Cranberry Orange Biscotti
These American-style Cranberry Orange Biscotti are the perfect treat to share with family and friends!
This post may contain paid links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.
We have a lot of reasons to thank Italians when it comes to the kitchen. While there is some debate on the actual birthplace of pizza, there is no question that the Italians (particularly those in Naples) are pizza masters. Then there’s pasta. I’m pretty sure I have dreams about Roman-style Spaghetti Carbonara. In fact, I’m pretty sure I have these dreams on a nightly basis.
And whether you call it pasta sauce or gravy, it’s clear that the Italians know their sauces and pasta. Oh, and how could I forget prosecco, the Italian version of champagne. And then there’s gelato. I literally could continue this list forever…
But one area where the Italian version falls a bit short (at least in my humble opinion)…biscotti. The name ‘biscotti’ traces it’s roots back to the Latin for double-baked. These cookies are unquestionably Italian. But the Italian version of biscotti will break your teeth. No wonder biscotti last so long…I think they’re made from concrete. Now, with this said, if someone offered me an authentic Italian biscotti, I would still gladly accept it. Especially if said biscotti came with a shot of authentic Italian espresso.
Several years ago, I stumbled across a local bakery that sold the most amazing biscotti. They were firm, but still crumbly. You could still dip ’em in a cup of coffee, but they didn’t send you on an unexpected trip to the dentist. I was enamored by these biscotti. Problem was they were crazy expensive. So I set out to figure out how to make my own version. After many, many trials, I’ve landed on a biscotti recipe that is downright perfect in my opinion. This American-style biscotti recipe calls for more butter than its’ Italian cousin, but this leads to a crumblier cookie.
Cranberry Orange Biscotti
As you guys know, we have a new addition to our family arriving any day now. (In fact, his due date is today. Yes, Friday the 13th. No, we are not naming him Jason or Freddy. Oh, and we’re still waiting on him to arrive, too.) That means we will have a lot of family members visiting over the next several months. We’re also heading into the holidays, so you never know when friends or neighbors will stop by to chat for a bit. My answer? Let’s keep a batch of these Cranberry Orange Biscotti on hand. Whether they’re a treat for grandma after a late night with the baby or a snack for the neighbors who stopped by to visit, these biscotti are winners!
I used Bob’s Red Mill Organic All-Purpose Flour to make these tasty Cranberry Orange Biscotti. Bob’s Red Mill is my go-to source for flours, grains, beans, etc. I bake a lot (I mean a lot), and you can pretty much always count on me having a bag of Bob’s Red Mill flour in my cupboard. Actually, forget the cupboard. I keep my flour out on the countertop…that’s how often I get into it! Click here to find a store that carries Bob’s Red Mill products near you.
I used a fun little trick to get a nice orange flavor in these biscotti without adding actual orange juice. The increased liquid would have been a problem…so I just used the zest from a couple of oranges instead. But fresh zest tends to clump together thanks to the oils in the orange peel. The solution? Just microwave the zest in short bursts until it gets nice and dry. Then just proceed with baking as normal.
If you thought biscotti were too difficult to bake at home…then think again. These American-style Cranberry Orange Biscotti are actually pretty darn easy to make. And they’re perfect to serve with a cup of coffee while visiting with friends and family during the holidays. Cheers!
If you make a batch of these Cranberry Orange Biscotti, come back and leave a comment! Or snap a photo and tag me on Instagram (@Spicedblog). Happy baking, my friends!
Looking for more fun biscotti flavors? Check these out, too!
Hazelnut Biscotti
Chocolate Peanut Butter Biscotti
Pumpkin Spice Biscotti
Chocolate Walnut Biscotti
Cranberry Orange Biscotti
Ingredients
For the Biscotti
- 1 Tbsp orange zest ~1 large orange
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2/3 cup sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- ½ Tbsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup dried cranberries
For the Topping
- 1 Tbsp orange zest ~1 large orange
- 4 ounces good-quality white chocolate chopped (or white chocolate chips)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
For the Biscotti
- Spread the orange zest on a microwave-safe plate; microwave in 15-second intervals for 60-90 seconds, stirring with fingers after each interval. (Note: The zest is done when it’s dry and crumbly. If you don’t stir between each interval, though, the zest can burn.)
- Using a countertop mixer, add the butter, sugar, salt, vanilla, and baking powder. Mix on medium-low speed until mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Add the eggs and mix on low speed until fully absorbed.
- Add the flour, dried cranberries and dried orange zest; mix on low speed until fully combined.
- Transfer dough to a lined baking sheet and shape into a 5"x10" log.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
- Remove pan from oven and allow it to cool for 7-8 minutes. Transfer biscotti to a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice the log crosswise into 3/4" slices. Place each biscotti cut-side down on a lined-baking sheet.
- Reduce oven temperature to 325°F and continue baking for another 25-30 minutes, or until the biscotti begin to turn golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool fully before adding topping.
For the Topping
- Microwave orange zest until dry and crumbly; set aside.
- Fill a saucepan with 1-2” of water and bring to a light simmer over medium heat. Place chocolate in a heatproof bowl and place on top of saucepan. Heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth.
- Using an offset spatula, spread chocolate evenly across top of each biscotti.
- Sprinkle dried orange zest and cranberries on top of chocolate.
- Let chocolate set fully (~30 minutes) before serving.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bob’s Red Mill.
The opinions and recipe are all my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Spiced!
Love biscotti! Cranberry and orange are the perfect flavor combination. And then that chocolate frosting! That just sets this biscotti over the top amazing!
Oh man, this biscotti was the perfect snack along with an afternoon cup of coffee, Kathy! Bring on the holiday baking!! 🙂
Haha…I wonder how many folks actually did name their kids Freddy or Jason cos they were born on a Friday the 13th!?
Love the gynormous amount of orange zest in these Biscotti – and ooh, that white chocolate is the perfect topping! I gotta admit, I’m a bit jealous of all your guests cos they are gonna be enjoying some goood good eats!
Happy Friday and if Baby Spiced comes this weekend – here’s hoping all goes well!
Hmmm…that would be so wrong to name your kid Freddy or Jason if he was born on Friday the 13th! My father in law pointed out that I had the trifecta going this past Friday: It was Friday the 13th, it was a full moon and my mother-in-law was in town. Haha! Still no baby…this countdown is getting a little old. I wonder where that kid gets his stubborn streak from? 🙂
Cranberry and orange together are just perfecto! This reminds me of something that I had in Rome, so please pass me a coffee and some of this 🙂
Oh man, anything that reminds me of Rome is pretty much A-OK in my book, Dannii! Meet you for an espresso in Rome this afternoon? 🙂
Hey David I totally agree! your version looks amazing! Have a great weekend!
Thank you so much, Gaila! I really appreciate that…and I hope you are having a great weekend yourself!
Love the cranberry+orange combo and that white chocolate topping…one word: AWESOME!
Have a great weekend my friend!
Thanks, Mike! I hope you are having a great weekend down there in the city, too! #WolfpackWeekends
I totally agree with you, I LOVE italian food ! And these biscotti look soooo delicious !
Thank you so much, Amy! I think I could eat Italian every day for the rest of my life, and I’d be a happy camper! 🙂
I loveeee biscotti and your version looks so perfect! The white chocolate makes them that much better. Love that you finally recreated your favorite biscotti 🙂
Biscotti is so much fun to bake at home…and it’s so surprisingly easy! Here’s to holiday baking with Bob’s Red Mill, too…I loved those cookies you created! 🙂
You are so right about biscotti being as hard as cement! I like that you made an edible version 🙂 and the cranberry orange combo is one of my faves! I can’t believe today is the little guy’s due date! Good luck to you both!
Thank you so much, Rachelle. We’re still on the countdown over here. The little guy is being stubborn as heck. But the in-laws are in town now, and we’re just hanging out waiting…and munching on biscotti to help pass the time! 🙂
I love me some biscotti and I love your orange zest trick too. These look great especially that white chocolate topping… Have a great weekend Dad-to-be!
Thanks, Kevin! That orange zest trick is super handy to keep in mind when baking. We’re still in countdown mode over here. In in-laws are in town now, though, so everyone is just hanging out waiting on the little guy to show up! 🙂
Hi David! My sister in law makes these and they are like bricks! These look wonderful! Have a great weekend you three! 🙂
Haha! Traditional (Italian style) biscotti are indeed like bricks. But they probably do last like 6 weeks. These American style biscotti are much crumblier…just the way I like ’em! And it’s still just 2 over here. That little guy is being stubborn! 🙂
Good luck David, hope all goes well and we hear the good news soon! 🙂 Love these biscotti, it’s funny but I made almost the same flavor yesterday!
Orange cranberry is such a classic at this time of the year, Manali! I can’t wait to see your version soon. 🙂 And yes, we will hopefully have good news soon…but for now, it’s still the waiting game. Hope you’re having a great weekend!
Two of my favorite holiday combinations, orange and cranberry! I’ve only made biscotti once and they were hard just like you mentioned. I enjoy eating them, but dang they are hard on your teeth! These look great!
Yeah, traditional (Italian style) biscotti almost have to be dipped into coffee to make them edible. These American style are much crumblier…although I still enjoy eating them with a hot cup of coffee in one hand! 🙂
Can I come over? I want those biscotti. I’ll bring coffee. Or carbonara. Best of luck with your soon-to-arrive son!
Oh geez, if you are willing to bring coffee and carbonara, then you are welcome to show up here anytime of the day! I’ll gladly feed you biscotti in return. We’re still waiting on the little guy to show up, but we’ve got a house full of family now…just hanging out waiting. Bring extra carbonara, please.
You’re so right David – there are millions of reasons to be thankful. Personally, besides pasta, risotto, and pizza, it’s tiramisu. And cannoli. And all these fantastic Christmas treats, eh? Aren’t you going to make some?I’ve got a feeling you’re! And you have to:) But honestly, I’ve never made biscotti. I love this combo of oranges and cranberries. It’s such a winter one in my opinion. I just feel a winter breeze and snow when I’m looking at these cookies:) Well done!
Oh I am definitely going to be making some Christmas treats…I mean the holidays are just the best excuse to bake delicious treats for family/friends, right?? You should totally make biscotti! It’s surprisingly easy to make, and really quite delicious! 🙂
This biscotti is beautiful!! I love the dried cranberries and orange in it! Perfect for the holidays! This would also make an awesome gift for the Holidays!
You’re right, Kelley! These would be great holiday gifts for neighbors…if you can manage to not eat them all first! Haha…just kidding…sorta. 🙂
Wow! These look delicious! I love adding cranberries to cookies…they add such a great flavor and chewiness!
Yes! I totally agree! Cranberries are such a fun addition to holiday baking. Thank you!
this just reminded me that i haven’t made biscotti in SO. LONG. i love how this is so similar to the cranberry bliss bar at starbucks too. my favorite
What are you waiting for, Beverley? Get in the kitchen and make some biscotti! 🙂 And I didn’t even think about how this is similar to the cranberry bliss bar at Starbucks. I’ve never had that bar…but maybe this afternoon is a good time for a treat, right?
” The name ‘biscotti’ traces it’s roots back to the Latin for double-baked”
Look at you, mate. Chucking all things Latin related. I say you were born in the wrong era! Just kidding! these look amazing and I’ll need to make them with Italian style biscotti- Both dipped in strong espresso (I wonder if they are still .60 euro?!).
Seriously! I was born in the wrong era. Heck, I even have my full Roman soldier outfit ready to go. (Sadly, I’m not kidding about that one…) Oh, now I want a .60 Euro espresso…with my dinner roll!