Festive Biscotti

As the holiday season draws near, there’s a distinct aroma that signals warmth, comfort, and festive cheer. This year, let that delightful scent be of freshly baked Holiday Biscotti, a treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the season. Imagine warm mugs of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, just begging for a delightful companion to be dunked into their depths. This particular biscotti recipe is an absolute masterpiece, brimming with the rich, creamy sweetness of white chocolate, the bright, tart burst of cranberries, and the satisfying crunch of pistachios. Every bite is a symphony of tastes and textures, making it an irresistible addition to your holiday baking repertoire.

This festive White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti isn’t just a cookie; it’s an experience. The vibrant red cranberries and green pistachios instantly evoke the colors of Christmas, making these biscotti visually appealing as well as incredibly delicious. The delicate nuttiness from the pistachios perfectly complements the fruity tartness of the dried cranberries, while chunks of premium white chocolate melt ever so slightly, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your holiday culinary adventures, this recipe promises a simple yet rewarding journey to creating truly memorable treats.

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Holiday Biscotti: The Ultimate Festive Treat

Happy holidays! As the year gracefully winds down, I find myself embracing the joy of holiday baking, and this particular recipe has been a highly anticipated one. I intentionally saved this delightful creation for the week before Christmas, knowing it would be a perfect addition for those immersed in their holiday baking traditions or searching for exceptional homemade gift ideas. This Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti recipe is wonderfully versatile, ideal for arranging on elaborate cookie trays, bundling up beautifully in cellophane for thoughtful Christmas gifts, or presenting as a charming hostess gift when attending your next holiday gathering. Its inherent elegance and delightful flavors ensure it’s always a welcome treat.

The Secret to Perfectly Crunchy Biscotti

If you’re new to making biscotti, don’t be intimidated! The process is surprisingly straightforward, and the results are truly rewarding. The fundamental secret to achieving that quintessential, satisfyingly crunchy biscotti lies in two key elements: using high-quality ingredients and diligently allowing the cookies to dry out. Biscotti, meaning “twice-baked” in Italian, gets its characteristic crispness from this unique baking method. You want to aim for cookies that are wonderfully firm and crisp, making them absolutely ideal for dipping or “dunking” into your favorite hot beverages like coffee, tea, or rich hot chocolate. This traditional serving method not only softens the biscotti but also infuses it with the flavors of your drink, creating a truly comforting experience.

One of the beauties of this recipe is its inherent flexibility. While the combination of white chocolate, cranberries, and pistachios is undeniably festive and delicious, you can easily adapt the recipe based on ingredients you have on hand or to suit your personal taste preferences. This adaptability ensures that you can enjoy homemade biscotti anytime, even outside the holiday season. The simple steps involved make it an accessible baking project, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

If you find yourself enamored with the charm of homemade holiday treats, especially these delightful Holiday Biscotti, then you are sure to love exploring other festive cookie recipes. Consider trying classic delights such as Orange Meltaway Cookies, heartwarming Spice Cookies with Pumpkin Dip, or the convenient and flavorful Orange Ginger Refrigerator Cookies. Each offers a unique flavor profile that complements the joyous atmosphere of the holidays.

Baking for the Holidays: Christmas Biscotti Edition

These beautiful Christmas Biscotti are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a centerpiece for any holiday occasion. They are perfectly suited for festive cookie exchanges, adding an elegant touch to a lively Christmas party, or gracing your holiday dessert buffet with their inviting presence. These cookies not only taste incredible but also boast a gorgeous appearance, making it hard for anyone to believe how effortlessly simple they are to prepare. To truly maximize your holiday baking efforts, consider making a double batch. You can easily freeze a portion of the baked biscotti to have on hand for those unexpected guests who drop in, or simply to enjoy a sweet indulgence long after the holiday rush has passed. Their excellent shelf life makes them an ideal make-ahead option, reducing stress during busy festive periods.

Essential Ingredients for Your Holiday Biscotti

Crafting exceptional biscotti begins with selecting the right ingredients. For a complete list of quantities and detailed instructions, you will find the full printable recipe further down. But first, let’s talk about the key components that give these White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti their distinct holiday flavor and perfect texture:

Butter: Unsalted butter at room temperature is recommended as it creams beautifully with sugar, creating a light and airy base. However, if salted butter is what you have, it will work just as well – just be mindful of the added salt content in the recipe.
Sugar: A delightful combination of white granulated sugar and brown sugar provides both sweetness and a subtle depth of flavor. Brown sugar also contributes to a chewier interior, complementing the overall crunch.
Egg: A large egg, also at room temperature, acts as a binding agent, bringing all the ingredients together and adding richness to the dough. Room temperature eggs emulsify better with fats, resulting in a smoother batter.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is crucial for the best flavor. It adds a warm, aromatic base that enhances all the other sweet elements. Don’t skimp on quality here!
Almond Extract: This is a secret weapon for adding an extra layer of complexity and a delicate, nutty aroma. It pairs exceptionally well with pistachios and white chocolate, giving the biscotti a sophisticated edge.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your biscotti, all-purpose flour provides the necessary structure. Ensure it’s measured correctly for the right consistency.
Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise slightly during the first bake, contributing to their classic shape and texture.
Salt: A small touch of salt is vital to balance the sweetness and truly enhance all the other flavors present in the biscotti.
Pistachios: Chopped pistachios are essential for that characteristic crunch and beautiful green hue. Their distinct flavor adds a gourmet touch. Ensure they are shelled and preferably unsalted if you are using salted butter.
Dried Cranberries: These provide a wonderful tartness and a chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the white chocolate and the crunch of the nuts. They also lend a festive red color.
White Chocolate: Chopped white chocolate chunks (not chips, which sometimes contain stabilizers preventing proper melting) will infuse the biscotti with creamy, luxurious sweetness. Opt for good-quality white chocolate for the best melt and flavor.

Optional Biscotti Topping: For an extra touch of indulgence and visual appeal, consider adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate and a sprinkle of additional chopped pistachios after the biscotti have fully cooled.

White Chocolate: More melting white chocolate or good-quality white chocolate chips for coating.
Pistachios: Additional chopped pistachios for a final garnish, adding even more crunch and festive color.

How to Make This Holiday Biscotti with Cranberries and Pistachios

Making these delightful biscotti is a straightforward process, broken down into two essential baking stages. Follow these simple steps to create perfectly crispy, flavorful White Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti:

Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Oven: Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cream Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This step incorporates air, contributing to the biscotti’s texture. Next, beat in the room temperature egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients and Add-Ins: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough biscotti. Gently fold in the chopped pistachios, dried cranberries, and chopped white chocolate until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shape the Dough: Transfer the dough onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Using floured hands, gently shape the dough into a wide log, approximately 8×4 inches. Aim for an even thickness to ensure consistent baking.
First Bake: Bake the log for 20-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and appears dry to the touch. The baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. This first bake cooks the dough and sets its shape.
Cool and Slice: Remove the baked log from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely—this is crucial for clean slicing. Once cooled, carefully transfer the biscotti log to a cutting board. Using a very sharp serrated knife, cut the log into ¾-inch thick slices. A serrated knife helps prevent crumbling. Return the sliced biscotti pieces back to the prepared baking sheet, laying them flat.
Second Bake (Drying Out): Decrease your oven temperature to 275°F (135°C). Bake the sliced biscotti for another 10-15 minutes, or until they are completely dry and crisp. The goal here is to “dry them out” rather than brown them further, so monitor closely to prevent over-browning. This second bake is what gives biscotti its signature hard, crunchy texture.
Final Cool: Once dried, remove the biscotti from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. They will become even crispier as they cool.
Optional Topping: For an extra festive touch, melt additional white chocolate in a bowl. Place some extra chopped pistachios in a separate bowl. Dip one end or half of each cooled biscotti into the melted white chocolate, then immediately sprinkle with or dip into the chopped pistachios. Place them back on a clean cookie sheet or parchment paper to allow the chocolate to set completely.
Storage: Once completely cooled, store your Holiday Biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, maintaining their delightful crispness. For longer storage, you can flash freeze them on a cookie sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe storage container or resealable plastic bags for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!

If you adore this delicious White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti recipe as much as we do, make sure you don’t lose track of it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go, so you can easily find it for all your future holiday baking needs and festive gatherings. Sharing is caring, and this recipe is definitely worth sharing!

FAQs About Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you master your Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti and enjoy them to the fullest:

What is the secret to making truly good biscotti? The secret lies in a few key details: always start with room-temperature ingredients (butter, eggs) as they blend more smoothly. Don’t be shy with your choice of flavorful add-ins like nuts, dried fruits, and quality chocolate, as these provide both taste and texture. Most importantly, the double-baking process is non-negotiable for achieving that signature dry, crunchy texture.
What is the tradition of biscotti? Biscotti’s tradition hails from Italy, where these hard, dry cookies were originally baked for travelers and soldiers due to their long shelf life. They are traditionally served alongside a warm drink, such as Vin Santo, coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, specifically for dipping. The act of dunking softens the biscotti, making it a delightful and comforting treat.
Are biscotti a healthy treat? While biscotti can be a wonderful indulgence, they are generally considered a treat. Compared to some other cookies, they may be lower in fat and calories due to the absence of butter in many traditional recipes (though this recipe includes it for richness). However, the nutritional content varies greatly depending on the specific ingredients and add-ins. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Why is biscotti sometimes high in calories? The calorie content of biscotti primarily depends on the richness of its ingredients and the quantity of add-ins. For example, a recipe laden with generous amounts of chocolate chunks, nuts, and additional sugar will naturally have a higher calorie count than a plain, simple biscotti. This recipe, with its white chocolate and pistachios, is designed for flavor and enjoyment!
Where did biscotti originate? Biscotti originated in Prato, Italy, a Tuscan city. The original recipe did not contain butter or leavening agents, making them even harder and more ideal for preservation. Over centuries, various regional adaptations and modern twists have emerged, leading to the diverse range of biscotti we enjoy today.

Creative Substitutions for Your Biscotti

One of the joys of home baking is the freedom to customize. When it comes to making substitutions in recipes, don’t hesitate to get creative and use ingredients that perfectly suit your personal taste, dietary preferences, or simply what you have readily available. Make this Holiday Biscotti truly your own!

Dried Fruit Alternatives: Instead of dried cranberries, consider using dried sour cherries for a different tart flavor, or opt for golden raisins for a classic sweet touch. Chopped dried apricots or figs could also add an interesting texture and flavor dimension.
Nut Variations: Prefer the traditional flavor of almonds over pistachios? It’s incredibly easy to swap them out. You can use an equal amount of chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans. For an even richer flavor, lightly toast your nuts before adding them to the dough. If you have nut allergies, you can omit them entirely, or replace them with an equivalent amount of seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.
Chocolate Choices: If white chocolate isn’t your preference, or you simply crave a different flavor profile, melt dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips to dip the outside of the biscotti. For the add-ins, use chunks of dark chocolate or milk chocolate within the dough for a delightful contrast. You could even combine different types of chocolate!
Ultimate Indulgence: For an extra decadent treat, dip the entire cookie in melted chocolate, allowing it to cool and harden completely. This creates a luxurious, candy-like coating.
Sweet Sprinkles: For a simpler, yet equally delicious finish, sprinkle the warm biscotti with a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar just after the second bake. This adds a sweet, spiced crust that is utterly delightful.
Citrus Zest: Incorporate some fresh orange zest or lemon zest into the dough with the wet ingredients. The bright citrus notes will enhance the flavors of the cranberries and pistachios beautifully, adding another layer of festive aroma.

Pro Tips and Tricks for Biscotti Success

Achieving bakery-quality biscotti at home is easier than you think with a few insider tips:

Mixing Equipment: Feel free to use an electric mixer (either a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer) to beat the butter and sugars until they are wonderfully light and fluffy. This ensures proper aeration. Alternatively, a food processor can also be used to quickly bring the dough together, just be careful not to overmix.
Flavor Boost: For an additional layer of brightness and aroma, incorporate a touch of fresh lemon zest or orange zest into your dough. Citrus pairs beautifully with the cranberries and white chocolate, elevating the overall flavor profile.
Melting Chocolate Safely: When it comes to melting chocolate for dipping, a double boiler is your best friend. This gentle method of indirect heat prevents the chocolate from scorching or seizing, ensuring a smooth, glossy finish for your biscotti. If you don’t have a double boiler, a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water works just as well.
Sharp Knife for Slicing: As mentioned in the instructions, a very sharp serrated knife is crucial for cutting the partially baked biscotti log into clean, even slices. A dull knife will crush the biscotti, leading to uneven shapes and crumbles.
Even Baking: Ensure your biscotti logs are of even thickness during the first bake. This promotes uniform baking, preventing some parts from being overdone while others are undercooked.

More Delightful Recipes to Love

If you’ve enjoyed creating these festive Holiday Biscotti, you might be looking for more baking inspiration. Here are some other cherished recipes that are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply savoring:

Gingerdoodle Cookies
Pie Crust Cookies
Vanilla Crown Royal Cookies
Cowboy Cookies
Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies
Chocolate Gingerbread Biscotti

Loaded with the quintessential flavors of the season, this White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti recipe offers a wonderful alternative to more traditional biscotti varieties. Its vibrant colors, delightful textures, and balanced flavors make it an absolute must-bake this holiday season. Prepare to impress your guests and delight your loved ones with these irresistible, twice-baked Italian cookies!

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Holiday biscotti on a white surface with pine tree and berries around it.

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Print Recipe

Holiday Biscotti

Festive Holiday Biscotti is loaded with white chocolate, tart cranberries, and crunchy pistachios for lots of tastes and textures in every bite. The pistachios and dried cranberries provide nuttiness and fruity tartness to contrast with the rich, creamy sweetness of the white chocolate chunks. Perfect for dunking!

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 45 mins

Total Time: 55 mins

Course: Cookies

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Cranberry, holiday biscotti, pistachio, white chocolate

Servings: 1 dozen

Calories: 184 kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
KitchenAid Hand Mixer
12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
Hiware 2-Pack Cooling Racks for Baking
Silicone Baking Mat Set of 4
13×18 Half Sheet Pan

Ingredients

1/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 egg (room temperature)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/8 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup pistachios (chopped)
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup white chocolate (chopped)
Optional Topping: 2 ounces white chocolate (melted), additional pistachios (chopped)

Instructions

Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, beat together butter, brown, and white sugar until fluffy.
Add in eggs, vanilla, and almond extract until combined.
Sift in flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix until just combined.
Mix in cranberries, white chocolate, and pistachios.
Add dough to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into an 8×4” log.
Bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown and dry. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Cut into ¾” slices using a very sharp knife.
Decrease oven temperature to 275°F (135°C) and bake for another 10-15 minutes until completely dry. Make sure the biscotti doesn’t brown any further at this point. Your goal here is to essentially “dry them out”.
Let cool on a wire rack.
Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition