Name: Orange Cranberry Biscotti Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 2-3 medium oranges); 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice (from ½ medium orange); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ¾ cup dried cranberries; 4 oz. white chocolate, chopped; ½ – 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 6 reviews

If you’re looking to brighten your cookie repertoire with something both festive and irresistibly crunchy, this Orange Cranberry Biscotti Recipe is your new go-to treat. Bursting with zesty orange notes and tart cranberries, these biscotti offer the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, all wrapped up in an invitingly crisp texture. Whether you dunk them in your morning coffee or enjoy them as an elegant after-dinner nibble, these biscotti truly shine and are bound to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows several clear glass bowls of different sizes arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl in the center contains white flour with a soft, powdery texture. Around it, medium bowls hold white sugar with a grainy texture, bright orange zest with a slightly rough texture, and deep red dried cranberries with a wrinkled texture. Smaller bowls contain white baking soda and baking powder powders, coarse salt, white butter shaped into a block, two whole white eggs placed directly on the surface, a small bowl of yellow-orange orange juice, a small bowl of solid white coconut oil, and white chocolate squares with a smooth texture. Each bowl is labeled with black text naming the ingredient. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a key role in making these biscotti the perfect combination of flavor and texture. From the fragrant orange zest to the chewy cranberries, every element adds something special.

All-purpose flour (3 cups): The backbone of the biscotti, providing structure and that signature crunch.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the dough rise just enough to keep the biscotti light.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Works with the baking powder for the perfect texture.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps create that crisp exterior.
Orange zest (1 tablespoon): Gives a bright, fresh citrus aroma and flavor that lifts the entire cookie.
Large eggs (2, at room temperature): Bind the dough and add a slight tenderness.
Fresh squeezed orange juice (2 tablespoons): Enhances the orange flavor and adds a hint of acidity.
Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
Dried cranberries (¾ cup): Provide tart bursts and chewy texture to complement the crisp biscotti.
White chocolate (4 oz., chopped): For a luscious dip or drizzle that adds creamy sweetness.
Coconut oil (½–1 tablespoon): Mixed with the melted chocolate to achieve a smooth, glossy finish.

How to Make Orange Cranberry Biscotti Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this will keep your biscotti from sticking and make cleanup a snap. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to make sure all your leavening agents and seasonings are evenly distributed before mixing with wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Orange Zest

In a large bowl, blend the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vibrant orange zest until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step ensures your biscotti will have a wonderful texture and a fragrant citrus punch right from the start. The butter and sugar forming this creamy base is essential for both flavor and the delightful texture.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs, Orange Juice, and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time along with the fresh orange juice and vanilla extract. Mixing these in well adds moisture and helps bind the dough together, while enhancing the citrusy and vanilla notes that make these biscotti so irresistible.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold in Cranberries

Gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a thick and sticky dough forms. Then gently fold in the dried cranberries, ensuring they’re evenly spread throughout the dough to give you tart surprises in every bite. This balance of dough and fruit makes all the difference.

Step 5: Shape the Dough into Logs

Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a roughly 2 by 12-inch log. Use lightly greased fingers to smooth the surface to ensure even baking and that classic biscotti shape. This stage is fun—get hands-on and form those perfect logs for a beautiful finish.

Step 6: First Bake

Place the logs on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn lightly golden and feel firm when touched. This initial bake is the key step that starts to set the biscuits before slicing.

Step 7: Cool Completely

It’s important to let the logs cool fully on a wire rack—about 30 to 40 minutes. Cooling firm ups the dough for cleaner, easier slicing. Patience here means your biscotti won’t crumble when you cut them.

Step 8: Slice and Second Bake

Using a sharp knife, slice the logs on the bias into 1-inch thick pieces. Arrange the slices cut side down on your baking sheet, then bake again for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This second bake is what creates that iconic crunch and golden color.

Step 9: Prepare the White Chocolate Coating

While your biscotti cool, melt the white chocolate in 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring well after each until smooth. Add coconut oil bit by bit until your chocolate reaches a lovely silky consistency, perfect for dipping or drizzling.

Step 10: Dip or Drizzle Biscotti with White Chocolate

Get creative by either dipping one end of each biscotti into the white chocolate or drizzling it over the top with a spoon or piping bag. For a personalized touch, sprinkle chopped nuts or a little extra orange zest on the chocolate before it sets.

How to Serve Orange Cranberry Biscotti Recipe

Two thick, uneven yellow dough logs with dark specks spread inside are placed side by side on a sheet of white parchment paper. The dough has a soft and slightly rough texture, with visible chunks of what look like dried fruit or nuts scattered throughout. The parchment paper lies flat on a shiny metal baking tray. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your biscotti presentation with simple garnishes that bring out their flavors. A sprinkle of freshly grated orange zest or a few whole dried cranberries can add a burst of color and extra zing. Toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios also pair beautifully for a crunchy contrast.

Side Dishes

Serve these biscotti alongside your favorite hot beverages like coffee, tea, or even a rich hot chocolate—their crunchy, slightly sweet nature makes them perfect for dipping and nibbling. They also work wonderfully beside a fresh fruit salad or a creamy mascarpone dip for a sophisticated snack or dessert platter.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, arrange your Orange Cranberry Biscotti Recipe on a beautiful platter with clusters of fresh cranberries and orange slices for a festive touch. Wrapping a few biscotti in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon makes for charming homemade gifts that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your biscotti will keep their perfect crispness stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. This makes them an excellent make-ahead treat for busy days or last-minute guests.

Freezing

You can freeze baked biscotti in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving, and they’ll taste just as fresh and delicious as the day you made them.

Reheating

If your biscotti have softened a bit after storage, simply pop them in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to refresh their crisp crunch. This quick step revives their signature texture and warms up the lovely orange aroma.

FAQs

Can I substitute the dried cranberries with another dried fruit?

Absolutely! Feel free to use dried cherries, blueberries, or even chopped dried apricots depending on your preference. Just keep in mind the tartness and sweetness balance when making substitutions.

Is it necessary to use both baking powder and baking soda?

Yes, using both helps create the ideal texture—baking powder adds a gentle lift, while baking soda ensures a good spread and browning. Together, they give the biscotti their signature crunch.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure it includes xanthan gum or add some separately to help with the dough’s structure.

What’s the best way to get clean slices from the biscotti logs?

Use a sharp, serrated knife and slice while the logs are completely cool. Cutting on the bias (at an angle) helps produce beautiful, evenly sized pieces without crumbling.

Can I omit the white chocolate glaze?

Definitely! The biscotti are delicious on their own with the natural orange and cranberry flavors. The white chocolate drizzle is an optional indulgence that adds a lovely creamy sweetness and decorative touch.

Final Thoughts

Making this Orange Cranberry Biscotti Recipe is like capturing sunshine and a burst of tart sweetness in every crunchy bite. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying by yourself with a cozy cup of tea, these biscotti bring warmth and joy to any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own family favorite!