Orange Cranberry Biscotti is a perfect flavor como and makes a delightful and delicious holiday gift! I love Biscottis. my mouth is watering at the thought of the first bite of the Orange Cranberry Biscotti and this recipe sounds so good. I had to try it.
Holiday time can also be busty and sometimes you want to sit back and relax with a cup of Mulled Wine (this will give you the chance to check your gift list twice. You won’t want to leave anyone out this year.
What Are Biscotti Cookies?
Biscotti are classic Italian cookies known for their signature crunchy texture, perfect for dipping into tea or coffee. Unlike typical biscuits, they are baked twice: first as a log, then sliced into individual cookies and baked again to achieve their crisp perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Make: This recipe is incredibly easy and doesn’t require any dough chilling! While I prefer using a hand mixer to prepare the dough, a simple spatula works just as well.
- Absolutely Delicious: These might just be one of my favorite cookies on the blog! They’re perfectly crunchy, not overly sweet, and versatile enough to enjoy as breakfast, dessert, or a quick snack.
- Customizable Flavors: Orange and cranberry make an amazing pairing, but you can easily switch it up by adding your favorite dried fruits and nuts. Check out some flavor variation ideas later in the recipe!
How to make Orange Cranberry Biscottis
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; set it aside.
In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of room-temperature butter and ¾ cup of granulated sugar. Beat with a hand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Next, add 2 eggs, 2 teaspoons of orange zest, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed with a mixer until just combined, being careful not to overmix!
Using your hands, gently knead the dough until it comes together in the bowl, then divide it in half. Shape each portion into a rectangular log approximately 8×4 inches on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, and the top is set.
Remove from the oven and let it cool on the counter for about 20 minutes.
Once cooled, use a sharp knife to slice the logs into ½ or ¾-inch pieces.
Arrange the slices cut side down on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Tips for best results
- Allow to Cool Before Slicing: Don’t slice the cookies while they’re hot! Let the pre-baked cookie logs cool for at least 20 minutes or longer. Cutting them while still warm could cause them to crumble and lose their shape.
- Use a Sharp Knife: For clean, even slices, make sure to use a sharp knife. A dull knife may cause the tops of the cookies to break.
- Baking Time: The longer you bake the cookies, the drier and crunchier they’ll become. Just be sure to avoid burning the edges.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container on the counter for up to two weeks.
Options and Substitutions
Decoration:
To add a little extra flair to your cookies, try drizzling or dipping them in chocolate, then allow them to set on parchment paper. I also enjoy topping them with sprinkles for a fun touch.
Flavors:
While Orange Cranberry Biscotti are my personal favorite, this recipe’s base can be customized with a variety of flavors. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Vanilla
- Cranberry Pistachio
- Chocolate Chip
- Chocolate Chip & Dried Cherry
- Almond
- Almond Apricot
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I store them?
Store them in an airtight container on the counter for up to 2 weeks.
Are biscotti supposed to be hard?
Yes. The reason for baking these cookies twice is to make them dry and crisp, perfect for dipping in tea or coffee. If you prefer a softer texture, simply reduce the baking time.
HOW TO MAKE ORANGE CRANBERRY BISCOTTI
INGREDIENTS
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup dried Orange-Flavored Craisin
1/2 cup melted butter
3/4 cup Allulose
2 tsp aluminum free baking powder
2 eggs at room temperature
1 tbsp Orange Zest from one orange (or McCormick’s Orange Zest)
1/4 tsp kosher salt
3 oz Lily’s White Chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS
1 Place dried orange-flavored craisins in a bowl and add boiling water for 2 minutes then drain well.
2 In a large bowl, combine the Allulose, orange zest and butter with a whisk until well mixed then add one egg at a time.
3 In a separate bowl, whisk 2 cups all-purpoe flour,2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. and set aside.
4 Add flour mixture to wet ingredients and mix until incorporated.
5 Add craisins and mix well then chill dough for 30 minutes.
6 Preheat oven 350 degrees F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
7 half and shape into a 4″ by 8″ rectangle.
8 Bake for 25-30 minutes (or until light golden brown and edges start to brown).
Place parchment paper on cooling rack for 15 minutes.
9 Slice each log into 1/2-3/4″ slices then place (cut side down) on cookie sheet (no paper) and bake again for about 8-10 minutes turning halfway through.
10 Biscotti should be crispy. Remove and cool.
11. In a small bowl place white chocolate and microwave on high stirring every 10 seconds until just melted – watch so it does not burn.
12 Drizzle with a fork over one side of biscotti.
13 Place in refrigerator to harden (I keep my biscotti in the refrigerator in an air tight container
Notes
- Make sure to measure the flour accurately. Stir the flour to loosen it, then spoon it into the measuring cup without packing. Use a knife to level off the top. Alternatively, you can use a scale.
- Be sure to use large eggs.
Success Tips:
- Remember to preheat the oven.
- Toast the almonds for enhanced flavor.
- If the dough is sticky, chill it for 20 minutes.
- Reduce the oven temperature for the second bake.
- Slice the biscotti while still warm using a thin, serrated knife and a sawing motion.
- If the biscotti aren’t crunchy enough, bake them a bit longer.
- Biscotti will become crunchier as they cool.
Be sure to Bookmark this site. Check back often, because I change it and add new pages all the time. We have an amazing E-newsletter that we only send out updates and key information on Amazing Finds and Deals. No need to worry about us selling or sharing your info… we do not, ever. We appreciate you being a part of what we are doing here and look forward to several more decades of being an information source. Register in the top right-hand corner. We’ll update you on any new finds, more delicious new recipes, and innovative products. While you’re here, visit our category pages on the left for more incredible finds and additional gift ideas.