Cranberry orange biscotti is a delightful treat that perfectly balances the tartness of cranberries with the bright zest of oranges. This crunchy cookie is ideal for dipping into your morning coffee or as a sweet snack any time of day. The recipe is straightforward and requires only a handful of ingredients to create these delicious Italian cookies. Whether you are looking to impress guests at a gathering or simply enjoy a homemade treat, this cranberry orange biscotti will surely delight your taste buds. In just a few simple steps, you can have these delectable cookies ready to enjoy or share with friends and family. Baking has never been so rewarding and enjoyable than when you whip up a batch of these scrumptious biscotti.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Biscotti

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Biscotti

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-purpose flour: This forms the base of the biscotti; use unbleached flour for better flavor.
Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the texture of the cookies.
Baking powder: Helps the biscotti rise while baking, giving them their distinctive shape.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of all ingredients; use fine sea salt for even distribution.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness; medium-sized eggs work best.
Orange zest: Adds a fresh citrus flavor that complements the cranberries beautifully.
Dried cranberries: Choose high-quality cranberries for a burst of tartness in every bite.
Sliced almonds (optional): Adds crunch and an extra layer of flavor; toast them lightly for enhanced taste.

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

How to Make Cranberry Orange Biscotti

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

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

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the eggs and add orange zest. Mix until thoroughly combined before adding it to the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Fold in Add-Ins

Gently fold in dried cranberries and sliced almonds if using. Mix just until combined; do not overwork the dough.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and divide it into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into logs approximately one inch thick.

Step 6: Bake Twice

Place logs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 25 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing them diagonally into individual pieces. Return slices to the baking sheet cut side up and bake again for another 10-12 minutes until crispy.

Transfer to plates and enjoy your cranberry orange biscotti with coffee or tea!

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Even Baking: Ensure that both logs are equally thick for consistent baking results throughout.
Storage Solution: Store cooled biscottis in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispiness.
Flavor Boosting: For added flavor depth, consider soaking dried cranberries in warm water or orange juice before mixing them in.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Biscotti

This Cranberry Orange Biscotti is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Coffee or Tea: The crunchy texture complements the warmth of your favorite beverage, enhancing the overall experience.
Fruit Compote: A sweet and tangy fruit topping adds a delightful contrast to the biscottis’ flavors.
Cheese Plate: A selection of soft cheeses provides a creamy balance to the crunchy biscotti, creating an inviting appetizer.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough for Cranberry Orange Biscotti up to one day in advance. Form the logs and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Storing: Store any leftover biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing them, where they can last for up to three months.
Reheating: To enjoy biscotti warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the biscotti on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until crisp. Avoid microwaving as it may make them chewy instead of crunchy.

FAQs for Cranberry Orange Biscotti :

What are the key ingredients in Cranberry Orange Biscotti?

Cranberry Orange Biscotti features a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The essential ingredients include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. These form the base of the biscotti. Fresh orange zest adds a vibrant citrus note, while dried cranberries provide a sweet and tart contrast. Eggs act as binding agents to hold everything together, ensuring that your biscotti maintains its shape during baking. Lastly, some recipes may incorporate nuts such as almonds or walnuts for added crunch. This unique blend creates a perfect snack or dessert that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.

How should I store my Cranberry Orange Biscotti?

To maintain the freshness of your Cranberry Orange Biscotti, it is essential to store them properly. Once your biscotti have cooled completely after baking, place them in an airtight container. Ideally, use a glass or ceramic jar with a tight-fitting lid to keep them safe from air exposure. If stored correctly at room temperature, your biscotti can last up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider placing them in the freezer. Wrap each biscotti individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They can remain delicious for up to three months when frozen.

Can I customize my Cranberry Orange Biscotti recipe?

Absolutely! One of the best aspects of making Cranberry Orange Biscotti is its versatility. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. For instance, if you enjoy a nuttier flavor, consider adding chopped pistachios or pecans alongside the cranberries. You might also substitute other dried fruits like cherries or apricots for a different taste profile. Similarly, if you prefer spicier notes, try incorporating cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough. Just remember that any adjustments should complement the primary flavors of orange and cranberry for balanced results.

How do I achieve the perfect texture for my biscotti?

Achieving the ideal texture in your Cranberry Orange Biscotti involves careful attention during the mixing and baking processes. Start by ensuring that you properly cream your butter and sugar until light and fluffy; this step is crucial for creating an airy texture. When mixing in dry ingredients, be gentle to avoid overworking the dough—this keeps your biscotti crisp rather than tough. After forming logs for the first bake, allow them plenty of time to cool before slicing; this step allows easier cutting without crumbling. Finally, bake sliced pieces until golden brown for that satisfying crunch.

Can I make Cranberry Orange Biscotti gluten-free?

Yes! You can easily adapt your Cranberry Orange Biscotti recipe to be gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends available on the market today. Look for mixes that contain xanthan gum or add it separately to ensure proper structure and chewiness in your cookies. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free as cross-contamination can occur with regular products. Following these guidelines will help you create delicious gluten-free biscotti without compromising on flavor.

What beverages pair well with Cranberry Orange Biscotti?

Cranberry Orange Biscotti makes an excellent companion for various beverages due to its unique flavor profile. A classic pairing would be coffee or espresso; their rich flavors enhance the sweetness of the biscotti beautifully. For tea lovers, opt for black tea or herbal varieties like chamomile; both complement the citrus notes well without overpowering them. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, consider serving your biscotti with mulled wine during colder months—it adds a festive touch! Ultimately, choose a beverage that suits your personal taste preferences.

FAQs

Conclusion for Cranberry Orange Biscotti :

Cranberry Orange Biscotti is a delightful treat that combines sweet and tangy flavors with a satisfying crunch. The key ingredients—including dried cranberries, fresh orange zest, and nuts—create a perfect balance that elevates this Italian classic into something special. Proper storage techniques help maintain its freshness while allowing customization lets you explore new taste combinations tailored to your liking. Whether enjoyed alongside coffee or tea or as part of festive gatherings, these biscotti are sure to impress family and friends alike. With simple steps detailed above, you can easily whip up this delicious snack at home!

Easy Cranberry Orange Biscotti Recipe

Author: Patricia
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Cranberry Orange Biscotti is a delightful Italian treat that marries the tartness of dried cranberries with the zesty brightness of fresh orange. This crunchy snack is perfect for dipping in your morning coffee or tea and makes an impressive addition to any gathering. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch of these tasty biscotti in no time. Customize them with your favorite nuts or spices to create a unique flavor experience. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them for later to savor their crunchiness!

Ingredients

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 1 tsp baking powder

– 1/2 tsp salt

– 2 large eggs

– Zest of 1 orange

– 1 cup dried cranberries

– 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. In another bowl, beat eggs and mix in orange zest. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.

4. Fold in cranberries and almonds gently.

5. Shape dough into two logs on the baking sheet.

6. Bake for 25 minutes until golden. Cool slightly, slice diagonally, then return to bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until crispy.

Notes

– Ensure logs are evenly thick for uniform baking.

– For added flavor, soak cranberries in warm orange juice before mixing.

– Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 120
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 2g