Pistachio and Cranberry Biscotti

This post may include affiliate links — learn more here .

When it comes to baking, few treats capture the essence of the holiday season quite like pistachio and cranberry biscotti. This delightful Italian cookie, known for its crisp texture and ability to be dipped into a warm drink without crumbling, is a favorite in many households. I recently tried this recipe for a family gathering, and it was an absolute hit. The combination of crunchy pistachios and tangy cranberries created a flavor profile that was both festive and comforting, making it the perfect accompaniment to our evening coffee. Even the kids, who usually shy away from anything that isn’t chocolate, couldn’t resist sneaking extra pieces when they thought no one was looking. The biscotti were devoured in record time, leaving me with the pleasant task of making another batch sooner than expected. There’s something truly heartwarming about sharing a homemade treat that brings smiles to everyone’s faces.

Ingredients

The magic of this pistachio and cranberry biscotti lies in the balance of its ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. You’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup shelled unsalted pistachios
1 cup dried cranberries
Zest of one orange (optional, but highly recommended for a citrusy kick)

Instructions

Creating these delightful biscotti is a rewarding process that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Here’s how to make them:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla extract until just blended.
Combine the mixtures: Gradually add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. It’s important not to overmix at this stage.
Fold in the extras: Gently fold in the pistachios, cranberries, and orange zest (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shape the dough: Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a log approximately 12 inches long and 3 inches wide. Smooth the surface with damp hands to prevent sticking.
Bake the biscotti log: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the log is golden brown and firm to the touch.
Cool and slice: Remove the log from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Using a serrated knife, slice the log diagonally into 1/2-inch thick slices.
Second bake: Arrange the slices cut side down on the baking sheet and return them to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are dry and crisp.
Cool completely: Allow the biscotti to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

Each serving of pistachio and cranberry biscotti offers a delightful indulgence that is surprisingly not too heavy. This recipe yields approximately 24 biscotti, with each piece containing around 110 calories. It’s the perfect treat for those looking to enjoy a sweet snack without overindulging, making it a great choice for both casual coffee breaks and festive gatherings alike.

Preparation Time

One of the best aspects of this biscotti recipe is its efficiency. The total preparation time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, which includes about 20 minutes of hands-on time and an hour of baking and cooling. This makes it an ideal option for busy bakers who want to whip up something special without spending an entire day in the kitchen. With a little planning, you can easily fit this recipe into your schedule, ensuring that you have a delicious homemade treat ready to impress your guests or satisfy your own cravings.

How to Serve

Serving pistachio and cranberry biscotti can be as versatile as the treat itself. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy them:

With coffee: The classic way to serve biscotti is alongside a steaming cup of coffee or espresso, where their crisp texture perfectly complements the rich flavors of the drink.
Tea time treat: Pairing these biscotti with a fragrant tea, such as Earl Grey or chamomile, offers a soothing afternoon indulgence.
Ice cream accompaniment: For a more decadent option, serve biscotti with a scoop of vanilla or pistachio ice cream, adding a crunchy element to the creamy dessert.
Gift option: These biscotti make an excellent homemade gift. Simply wrap them in decorative bags or boxes, tied with a festive ribbon, to share the joy with friends and family.
Cheese platter addition: For those who enjoy a savory-sweet combination, add biscotti to a cheese platter, where they pair beautifully with a selection of soft and hard cheeses.

Additional Tips

To ensure your pistachio and cranberry biscotti turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your biscotti depends on the freshness of your ingredients. Opt for fresh, unsalted pistachios and high-quality dried cranberries for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on the biscotti during both baking phases. Overbaking can lead to overly hard cookies, so ensure they are just golden and firm.
Experiment with flavors: While pistachio and cranberry are a classic combination, feel free to experiment with other nuts or dried fruits, such as almonds or cherries, to suit your taste preferences.
Freeze for later: If you have leftovers or want to prepare in advance, biscotti freeze well. Simply store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Make it gluten-free: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, ensuring that it contains xanthan gum for structure.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about making and enjoying pistachio and cranberry biscotti:

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
While fresh cranberries can be used, they will add more moisture to the dough, which might affect the baking time and texture. Dried cranberries are recommended for best results.
How should I store biscotti to keep them fresh?
Store biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing them as mentioned in the tips.
Why did my biscotti crumble when slicing?
If your biscotti crumbled, it might be due to slicing them while they were too hot. Ensure they have cooled slightly but are still warm to achieve clean cuts.
Can I add chocolate to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can dip one end of each biscotti into melted chocolate and allow it to set for a delicious chocolatey twist.
What if I don’t have pistachios?
If pistachios are not available, almonds or walnuts make excellent substitutes. Each will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the biscotti.

Discover the Kitchen Tool Everyone Is Raving About!