This creates a uniform base for your dough, ensuring even distribution of rising agents and seasoning.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it introduces air, which lends the biscotti a delicate texture even after twice-baking. A well-creamed base translates to a lighter, less dense biscotti.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Zest, and Flavorings
Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Stir in the vibrant orange zest, vanilla extract, and freshly squeezed orange juice. These elements lift the flavor profile with fresh, fruity, and aromatic notes that perfectly complement the dried cranberries.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now gradually add your whisked dry ingredients into the wet mix, folding gently until a dough forms. The dough should be firm but pliable enough to shape. Once the dough is ready, fold in the dried cranberries and optional chopped almonds, distributing them evenly for balanced bursts of flavor and texture.
Step 5: Shape and First Bake
Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a long log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Position the logs on your prepared baking sheet, then gently flatten them to about ¾ inch thick to ensure even baking. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes or until the tops turn lightly golden and feel firm to the touch, signaling readiness for slicing.
Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Second Bake
Allow the biscotti logs to cool for 10 minutes, a crucial cooling period that firms them up enough for slicing without crumbling. Using a serrated knife, carefully cut diagonal slices about ¾-inch thick. Place these slices cut-side down back onto the baking sheet, and bake them again—10 minutes on one side, then flip and return for another 8 to 10 minutes until crisp and golden. Let them cool completely before enjoying.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Biscotti Recipe
Garnishes
For a festive twist, drizzle your biscotti with melted white or dark chocolate just after the second bake, letting it harden before serving. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light dusting of cinnamon also makes for a lovely presentation and adds extra flavor.
Side Dishes
This biscotti pairs beautifully with hot beverages like rich coffee, spiced chai, or even a pumpkin latte. For an afternoon treat, serve alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or a light cheese plate to balance their sweetness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cranberry orange biscotti in a rustic basket lined with a colorful cloth for gifting or party platters. Wrapping individual biscotti with clear cellophane tied with a ribbon creates charming edible gifts. You can also gently dunk them in cocktails with orange or cranberry liqueur for a grown-up dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover biscotti fresh and crunchy by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly stored, they stay crisp for up to one week, maintaining their delightful texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this Cranberry Orange Biscotti Recipe in advance, biscotti freeze exceptionally well. Place cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy fresh biscotti anytime you want.
Reheating
To regain that perfect crunch, simply rewarm biscotti in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as that can soften the texture you worked so hard to achieve.
FAQs
What makes biscotti different from regular cookies?
Biscotti are twice-baked, which gives them their signature crunch and dry texture, ideal for dunking in coffee or tea. This technique makes them sturdier and longer-lasting than typical soft cookies.
Can I substitute the almonds with other nuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts work wonderfully in this recipe and will add different flavor nuances and textures depending on your preference.
Is it necessary to use orange zest and juice?
Yes, the orange zest and juice provide that fresh citrus brightness that defines this Cranberry Orange Biscotti Recipe. You can’t quite replicate the same vibrant flavor without them.
How do I prevent biscotti from becoming too hard?
Baking time and thickness are key. Slice the biscotti to about ¾ inch thickness and avoid overbaking during the second bake for a pleasant crunch that is not too brittle.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
With some experimentation, yes. Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, so adjustments might be necessary.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Orange Biscotti Recipe is an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat. Its perfect balance of tangy cranberries, bright orange, and nutty crunch will quickly become a cherished addition to your baking repertoire. Whether it’s for gifting or treating yourself with a cozy cup of coffee, these biscotti bring warmth and cheer to any occasion. I invite you to try this recipe and watch how it transforms your cookie tin into something truly special.
Print
Cranberry Orange Biscotti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 20 biscotti
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Orange Biscotti are crisp, twice-baked Italian-American cookies bursting with bright orange zest and tart dried cranberries. Perfectly sweetened with sugar and enriched with almonds for a delightful crunch, these biscotti make a festive treat during the holidays or a perfect companion for your coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
Add-ins
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture for the biscotti.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Mix in the orange zest, vanilla extract, and orange juice to infuse the dough with fresh citrus aroma and flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Then fold in the dried cranberries and chopped almonds if using to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape the Dough Logs: Divide the dough in half. On the prepared baking sheet, shape each portion into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Gently flatten the logs to approximately ¾ inch thickness to ensure even baking.
- First Bake: Bake the logs for 25–28 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden and firm to the touch. This initial bake cooks the dough through.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the logs from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes, which makes slicing easier. Using a serrated knife, slice each log diagonally into ¾-inch pieces for the classic biscotti shape.
- Second Bake: Arrange the slices cut-side down on the baking sheet and return them to the oven. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip each biscotti and bake an additional 8–10 minutes until crisp and lightly golden, achieving the signature crunch.
- Cool Completely: Allow the biscotti to cool completely before serving or storing to ensure they set to perfect crispness.
Notes
- For a festive touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled biscotti.
- Store biscotti in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- These biscotti make wonderful holiday gifts when beautifully wrapped.
