If you’re looking for a holiday baking menu or a Christmas gift box, Citrus Cranberry Crunch Biscotti is a great recipe. It’s a bright and festive cookie recipe that everyone loves. It’s incredibly easy to make.
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Citrus Cranberry Crunch Biscotti : A Bright and Festive Cookie Recipe
When you’re looking for a homemade treat that’s crunchy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping into your morning coffee or holiday hot Cookie, Orange Cranberry Biscotti is simply amazing.
This classic Italian twice-baked cookie gets a twist on every American home with a zesty orange, sweet-tart cranberry, vanilla, and a subtle hint of almond.
This easy-to-make, comforting festive recipe fits beautifully into a holiday baking menu, a gift box, or a year-round baking routine.
This article will provide step-by-step instructions on how to make Orange Cranberry Biscotti, along with some important tips on variations, storage, instructions, and finally, answers to any questions you might have. Let’s get baking and enjoy!
Why is Orange Cranberry Biscotti so popular?
- Citrus Cranberry Crunch Biscotti is so popular and unique for:
- It offers a bright citrus flavor from the peel of a fresh orange
- Chewable dried cranberries add a hint of sweetness
- It maintains a crunchy texture, perfect for dipping in coffee, tea, or milk.
- All the simple ingredients in this Citrus Biscotti recipe are readily available in your pantry.
- This easy homemade biscotti has a long shelf life, making it ideal for gifting.
- Cranberry Biscotti comes with customizable add-ins like cookies, almonds, pistachios, and white chocolate.
All the ingredients needed for Orange Cranberry Crunch Biscotti:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, optional but recommended
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
- 4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
Mix-ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds or pistachios – optional
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- Melted white chocolate for topping, optional
Step-by-step instructions for making Citrus Cranberry Crunch Biscotti:
1. Preheat and prepare the oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, 180°F.
- Lightly line the baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients
- Use a large mixing bowl –
- Add baking powder, sugar, flour, and salt.
- Mix with a whisk until thoroughly combined.
3. Mixing the Butter and Egg
- Use another large mixing bowl –
- Add vanilla extract, softened butter, egg, almond extract, and orange zest and continue beating until smooth and creamy.
- Your mixer now smells a wonderful citrus scent.
4. Mixing the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Now gradually add all the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing them with a spatula.
- This dough should be slightly sticky, which is perfect.
5. Adding the Cranberries
- You can add the dried cranberries, or nuts if desired.
- Check that the cranberries are evenly distributed throughout the bites for a consistent flavor.
6. Shaping the Logs
Divide the dough into two equal portions on a baking sheet.
Shape each portion into logs about 10 inches long and 2 inches wide.
Slightly flatten them with wet hands to create a smooth shape.
7. First Bake
- Bake the logs for 30 minutes, until the tops are lightly golden and firm.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool at room temperature for 8 to 10 minutes.
8. Slicing the Biscotti
- Place the warm logs on a cutting board and use a serrated knife to cut them at a slight angle into 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick slices.
- Cutting on the angle produces tall, beautiful biscotti.
9. Second Bake, Crunch Time
- Lay the slices flat on a baking sheet,
- Bake for 11 to 12 minutes on all sides, then
- Turn them over once.
- The edges should be crisp and golden.
- 10. White Chocolate Drizzle – Optional
Once completely cooled:
- For a festive finishing touch, drizzle with melted white chocolate and let the chocolate set at room temperature.
- Now your easy homemade biscotti, Citrus Cranberry Crunch Biscotti, is ready to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Biscotti Cookies:
- Perfect with heart chocolates during the holidays
- Dipped in espresso or hot coffee
- With herbal blends or tea
- Perfect wrapped in a cellophane bag for an edible Christmas gift.
Storage:
Citrus Cranberry Crunch Biscotti: Some tips on how to store leftovers:
- At room temperature – Biscotti can be stored in an airtight container for 12 to 15 days.
- To freeze – Store in a ziplock bag and refrigerated for up to 3 months.
- For re-crimping – If the biscotti become soft, bake at 300°F for 6 to 7 minutes.
Some great variations you’ll love:
- For Almond Cranberry Biscotti – Substitute orange zest with almond extract and add chopped almonds.
- For White Chocolate Orange Biscotti, add 1/2 cup white chocolate chips to the batter.
- For Dark Chocolate Dip – For a unique twist, dip one side of all the biscotti in melted dark chocolate. This makes easy homemade biscotti taste amazing.
- For Pistachio Cranberry Biscotti – Add shelled pistachios for a colorful green-red holiday look.
- For Orange Lemon Biscotti – For a mixed citrus flavor, add the zest from half an orange and the zest from half a lemon.
FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions about Citrus Cranberry Crunch Biscotti, recipe tips, and how to fix mistakes while making easy homemade biscotti:
Q, Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?
This is not recommended because fresh cranberries release more water, making your dough too wet. Always use dried cranberries, which makes for the best cranberry biscotti cookies.
Q. What is biscotti?
Biscotti is a traditional Italian cookie that is baked twice to create a crisp, crunchy texture.
It’s ideal for dipping in a hot drink.
Q. Why are cranberry biscotti cookies baked twice?
Because double baking effectively removes moisture, giving biscotti its signature crunch and long shelf life.
Q. Can I omit the almond extract?
Yes! But using almond extract adds a bakery-style flavor, and if needed, use vanilla instead.
Q, How to prevent cranberry biscotti cookies from breaking when slicing?
Two tips to prevent easy homemade biscotti from breaking:
Let the logs cool for 10 to 11 minutes.
Slice gently using a serrated knife.
Q. Can cranberry biscotti cookies be gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour mixer.
Q. Can cranberry biscotti cookies require butter?
Only a few traditional biscuit recipes don’t use butter, but adding butter creates a softer, more flavorful crust that’s perfect for American tastes.
Q. Can I add nuts to cranberry biscotti cookies?
Yes! Walnuts, almonds, pistachios, or pecans taste amazing with cranberries.
Q. Can I gift cranberry biscotti cookies?
Yes! Easy homemade biscotti are great gifts because they stay fresh all week.
Q. Why do biscotti taste drier?
Cranberry biscotti cookies should be crisp, but they dry out a lot the second time they bake. They should be cut thicker to create a soft, fluffy center.
Final Thoughts:
Citrus Cranberry Crunch Biscotti is festive, bright, crunchy, and full of citrus holiday cheer. If you’re looking to bake something for Christmas and want to share with friends or enjoy something with a cup of hot coffee, these easy homemade biscotti are a winner every time.