There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked biscotti wafting through the kitchen, with the sweet tang of cranberries perfectly balanced by the nutty crunch of almonds. Each bite is a little escape into a world of golden-brown, lightly crisped perfection, inviting you to savor every morsel slowly, preferably with a warm cup of coffee or tea. Trust me, you’re going to love this.
Behind the Recipe
This recipe has a special place in my heart because it reminds me of cozy mornings spent baking with family. The simplicity of mixing a few wholesome ingredients, shaping the dough, and seeing it transform into crisp, flavorful biscotti is almost magical. It’s a recipe that feels like a hug in baked form, and it never fails to bring smiles.
Recipe Origin or Trivia
Biscotti, also known as cantucci, originated in Italy, specifically the region of Tuscany. Traditionally, these twice-baked cookies were enjoyed with Vin Santo, a sweet dessert wine. The combination of cranberries and almonds is a modern twist that adds festive color and a burst of flavor, making these biscotti perfect for holidays or gifting.
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Almond Biscotti
Cranberry Almond Biscotti is a treat you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again.
Versatile: Enjoy them with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of ice cream for a delightful dessert
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples like flour, sugar, and almonds, keeping it affordable
Quick and Easy: The dough comes together in just a few minutes, and the twice-bake method ensures perfect crispness
Customizable: Swap cranberries for other dried fruits or add chocolate chips for extra indulgence
Crowd-Pleasing: Their crunchy texture and sweet-tart flavor make them irresistible at parties or gatherings
Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake ahead of time and store in an airtight container for weeks
Great for Leftovers: Biscotti actually improves in flavor and crunch when stored for a day or two
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Here are a few tips to elevate your biscotti:
- Use room-temperature eggs to help the dough bind evenly
- Toast the almonds lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor
- Don’t slice the biscotti too thin or they may break during the second bake
- Allow the biscotti to cool completely before storing to maintain crispness
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To make these biscotti, you’ll want a few essentials:
Mixing Bowl: For combining your dry and wet ingredients smoothly
Baking Sheet: A flat sheet ensures even baking
Parchment Paper: Keeps the biscotti from sticking and makes cleanup easier
Sharp Knife: For slicing the baked log into neat biscotti
Cooling Rack: Helps the biscotti crisp evenly as they cool
Ingredients in Cranberry Almond Biscotti
Every ingredient plays a role in building flavor, texture, and structure.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups, forms the structure of the biscotti
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon, helps the biscotti rise slightly during the first bake
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, balances the sweetness and enhances flavors
- Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup, provides sweetness and slight caramelization
- Large Eggs: 2, bind the dough and add richness
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, adds aromatic depth
- Almonds: 1 cup, whole or chopped, provide crunch and nutty flavor
- Dried Cranberries: 3/4 cup, add tart sweetness and color
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need to swap ingredients:
Almonds: Pecans or walnuts
Dried Cranberries: Raisins or dried cherries
All-Purpose Flour: Gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version
Ingredient Spotlight
Almonds: Provide a satisfying crunch and nutty depth that complements the tart cranberries
Dried Cranberries: Infuse the biscotti with color and a sweet-tart bite, making them festive and flavorful
Instructions for Making Cranberry Almond Biscotti
Get ready for a fun baking adventure. Here’s how to make these crisp treats:
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet, then stir in almonds and cranberries
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Shape the dough into a log about 12 inches long and place it on the prepared baking sheet
- Assemble the Dish: Flatten the log slightly for even baking
- Cook to Perfection: Bake for 25–30 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes
- Finishing Touches: Slice the log into 1/2-inch thick pieces with a sharp knife. Lay slices cut side down on the baking sheet and bake again for 10–15 minutes to crisp
- Serve and Enjoy: Let biscotti cool completely on a rack, then enjoy with your favorite beverage
Texture & Flavor Secrets
These biscotti are crisp on the outside and slightly tender inside, with the almonds adding crunch and cranberries delivering bursts of tart sweetness. The twice-bake method locks in their crunch while intensifying flavors, making each bite satisfying.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
A few extra hints to make perfect biscotti every time:
- Slice with a serrated knife to avoid crumbling
- Toast nuts for deeper flavor
- Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness
What to Avoid
Keep your biscotti perfect by avoiding common mistakes:
- Don’t slice the log when it’s hot, it will crumble
- Avoid overbaking the second time, it can become too hard
- Don’t skip the parchment paper, or cookies may stick
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 180
Note: These are approximate values
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Biscotti are perfect for making ahead. Bake, cool completely, and store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. They can also be frozen for longer storage and reheated briefly before serving.
How to Serve Cranberry Almond Biscotti
Serve them with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also pair wonderfully with a bowl of fresh fruit or alongside soft cheeses for a sophisticated snack.
Creative Leftover Transformations
Use leftover biscotti as a crunchy topping for yogurt, ice cream, or even crushed into a pie crust. You can also dip them in chocolate for a decadent twist.
Additional Tips
For extra flavor, try adding orange zest to the dough. Lightly dust with powdered sugar before serving to make them visually festive. Rotate your baking sheet midway for even browning.
Make It a Showstopper
Arrange biscotti in a neat stack on a decorative platter, sprinkle with extra almonds or cranberries, and serve with a small cup of espresso for a stunning presentation.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Cranberry Almond: Add chocolate chips to the dough
- Cinnamon Almond Biscotti: Sprinkle cinnamon into the dough for a warm spice note
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend
FAQ’s
-
Q: Can I use other nuts besides almonds?
A: Yes, pecans or walnuts work beautifully -
Q: How do I store biscotti to keep them crisp?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature -
Q: Can I make them without eggs?
A: You can use a flax or chia egg substitute for a vegan version -
Q: Can I add chocolate?
A: Yes, chocolate chips or a drizzle on top is delicious -
Q: How long do biscotti last?
A: Up to 2 weeks in an airtight container -
Q: Can I freeze biscotti?
A: Yes, freeze completely cooled biscotti in a sealed container for up to 3 months -
Q: Should I slice while hot or cool?
A: Cool for 10 minutes after the first bake for best results -
Q: Can I use different dried fruits?
A: Yes, cherries, raisins, or apricots are great alternatives -
Q: How thick should I slice the biscotti?
A: About 1/2 inch thick to ensure crispness -
Q: Can I toast the almonds in the oven?
A: Yes, lightly toast at 350°F for 5–7 minutes for extra flavor
Conclusion
Cranberry Almond Biscotti are a delightful combination of crunch and flavor, perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. The sweet-tart cranberries and nutty almonds make every bite a little celebration. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite, and once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Print
Cranberry Almond Biscotti
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crisp, golden-brown biscotti with tart cranberries and crunchy almonds, perfect for coffee or tea
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Almonds, whole or chopped
- 3/4 cup Dried Cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl
- Whisk sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a separate bowl
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet, then stir in almonds and cranberries
- Shape dough into a 12-inch log on the prepared baking sheet
- Flatten log slightly and bake for 25–30 minutes until lightly golden
- Cool 10 minutes, slice into 1/2-inch thick pieces, and bake again for 10–15 minutes to crisp
- Cool completely on a rack before serving
Notes
- Use room-temperature eggs for even mixing
- Lightly toast almonds for deeper flavor
- Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness
- Slice after the first bake to prevent crumbling
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscotti
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg