There’s something irresistibly comforting about a freshly baked batch of biscotti, and this Cranberry Almond Biscotti Recipe captures that charm perfectly. The buttery crunch of almonds pairs beautifully with the tart sweetness of dried cranberries, creating a treat that’s both elegant and easy to make. Ideal for dunking in coffee, sharing at festive gatherings, or gifting during the holidays, this Almond Cranberry Biscotti brings a touch of warmth to every season. In this article, you’ll discover a cozy backstory, a step-by-step recipe guide, expert baking tips, creative variations, and answers to common biscotti questions—all wrapped in delicious inspiration.
Holiday Memories Baked into Every Crunch
Every December, my kitchen would come alive with the scent of toasted almonds and the faint sweetness of cranberries. It wasn’t just the baking—it was the ritual. Mom and I would line up trays of Almond Cranberry Biscotti, shaping the dough carefully while the lights from the tree twinkled in the next room. As the biscotti baked, their nutty aroma would mingle with the smell of cinnamon from other holiday treats, turning our home into a haven of cozy joy.
Print
Cranberry Almond Biscotti Recipe – Crunchy, Festive, and Easy to Bake
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 biscotti 1x
Description
This Cranberry Almond Biscotti Recipe combines buttery almonds and tart dried cranberries in a twice-baked Italian cookie that is both crunchy and festive. Perfect for dunking in coffee or tea, these biscotti are easy to prepare and ideal for holiday gifting. With simple ingredients and detailed step-by-step instructions, you can create bakery-quality biscotti at home. Toasted almonds add nutty depth while cranberries provide bright sweetness, and optional drizzles or zest elevate the flavor. Store these biscotti in an airtight container for lasting freshness and share them with friends and family all season long.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
3. Cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using a mixer.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms, then fold in cranberries and almonds.
6. Divide dough and shape into two 10×2 inch logs on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes until firm and lightly golden, then cool on the sheet for 10–15 minutes.
8. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Slice logs diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces using a serrated knife.
9. Arrange slices cut side down on the sheet and bake 10–12 minutes, flip, then bake 8–10 more minutes until crisp.
10. Cool biscotti completely on a wire rack; they will harden further as they cool.
11. Optional: drizzle cooled biscotti with melted chocolate or sprinkle with extra nuts before chocolate sets.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: baked
- Cuisine: italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscotti
Keywords: cranberry almond biscotti recipe, almond cranberry biscotti, holiday biscotti, twice baked biscotti, festive biscotti, coffee biscotti, holiday baking, christmas biscotti
Once cooled and dipped into coffee, each Cranberry Almond Biscotti Recipe batch told its own story—of laughter, of late-night kitchen dances, of neighbors knocking on the door with warm mugs and rosy cheeks. We’d wrap extra biscotti in cellophane and ribbon, slipping them into gift baskets alongside jars of hot cocoa mix. Those simple, crunchy slices became more than cookies—they were thoughtful handmade gifts that carried holiday warmth from one home to another.
Even now, I revisit this Cranberry Biscotti Recipe when I crave that blend of nostalgia and comfort. Whether served with morning lattes or boxed up for holiday gifting, the joy of making and sharing these biscotti feels timeless.
What Makes the Perfect Cranberry Almond Biscotti
The magic of great biscotti lies in balance—a golden harmony between crispness and just a hint of chew at the center. Cranberry Almond Biscotti achieves this beautifully, with roasted almonds adding a satisfying crunch and dried cranberries lending subtle sweetness and tang. The buttery base binds everything together, creating a treat that’s not overly sugary but still indulgent enough to pair with your favorite warm drink.
What sets biscotti apart from other cookies is their signature twice-baked process. The first bake firms the dough into a loaf, while the second transforms each sliced piece into that signature crunchy perfection that stands up beautifully to coffee or tea. Once you master this technique, you’ll realize how simple and rewarding it is.
Now that you’ve seen what makes this Cranberry Almond Biscotti Recipe truly special, let’s gather the ingredients and start baking these festive treats in the next section.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Almond Cranberry Biscotti
Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating that perfect crunch and balanced flavor in this Cranberry Almond Biscotti Recipe. Each component plays a role—from the butter that adds richness to the almonds that deliver nutty texture and the cranberries that provide bursts of sweet-tart brightness. Before you preheat the oven, take a moment to toast your almonds and measure each ingredient accurately. A little preparation leads to a flawless batch of Almond Cranberry Biscotti every time.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | The base of your biscotti dough – gives structure and crispness |
| Baking powder | 1 ½ teaspoons | Helps the biscotti rise slightly during the first bake |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon | Balances the sweetness |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | ½ cup (1 stick) | Adds richness and flavor |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup | Provides sweetness and aids in browning |
| Large eggs | 2 | Bind the ingredients and give the biscotti its tender crumb |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Adds warm, aromatic flavor |
| Almond extract | ½ teaspoon | Boosts the nutty flavor of the almonds |
| Dried cranberries | ¾ cup | Choose plump, soft cranberries for the best texture |
| Whole almonds (toasted and chopped) | ¾ cup | Toast for deeper flavor and crunch |
Optional Add-ins: 1 teaspoon grated orange zest for brightness; white or dark chocolate for drizzling or dipping after baking.
Pro Tip: Toast almonds in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 7–8 minutes until fragrant. Cool before adding them to the dough. Toasted nuts bring that extra layer of depth that makes your Cranberry Almond Biscotti Recipe stand out.
Step-by-Step Baking Method – Twice-Baked Perfection
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for even browning.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl; whisk and set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy—about 2 minutes with a mixer.
- Add Eggs and Flavors: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Mix in the flour mixture gradually until a soft dough forms. Fold in cranberries and toasted almonds.
- Shape Into Logs: Divide dough into two 10-inch by 2-inch logs; flatten tops slightly.
- First Bake: Bake 25–30 minutes or until firm and lightly golden. Cool on the sheet for 10–15 minutes.
- Slice for the Second Bake: Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Slice diagonally ½-inch thick using a serrated knife.
- Second Bake: Arrange slices cut side down and bake 10–12 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
- Cool Completely: Transfer to a wire rack to cool and harden to perfect crunch.
- Optional Finish: Drizzle or dip with melted white chocolate and sprinkle crushed almonds for a festive touch.
Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container up to two weeks or freeze for three months. Reheat at 300°F (150°C) to refresh crispness.
Quick Tips for the Best Cranberry Almond Biscotti
- Slice with Care: Cool logs slightly before slicing to prevent crumbs or breaks.
- Roast Almonds Perfectly: Toast just until golden to enhance their nutty aroma.
- Choose Quality Cranberries: Soak overly dry cranberries briefly in warm liquid and pat dry.
- Adjust Sweetness and Texture: Reduce sugar slightly for a milder flavor or tweak baking time for softer or crunchier bites.
- Maximize Freshness: Keep layers separated by parchment in a sealed tin to preserve crispness.
With these practical hints, your biscotti will always deliver delight—beautifully golden, perfectly crunchy, and bursting with flavor.
Serving, Pairing, and Creative Variations
Now that your biscotti are baked and cooled, it’s time to enjoy them in all their glory. These Almond Cranberry Biscotti are wonderfully versatile—elegant enough for special occasions, yet simple enough for everyday indulgence.
- Classic Serving Ideas: Dunk in espresso, cappuccino, or hot chocolate. Pair with tea or mulled wine for a cozy treat.
- Holiday Gifting: Package in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbon and a tag describing the Cranberry Almond Biscotti Recipe.
- Flavor Twists: Add white chocolate drizzle, citrus zest, or try nut swaps like pistachio or hazelnut for new flavor dimensions.
- Elegant Presentation: Serve beside gelato or stacked in tall jars for a charming dessert display.
Whether you serve them plain or dressed up, these biscotti bring comfort and celebration to every table—and endless ways to personalize them year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions About Almond Cranberry Biscotti
How long do biscotti stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, Almond Cranberry Biscotti stay crisp for up to two weeks or frozen for three months.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, but chop finely and pat dry before mixing. Extend the first bake slightly to offset extra moisture.
Why is my biscotti too hard or too soft?
Overbaking in the second round makes them overly firm; underbaking leaves them soft. Adjust a few minutes each side as needed.
How should I store them for gifting?
Cool completely, then pack in tins or jars with parchment. Decorate with ribbon for a festive homemade touch.
Can I freeze Almond Cranberry Biscotti dough?
Absolutely—shape into logs, wrap tightly, and freeze up to three months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Bake, Share, and Savor Every Crunch
Few joys rival the sound of that first crisp snap from a freshly baked Cranberry Almond Biscotti. Each golden slice blends the nutty aroma of roasted almonds with the cheerful sweetness of dried cranberries—a perfect harmony that feels both comforting and celebratory.
Whether you bake them as a cozy weekend project, a thoughtful homemade gift, or a festive addition to your holiday cookie spread, this Cranberry Almond Biscotti Recipe always delights. Their flavor and texture pair beautifully with coffee or tea—or can be enjoyed entirely on their own.
So preheat your oven, toast those almonds, and let your kitchen fill with the scent of something truly special. Once you’ve tried this recipe, you’ll find yourself returning to it throughout the year—baking, sharing, and savoring every joyful crunch with family and friends.
