Get ready to elevate your holiday baking game with these delightful Holiday Spiced Orange Cranberry Biscotti! Bursting with festive flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and zesty orange, these crunchy treats are perfect for dipping into your favorite hot beverage or gifting to friends and family. Imagine the joy of sharing a batch of these beautifully baked biscotti, each bite delivering a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe will have you creating a deliciously aromatic masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Dive into the recipe below and discover how to make these irresistible holiday delights!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 24 biscotti
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, beat eggs with vanilla extract and orange zest until light and slightly frothy.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the egg mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a slightly sticky dough forms.
- Fold in dried cranberries and chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and shape into two long, flat logs approximately 12 inches long and 3 inches wide. Leave space between the logs as they will spread during baking.
- Smooth the tops of the logs with damp hands to create an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the logs are lightly golden and firm to the touch.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
- Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
- Lay the biscotti slices cut-side down on the baking sheet and return to the oven.
- Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the biscotti are crisp and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The biscotti will continue to crisp as they cool.
- Optional: Once cooled, you can drizzle with melted white chocolate or dust with powdered sugar for extra decoration.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Tips
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: For the best results, use a kitchen scale to measure your flour and sugar. Accurate measurements ensure the right texture and flavor.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps them incorporate better into the dough, resulting in a lighter biscotti.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for about 15 minutes before shaping. This will make it easier to handle.
- Use Fresh Spices: For maximum flavor, use freshly ground spices. They can significantly enhance the taste of your biscotti.
- Don’t Skip the Cooling Time: Allow the logs to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps maintain their shape and prevents crumbling.
- Slice Diagonally: For a more elegant presentation, slice the logs diagonally. This not only looks nicer but also gives you larger surfaces for toasting.
- Store Properly: Keep your biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. They can last up to two weeks—if they last that long!
- Add a Twist: Feel free to customize your biscotti by adding other mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruits. The possibilities are endless!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg
