If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly balances zesty citrus, tart cranberries, and crunchy pistachios, you’ve got to try this Cranberry Orange Biscotti with Pistachios Recipe. These biscotti marry the fresh brightness of orange zest and juice with the sweet tang of dried cranberries, all wrapped up in a satisfyingly crisp texture thanks to those toasted pistachios. They’re the ideal companion for your morning coffee or an afternoon tea break, and once you try them, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to baking favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with several layers of ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a white powdery flour, surrounding a pool of light cream liquid on one side. On top of the flour in the center, there is a heap of bright red dried cranberries mixed with small pieces of crushed green pistachios and a small mound of light brown finely grated ginger or similar ingredient. The mixture of colors and textures creates a rich, inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients is wonderfully straightforward for this Cranberry Orange Biscotti with Pistachios Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s lending sweetness, moisture, or that perfect crunch and citrus punch.

Caster sugar: Provides the sweet foundation and helps create a light, airy dough when beaten with the egg.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the biscuit texture.
Plain flour: The base for the biscotti’s structure and crumb.
Baking powder: Adds just the right amount of lift to keep the biscotti light despite their crispness.
Dried cranberries: Bring a pop of tartness and beautiful color to each bite.
Chopped pistachios: Add a crunchy contrast and a subtle nutty flavor that’s truly irresistible.
Orange zest: Infuses a fragrant citrus brightness throughout.
Orange juice: Adds moisture plus that fresh orange flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
Orange essence: Amplifies the citrus notes making the orange flavor even more vibrant.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Biscotti with Pistachios Recipe

Step 1: Beat the Egg and Sugar

Start by placing the egg and caster sugar into a mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer, whisk vigorously until the mixture triples in volume and turns a delicate pale yellow. This aeration is key to keeping your biscotti light yet crisp.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients and Add Flavorings

Next, sift together your plain flour and baking powder to avoid any lumps. Gently fold in the cranberries, pistachios, orange zest, orange juice, and orange essence. These flavorful additions bring your biscotti to life with bursts of sweetness, citrus zing, and nutty crunch.

Step 3: Form and Shape the Dough

As you mix everything together, you’ll get a sticky dough. Don’t be discouraged—it’s supposed to be tacky! Line a baking tray with non-stick paper, then shape this dough into a neat large sausage shape directly on the tray. This will be sliced later, so take your time to get that uniform shape.

Step 4: First Bake to Set the Dough

Pop your tray into a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius (350 Fahrenheit) and bake for about 20 to 22 minutes until the dough is a lovely golden color. This initial bake sets the shape and develops those rich, toasty notes in the biscotti.

Step 5: Slice the Biscotti

Once baked, let your biscotti cool for 5 minutes—this slight cooldown is essential to slicing without crumbling. Using a bread knife, cut the dough into 1.5 cm thick slices on a diagonal. The angled cut gives you those classic biscotti shapes that look as good as they taste!

Step 6: Double Bake to Achieve Crispness

Place your sliced biscotti back on the baking tray and bake for another 10 minutes. Then flip each slice over and bake for a further 10 minutes. This double baking process is what creates the signature crispy texture that biscotti lovers adore.

Step 7: Cool Completely

After the final bake, remove the biscotti from the oven and allow them to cool completely. They will crisp up even more as they cool, delivering that perfect crunch in every bite.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Biscotti with Pistachios Recipe

A white plate holds seven long slices of toasted biscotti, each slice golden brown with dark spots from dried fruit and nuts inside. Scattered around the biscotti are some pale pistachio nuts and small dark red dried cranberries. On the right side of the plate, there are two half slices of bright orange with a juicy texture. The plate is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture, and there is a blue cloth with festive holiday patterns partially visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When serving your Cranberry Orange Biscotti with Pistachios Recipe, a light dusting of powdered sugar looks charming and adds a subtle sweetness that complements the tangy cranberries. You might also consider sprinkling some extra chopped pistachios on top for a festive touch.

Side Dishes

These biscotti are a dream alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea, allowing you to dunk and enjoy the sweet, crunchy texture. They also pair beautifully with a chilled glass of dessert wine or a creamy gelato for a superbly indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a delightful gift or party favor, stack biscotti tied with a colorful ribbon or place them in a clear jar with some dried orange slices for a decorative, aromatic effect. Serving them alongside a bowl of spiced nuts or fresh fruit will also create a stunning spread that invites guests to nibble happily.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will keep their crispness beautifully for up to two weeks. Their dry texture means they don’t go stale quickly, so you can enjoy them over time without rubbing out that fresh-baked charm.

Freezing

If you want to make these biscotti well ahead, they freeze wonderfully. Just place them in a sealed freezer bag or container and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours, no reheating needed.

Reheating

To revive that fresh crunchiness, especially if your biscotti feel a little soft, gently warm them in the oven at 150 degrees Celsius (300 Fahrenheit) for 5 to 7 minutes. This quick re-toast will bring back that signature snap, making every bite just as satisfying as when freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?

Absolutely! While pistachios add a unique flavor and color, you can substitute them with almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts depending on your preference. Just make sure to chop them roughly to maintain that delightful crunch.

Is it necessary to use orange essence if I have fresh orange zest and juice?

The orange essence amplifies the citrus aroma, making the orange flavor more pronounced. However, if you prefer, you can omit it and rely solely on fresh zest and juice for a more natural, subtle citrus note.

Can I make the biscotti gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping plain flour for a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Keep an eye on the dough’s consistency since gluten-free flours can absorb moisture differently.

Why do biscotti need to be baked twice?

The first bake cooks the dough through and sets its shape. The second bake, done after slicing, dries out the biscotti, giving them their iconic hard, crunchy texture perfect for dunking.

How long will the biscotti keep fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these biscotti will stay crisp and fresh for about two weeks, making them a fantastic make-ahead cookie for parties or gift-giving.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cranberry Orange Biscotti with Pistachios Recipe is like creating little bites of sunshine that brighten any day. The joyful blend of fruity tartness, citrus sparkle, and crunchy nuts wrapped in a crisp cookie is simply irresistible. Don’t hesitate—bake a batch today and share this warm, flavorful treasure with your loved ones. I promise, your kitchen will smell heavenly and your snack time will never be the same!