Description
This Cranberry Orange Biscotti recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors combined with a signature crunchy texture. Perfectly spiced with ground ginger and brightened by fresh orange zest, these twice-baked Italian cookies are ideal for pairing with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- pinch ground ginger
- ¾ cup sweetened dried cranberries
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (plus more for sprinkling)
- 2 eggs (at room temperature, plus 1 egg white, divided)
- 1 orange (zested)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 325˚F (163˚C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, 2 whole eggs, and orange zest by hand until the mixture turns pale yellow, about 2 minutes. Then add the ground ginger and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients and berries: In a separate medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture and the dried cranberries to the egg mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon until incorporated into a sticky dough.
- Shape the dough: Lightly flour the prepared baking sheet and transfer the sticky dough onto it. Sprinkle a bit of flour on top and shape the dough into an even rectangle about 4 inches wide and 14 inches long. Add more flour as needed to handle the dough without sticking.
- Brush and sprinkle sugar: Lightly beat the remaining egg white and brush it over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly on top to add extra crunch and sweetness during baking.
- Bake the dough: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until the dough is firm to touch and lightly golden.
- Slice the biscotti: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully slide the parchment paper with the baked dough onto a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut the dough into 1-inch thick slices to form the biscotti pieces.
- Second bake for crunch: Arrange the slices flat on the baking sheet and bake them again for 10 minutes, turning the slices over halfway through to ensure even crisping.
- Cool and serve: Let the biscotti cool completely on a wire rack to develop their signature crunchy texture. Serve with coffee, tea, or enjoy as a sweet snack.
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- The dough will be sticky, which is normal and helps achieve the crunchy biscotti texture.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the biscotti cleanly without crumbling.
- Twice-baking is essential for the traditional crispness of biscotti.
- You can substitute dried cranberries with other dried fruits or nuts if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian