Description
Cranberry pistachio biscotti are crisp, elegant twice-baked Italian cookies studded with vibrant red cranberries and green pistachios. Perfect for coffee, tea, or holiday gifting, these cookies strike a balance of tartness, nuttiness, and sweetness with a festive flair.
Ingredients
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, recommended)
¾ cup (90 g) shelled unsalted pistachios, roughly chopped
¾ cup (90 g) dried cranberries (sweetened or unsweetened)
Zest of 1 medium orange (about 1 tablespoon, optional)
Optional for dipping:
6 ounces (170 g) white or dark chocolate, melted
Instructions
Preheat oven – Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheet with parchment.
Mix dry ingredients – In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream butter and sugar – In a large bowl, beat butter with sugars until fluffy (2–3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla, almond extract, and orange zest.
Combine dough – Gradually add dry ingredients. Fold in pistachios and cranberries.
Shape logs – Divide dough in half. Form two logs about 10 inches long and 2 ½ inches wide on the baking sheet. Flatten slightly.
First bake – Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and firm. Cool 10 minutes. Reduce oven temp to 325°F (160°C).
Slice and second bake – Slice logs diagonally into ½-inch slices with serrated knife. Lay cut-side down. Bake 8–10 minutes, flip, and bake another 8–10 minutes until crisp. Cool completely.
Optional dip – Dip one end in melted chocolate. Let set before serving.
Notes
Cool logs before slicing to avoid crumbling.
Use a serrated knife for clean cuts.
Don’t overbake; biscotti harden further as they cool.
Orange zest brightens the flavors beautifully.
Flip halfway during second bake for even crispness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes (total for both bakes)
- Category: Cookies / Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscotti
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: cranberry pistachio biscotti, Italian biscotti, holiday cookies, pistachio cranberry cookies, festive biscotti