Zesty Cranberry Orange Biscotti Recipe for Cozy Teatime Magic

My weekend baking adventures recently discovered a cranberry orange biscotti recipe that changed everything about traditional Italian cookies.

Crisp edges and a delightful citrus aroma make these treats irresistible for morning coffee companions.

Mediterranean traditions inspire this delectable twist on classic biscotti.

Homemade cookies always feel more special when you craft them with care and fresh ingredients.

Zesty orange notes dance alongside tart cranberries, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Crunchy and sophisticated, these biscotti promise to become your new favorite afternoon indulgence.

You’ll want to share these elegant cookies with everyone who stops by.

Why Cranberry Orange Biscotti Makes a Great Snack

• Craft Gourmet Treats: Create professional-level bakery-style biscotti with simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills.
• Versatile Snacking Companion: Perfect for coffee breaks, afternoon tea, or as a delightful dessert that pairs wonderfully with hot beverages.
• Crowd-Pleasing Homemade Delight: A recipe that impresses guests and family members with its sophisticated flavor combination of tangy cranberries and bright orange zest.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Enjoy long-lasting biscotti that stay crisp and delicious for several days when stored in an airtight container, making it ideal for meal prep and gifting.

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Biscotti Bakes

• All-Purpose Flour: The base ingredient that provides structure and texture to the biscotti.
• Baking Powder: Helps the biscotti rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the biscotti.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb in the biscotti.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning during baking.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the biscotti's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the biscotti.
• Orange Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic quality to the recipe.

• Dried Cranberries: Adds a tart and sweet burst of flavor and chewy texture to the biscotti.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Biscotti Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350F (175C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until perfectly blended and free of lumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine softened butter and sugar.

Beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creates a creamy texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter mixture.

Ensure each egg is fully mixed before adding the next, creating a smooth and consistent base.

Step 5: Infuse Flavor

Stir in fresh orange zest and vanilla extract.

Mix thoroughly to distribute the bright citrus and sweet vanilla throughout the batter.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients.

Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the dough.

Step 7: Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold dried cranberries into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.

Step 8: Shape Biscotti Logs

Divide the dough into two equal portions. On the prepared baking sheet, shape each portion into a long log about 10 inches long and 2 inches wide.

Space the logs about 3 inches apart to allow for expansion.

Step 9: First Baking

Bake the logs for 25-30 minutes.

Look for a light golden color and a firm texture when touched.

Step 10: Cool and Slice

Let the logs cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes.

Transfer to a cutting board and use a serrated knife to slice diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces.

Step 11: Second Baking

Arrange the sliced biscotti cut side down on the baking sheet.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, then flip the pieces and bake for another 10-12 minutes until crisp and golden brown.

Step 12: Final Cooling

Transfer the biscotti to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.

The biscotti will continue to crisp up as they cool.

Tips for Crisp and Sweet Biscotti Slices

• Use fresh orange zest for a vibrant, bright citrus punch that elevates the entire biscotti.
• Employ a sharp serrated knife when cutting biscotti to ensure clean, even slices without crumbling the delicate texture.
• Let the first bake cool slightly before slicing to prevent crumbling and maintain the log's structural integrity.
• Double-bake the biscotti to achieve that classic crisp texture, turning slices midway for even golden-brown coloring.
• Consider dipping one end of the cooled biscotti in melted white or dark chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.

Creative Biscotti Variations for Tea Time

• Chocolate Chip Cranberry Biscotti: Replace orange zest with mini chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent version. Add a sprinkle of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for extra depth.
• Almond Cranberry Biscotti: Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract. Mix in chopped almonds with dried cranberries for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Cranberry Biscotti: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Ensure baking powder is also gluten-free for a celiac-friendly option.
• Maple Pecan Cranberry Biscotti: Replace sugar with maple syrup and add chopped pecans to the dough. Drizzle with maple glaze after cooling for extra sweetness.

Pairings for Cranberry Orange Biscotti Treats

Strong, dark espresso perfectly complements the sweet-tart cranberry and bright orange zest in these biscotti, creating a classic Italian-style coffee break experience.

Drizzle or serve alongside Grand Marnier or Cointreau to amplify the citrus notes and add a sophisticated adult twist to the crunchy treat.

Spread a layer of smooth mascarpone cheese on the side, which balances the biscotti’s crisp texture and adds a luxurious, velvety counterpoint to the tangy cranberry.

Spicy, warming chai tea brings out the warmth of the orange and provides a complex, aromatic backdrop that elevates the biscotti’s delicate flavors.

Storing Biscotti for Crunchy Snacking

• Store biscotti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crispness.
• Wrap biscotti tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before enjoying.
• Keep biscotti in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and moisture. Consume within 5-6 days for optimal texture and flavor.
• Warm biscotti briefly in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispness. Alternatively, toast in a toaster oven for a quick crunch.

FAQs

• What are biscotti?

Biscotti are traditional Italian twice-baked cookies that are dry, crunchy, and perfect for dipping in coffee or tea. They originated in Tuscany and are known for their distinctive long, crisp texture.

• Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

No, fresh cranberries have too much moisture and will make the dough too wet. Dried cranberries work best for maintaining the right texture and preventing excess moisture in the biscotti.

• How do I know when the biscotti are properly baked?

The biscotti should be lightly golden, firm to the touch during the first bake, and crisp and golden after the second bake. They should have a crunchy texture that snaps when broken.

Cranberry Orange Biscotti Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Cranberry orange biscotti deliver a delightful symphony of zesty citrus and tart berries in every crisp, twice-baked slice. Elegant Italian cookies perfect for dunking into coffee or savoring as a light dessert you’ll surely enjoy.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2/3 cup (100 grams) dried cranberries

Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Calibrate the oven to 350F (175C) and arrange parchment paper on a baking sheet.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing vessel, whisking thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
3. In a separate larger bowl, vigorously blend butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a pale, airy consistency.
4. Introduce eggs individually, thoroughly integrating each before adding the next to ensure smooth incorporation.
5. Incorporate orange zest and vanilla extract, stirring until the aromatic elements are uniformly distributed.
6. Gradually introduce dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing.
7. Gently fold dried cranberries throughout the dough, dispersing them evenly.
8. Separate dough into two equal portions, shaping each into elongated logs approximately 10 inches long and 2 inches wide on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining 3 inches of separation.
9. Roast for 25-30 minutes until logs acquire a delicate golden hue and feel firm when touched.
10. Allow logs to rest on the baking sheet for 15 minutes, permitting initial cooling.
11. Transfer logs to a cutting surface and slice diagonally into half-inch thick segments using a serrated knife.
12. Arrange slices cut-side down on the baking sheet.
13. Return to the oven, baking for 10-12 minutes, then flip slices and continue baking an additional 10-12 minutes until crisp and golden brown.
14. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack, allowing complete cooling before serving.

Notes

• Achieve the perfect crumbly texture by not overmixing the dough, which can lead to tough biscotti.
• Experiment with alternative dried fruits like chopped apricots or blueberries for unique flavor variations.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same binding properties.
• Create a decadent finish by dipping cooled biscotti in melted dark chocolate or white chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 123 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 64 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 27 mg