Pistachio & Cranberry Biscotti Recipe

Imagine a crisp, twice-baked cookie, studded with vibrant green pistachios and tart, chewy cranberries. That’s exactly what you get with Pistachio Cranberry Biscotti. These Italian-inspired treats are not only visually stunning but also incredibly flavorful, making them the perfect addition to any holiday gathering, coffee break, or afternoon snack.

They’re crunchy, nutty, and slightly sweet – everything a biscotti should be. Every year during the holidays, my kitchen transforms into a biscotti bakery, and this Pistachio Cranberry Biscotti recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. It reminds me of when I first started baking with my grandmother. She always emphasized the importance of quality ingredients and patience, especially when it came to baking. This recipe combines those lessons with my love for simple, delicious treats that everyone can enjoy.

Why You’ll Love These Pistachio Cranberry Biscotti

Why You’ll Love This Pistachio Cranberry Biscotti

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Pistachio Cranberry Biscotti recipe. Here are just a few:

• Festive Flavors: The combination of pistachios and cranberries is not only visually appealing but also offers a delightful flavor contrast. The nutty, slightly savory pistachios pair perfectly with the tart and chewy cranberries, creating a taste sensation that’s both comforting and exciting.

• Perfectly Crunchy Texture: The twice-baked process ensures that these biscotti have the perfect crunch. They’re sturdy enough to dunk in coffee or tea, but not so hard that they’ll break your teeth.

• Easy to Customize: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out the pistachios for other nuts, like almonds or walnuts, or use different dried fruits, such as cherries or apricots.

• Great for Gifting: These biscotti make a wonderful homemade gift for friends, family, and neighbors. Package them in a pretty tin or cellophane bag, and they’re sure to be a hit.

• Long Shelf Life: Thanks to the twice-baked process, these biscotti can last for several weeks when stored properly, making them a great make-ahead treat for the holidays.

  
  

Ingredients for Pistachio Cranberry Biscotti

To make these delicious Pistachio Cranberry Biscotti, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each ingredient is important:

• All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the biscotti and provides structure. Make sure to measure it accurately for the best results.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to create a crisp texture.
• Baking Powder: This is the leavening agent that helps the biscotti rise slightly and become airy.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• Almond Extract: Provides a subtle almond flavor that complements the pistachios and cranberries. You can substitute vanilla extract if you prefer.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds moisture and richness to the biscotti. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Pistachios: These add a nutty flavor and a beautiful green color. Use unsalted pistachios and chop them coarsely.
• Dried Cranberries: These add a tart and chewy element to the biscotti. Look for cranberries that are plump and moist.

Ingredient Notes

• Flour: I always use all-purpose flour for this recipe, but you can experiment with other types of flour, such as whole wheat or gluten-free flour. Keep in mind that this may affect the texture of the biscotti.
• Sugar: You can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a slightly different flavor and texture. Brown sugar will make the biscotti chewier and more moist.
• Nuts and Dried Fruits: Feel free to get creative with the nuts and dried fruits. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, dried cherries, dried apricots, and raisins all work well in this recipe.

How to Make Pistachio Cranberry Biscotti

Making Pistachio Cranberry Biscotti is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying these delicious treats in no time:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the almond extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Stir in Pistachios and Cranberries: Fold in the pistachios and cranberries until evenly distributed.
6. Shape the Dough: Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, shape each half into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet.
7. First Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the logs are lightly golden brown.
8. Cool and Slice: Remove the logs from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. Using a serrated knife, slice the logs into 1/2-inch thick slices.
9. Second Bake: Arrange the slices cut-side up on the baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the biscotti are golden brown and crisp. This second bake is what gives the biscotti their signature crunch.
10. Cool Completely: Let the biscotti cool completely on the baking sheet before storing.

Step-by-Step Instructions with Tips

• Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
• Don’t overmix the dough, as this can result in tough biscotti.
• Use a serrated knife to slice the logs into even slices.
• For extra crispy biscotti, bake them for a longer time during the second bake.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Pistachio Cranberry Biscotti

Follow these tips to make your Pistachio Cranberry Biscotti even more amazing:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the biscotti. Use good-quality butter, fresh eggs, and flavorful nuts and dried fruits.
• Toast the Nuts: Toasted nuts have a richer, more intense flavor. Toast the pistachios in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or until they are fragrant.
• Add Zest: A little bit of orange or lemon zest can add a bright, citrusy flavor to the biscotti.
• Dip in Chocolate: For an extra decadent treat, dip the cooled biscotti in melted chocolate. White chocolate, dark chocolate, or milk chocolate all work well.
• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Try adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom, or using different extracts like vanilla, almond, or lemon.
• Make Them Smaller: For a bite-sized treat, shape the dough into smaller logs and slice them into thinner slices.
• Add a Glaze: Drizzle the cooled biscotti with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice.

Storage Options for Pistachio Cranberry Biscotti

To keep your Pistachio Cranberry Biscotti fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

• Airtight Container: Store the cooled biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help to keep them crisp and prevent them from becoming stale.
• Layer with Parchment Paper: If you’re storing the biscotti in layers, place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.
• Keep Away from Moisture: Store the biscotti in a cool, dry place away from moisture. Moisture can make the biscotti soggy.
• Freezing: You can freeze the biscotti for longer storage. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: If the biscotti have lost some of their crispness, you can reheat them in a low oven (200°F or 95°C) for a few minutes to crisp them up again.

What to Serve With Pistachio Cranberry Biscotti

Pistachio Cranberry Biscotti are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of other foods and beverages. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Coffee or Tea: Biscotti are traditionally served with coffee or tea. The crunchy texture and slightly sweet flavor make them the perfect accompaniment to a hot beverage.
• Dessert Wine: For a more sophisticated pairing, serve the biscotti with a dessert wine, such as Vin Santo or Moscato.
• Ice Cream: Crumble the biscotti over ice cream for a crunchy and flavorful topping.
• Yogurt: Add crumbled biscotti to yogurt for a quick and easy breakfast or snack.
• Cheese Plate: Serve the biscotti as part of a cheese plate. They pair well with both hard and soft cheeses.
• Gift Basket: Include the biscotti in a homemade gift basket for friends and family. Add other treats like homemade jam, nuts, and chocolates.

Variations and Substitutions

• Different Nuts: Try using almonds, walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts instead of pistachios.
• Different Dried Fruits: Use dried cherries, apricots, raisins, or figs instead of cranberries.
• Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the dough for an extra chocolatey treat.
• Spices: Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for a warm and festive flavor.
• Extracts: Use different extracts like vanilla, almond, or lemon to customize the flavor of the biscotti.
• Citrus Zest: Add orange or lemon zest to the dough for a bright and citrusy flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pistachio Cranberry Biscotti

Got questions about making Pistachio Cranberry Biscotti? Here are some frequently asked questions:

• Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
• Can I freeze the biscotti? Yes, you can freeze the biscotti for up to 3 months. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• How do I prevent the biscotti from getting too hard? Don’t overbake the biscotti during the second bake. Bake them until they are golden brown and crisp, but not too hard.
• Can I use a stand mixer to make the dough? Yes, you can use a stand mixer to make the dough. Use the paddle attachment and mix until just combined.
• Can I make these biscotti gluten-free? Yes, you can make these biscotti gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that this may affect the texture of the biscotti.
• Why are my biscotti so crumbly? Your biscotti may be crumbly if you used too much flour or didn’t add enough liquid. Make sure to measure the ingredients accurately and don’t overmix the dough.
• How do I get the biscotti to slice evenly? Use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion to slice the biscotti evenly. You can also chill the logs in the refrigerator for a few minutes before slicing.
• Can I add a glaze to the biscotti? Yes, you can add a glaze to the biscotti after they have cooled completely. A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice works well.

Print