Few things embody the spirit of the holidays quite like Italian Almond Cookies with Cranberry — crisp, golden biscotti that fill the kitchen with the scent of roasted almonds and warm sugar. This Easy Biscotti Recipe blends old‑world Italian tradition with modern simplicity, yielding cookies that are festive, flavorful, and perfect for giving or savoring with coffee. As part of your favorite Holiday Baking Recipes, this Cranberry Biscotti stands out for its bright tartness and satisfying crunch. With this Almond Biscotti Recipe Easy enough for beginners, you can bring joy, aroma, and a touch of Italy to every holiday celebration.
How Italian Almond Cookies with Cranberry Became a Yearly Family Favorite
Growing up, the holidays in our home always seemed to begin the moment the oven door opened, releasing the sweet, nutty aroma of Italian Almond Cookies with Cranberry. My grandmother would hum old Italian tunes as she whisked together almonds and sugar, then fold in bright rubies of cranberries that looked like tiny jewels glistening on the tray. Every December, our kitchen became a haven of warmth — relatives dropping by with coffee cups in hand, ready to dip a freshly baked biscotto and share stories.
What began as her cherished Almond Biscotti Recipe Easy soon became our family’s signature holiday treat. Each year, we’d bake dozens, carefully lining tins with parchment paper before arranging the crisp, twice‑baked cookies inside. By the time the first snow fell, fragrant crumbs and laughter filled every corner of the house. Now, every crunch carries a piece of that memory — of family, celebration, and the timeless joy tucked within every Italian Almond Cookie with Cranberry.
Biscotti trace their origin back to the kitchens of Tuscany, where bakers first perfected these twice‑baked wonders to create a treat that stayed fresh during long travels and festive seasons. The word biscotti itself comes from bis cotto, meaning “twice cooked” — a method that gifts these cookies their beloved crunch. Over time, this humble tradition evolved, finding its way into countless Holiday Baking Recipes across the world.
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Italian Almond Cookies with Cranberry – Easy Biscotti Recipe for Holiday Baking
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Crisp, twice-baked Italian almond and cranberry biscotti perfect for holiday baking and gifting. This easy recipe yields golden cookies with a tart cranberry bite, ideal for pairing with coffee or tea. With simple ingredients and clear steps, bakers of any level can create festive treats that last for weeks.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toast almonds in the oven for 6–8 minutes until fragrant and set aside.
3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
4. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
5. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
6. Gradually stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms.
7. Fold in toasted almonds, dried cranberries, and orange zest if using.
8. Divide dough into two logs about 10 inches long and 2 inches wide; place on baking sheet.
9. Bake logs for 25–30 minutes until lightly golden and firm; cool for 10–15 minutes.
10. Slice logs diagonally into ¾-inch pieces with a serrated knife.
11. Arrange slices cut-side up and bake for 8–10 minutes per side until dry and golden.
12. Cool biscotti completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
Keywords: italian almond cookies with cranberry, easy biscotti recipe, cranberry biscotti recipe, almond biscotti recipe easy, holiday baking recipes, cranberry almond
Today’s Cranberry Biscotti Recipe honors those Italian roots while embracing the vibrancy of the season. The addition of cranberries brings a cheerful twist — their tart‑sweet flavor brightens the subtle nuttiness of roasted almonds and complements the cookie’s firm texture. Their sturdiness makes them ideal for gifting or shipping, as they keep beautifully for weeks without losing their crisp snap. Whether tied in ribbons for a holiday cookie swap or served beside a steaming cup of espresso after dinner, these Italian Almond Cookies with Cranberry deliver a little taste of heritage in every bite.
What You’ll Need for the Perfect Italian Almond Cookies with Cranberry
Before the oven warms and the aroma of almonds fills your kitchen, gather your essentials. A well‑organized space makes this Easy Biscotti Recipe an enjoyable ritual rather than a chore. The table below lists everything you’ll need to create beautifully crisp Cranberry Almond Biscotti that belong in every holiday gift box.
| Ingredients | Measurements | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| All‑purpose flour | 2 cups (240 g) | Spoon and level for accuracy; too much flour makes biscotti dense. |
| Baking powder | 1 ½ teaspoons | Ensures gentle lift and even texture. |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon | Highlights the natural sweetness of almonds. |
| Unsalted butter, softened | ¼ cup (56 g) | Adds subtle richness—omit for a drier traditional biscotti. |
| Sugar | ¾ cup (150 g) | Balances tart cranberries; adjust to taste. |
| Large eggs | 2 | Room temperature for easier mixing. |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | For classic aroma; add almond extract for deeper flavor. |
| Whole almonds, lightly toasted | 1 cup (120 g) | Chop or slice depending on texture preference. |
| Dried cranberries | ¾ cup (90 g) | Provides festive color and tang. |
| Orange zest (optional) | 1 teaspoon | Accentuates citrus brightness. |
| Tools & Equipment | Purpose / Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Mixing bowls (large & medium) | Separate for dry and wet ingredients. |
| Electric mixer or whisk | Cream butter and sugar smoothly. |
| Spatula | Fold in almonds and cranberries. |
| Baking sheet lined with parchment | Ensures even browning and easy cleanup. |
| Serrated knife | Slices biscotti cleanly after first bake. |
| Wire rack | Cools cookies evenly for perfect crispness. |
Step‑by‑Step Guide to Making Cranberry Almond Biscotti for the Holidays
- Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toast the almonds for 6–8 minutes until fragrant to deepen their flavor—a must for any authentic Almond Biscotti Recipe Easy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt for even leavening and consistent crispness.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. This smooth, light base ensures your Cranberry Biscotti Recipe holds its signature crunch while staying tender inside.
- Combine and Fold: Add dry mixture to wet ingredients until a dough forms. Fold in toasted almonds and cranberries. Dust hands with flour if sticky.
- Shape the Logs: Divide dough into two logs about 10×2 inches. Smooth tops and give space between logs.
- First Bake: Bake 25–30 minutes until lightly golden and firm. Cool 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- Slice with Care: Cut diagonally into ¾‑inch slices with a serrated knife using a gentle sawing motion. Arrange cut‑side up.
- Second Bake: Bake 8–10 minutes per side until dry and golden. This step gives the signature biscotti crunch we adore.
- Cool Completely: Transfer to a wire rack so they crisp as they cool—ideal for dunking into coffee, tea, or mulled wine.
- Let sliced biscotti rest in a turned‑off oven with the door ajar for 5–10 minutes for extra crunch.
- Slice partially cooled logs for neat edges.
- Substitute part flour with whole‑wheat for a heartier bite.
What you’ll have are golden, aromatic Italian Almond Cookies with Cranberry that look elegant and taste even better—proof that an Easy Biscotti Recipe can still feel gourmet.
How to Serve and Store Your Cranberry Almond Cookies Like a Pro
Your kitchen now smells heavenly, and trays of golden Italian Almond Cookies with Cranberry are cooling on the rack. Once they’ve hardened into that signature texture, presentation and storage matter just as much as baking. Here’s how to keep your Cranberry Almond Biscotti looking and tasting its best.
Serving Ideas: Offer them beside espresso for a traditional Italian experience or with black tea, cocoa, or mulled wine at your next gathering. Their tart cranberries pair beautifully with winter spices, earning them a place among classic Holiday Baking Recipes. Stack them in a glass jar or layer in parchment for charming, travel‑safe gifts.
Storing for Crunch and Freshness: Cool completely before storing in an airtight container. At room temperature, they’ll stay crunchy for about two weeks. For longer storage, freeze layered between parchment in a resealable bag for up to three months. Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for five minutes to revive their crispness.
Flavor Variations: From Chocolate‑Dipped to Orange‑Zested Cranberry Biscotti
One of the joys of an Almond Biscotti Recipe Easy like this is flexibility. With a few creative tweaks, your Cranberry Biscotti Recipe can take on elegant or indulgent twists while preserving their signature crunch. Try these festive ideas:
| Variation / Add‑In | How to Use | Flavor Notes & Holiday Twist |
|---|---|---|
| White chocolate drizzle | Melt ½ cup white chocolate and drizzle over cooled biscotti. | Creamy sweetness balances tart cranberries. |
| Dark chocolate dip | Dip one end of each cookie in melted dark chocolate. | Elegant and gift‑ready, adds deep cocoa flavor. |
| Orange zest | Add 1 teaspoon zest to dough. | Bright citrus evokes Italian winter desserts. |
| Pistachios or hazelnuts | Swap half the almonds. | Colorful, textured, perfect for festive assortments. |
| Spiced sugar coating | Brush warm slices with cinnamon‑nutmeg sugar. | Gives gentle warmth ideal for holiday mornings. |
These easy variations transform the classic Cranberry Almond combination into a customizable holiday favorite. Whether dipped, zested, or spiced, the essence remains the same: a joyful tradition baked with simple ingredients and shared with love.
Your Cranberry Biscotti Questions Answered
Can I use dried cherries instead of cranberries?
Yes. Dried cherries bring a sweeter, softer fruit accent to this Cranberry Biscotti Recipe. Mixing the two offers balanced tartness and color variety in your Italian Almond Cookies with Cranberry.
Why are my biscotti too hard?
If they turn rock‑hard, shorten the second bake by a few minutes. They crisp further as they cool. Adjusting this timing ensures your Almond Biscotti Recipe Easy yields crunch rather than toughness.
How do I slice biscotti without breaking them?
Cool the logs about 10–15 minutes before slicing. Use a serrated knife and gentle sawing motion. Avoid pressing down to maintain neat, whole slices for the second bake.
Can I make these gluten‑free?
Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten‑free flour blend and consider adding a tablespoon of almond flour for softness. This Easy Biscotti Recipe adapts beautifully to dietary preferences.
How long do biscotti stay fresh?
When kept airtight, Cranberry Almond Biscotti remain crisp for two weeks at room temperature or three months frozen. Brief reheating restores perfect crunch.
What’s the best way to package biscotti for gifts?
Layer cookies with parchment in decorative tins or jars, tied with twine and small herb sprigs. These sturdy Italian Almond Cookies with Cranberry handle shipping well and look charming in any collection of Holiday Baking Recipes.
The Sweet Finish — Bringing Tradition to Your Table
Every batch of Italian Almond Cookies with Cranberry tells a story—of festive kitchens, clinking mugs, and the comfort of tradition reborn with modern simplicity. What began as twice‑baked Tuscan treats now warms homes everywhere, connecting families across generations.
This Cranberry Biscotti Recipe is more than an Easy Biscotti Recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down and share something handmade. Whether enjoyed beside espresso or wrapped for neighbors, each crunchy slice carries kindness and nostalgia.
This season, preheat the oven, gather almonds and cranberries, and let their aroma fill your home. Bake a batch or two and pass the joy along—because some traditions, like these golden Italian Almond Cookies with Cranberry, are sweetest when shared one cheerful bite at a time.
