If you’ve been searching for that perfect combination of bright, nutty, and sweet in a crunchy treat, this Cranberry Orange Almond Biscotti Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine biting into a crispy, twice-baked cookie that is bursting with zesty orange, tart cranberries, and the toasty crunch of almonds—all thoughtfully balanced to make every nibble absolutely delightful. Whether you’re enjoying them with a hot cup of coffee or gifting them to someone special, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to master at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several crisp, golden brown biscotti pieces arranged on a gold wire rack over a white marbled surface. Each biscotti slice has a rough texture with visible whole almonds and dried red cranberries embedded throughout the light beige dough. Many pieces have one end dipped in smooth, dark melted chocolate, topped with small chopped nuts and a light sprinkling of coarse salt flakes. The biscotti are aligned in mostly vertical and diagonal positions, creating an appealing pattern. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Cranberry Orange Almond Biscotti Recipe is how it uses simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring their own magic to the final taste, texture, and wholesome look of the biscotti. From zesty orange to nutty almonds, every component adds a layer of flavor that you’ll adore.

All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to your biscotti for that perfect crunch.
Almond flour: Adds subtle nuttiness and a tender crumb to complement the flaked almonds.
Baking powder: Helps the biscotti rise just enough to keep them light while staying crisp.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Ground cinnamon: Provides a gentle warmth that pairs beautifully with orange and cranberry.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the biscotti’s firm texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a crisp exterior.
Brown sugar: Adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor.
Unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps keep the biscotti tender inside.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma with subtle sweetness.
Almond extract: Amplifies the nutty flavor, bringing the almonds front and center.
Orange extract (optional): Boosts the citrus element for extra brightness.
Orange zest: Packs a fragrant, fresh citrus punch in every bite.
Dried cranberries: Add lovely bursts of tartness and chewy texture.
Flaked or coarsely chopped almonds: For crunch and unmistakable almond flavor.
Egg wash (optional): Creates a beautiful golden shine on the biscotti’s surface.
Melted semi-sweet or white chocolate (optional): For a decadent dipping option to elevate your treat.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Almond Biscotti Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to combine all your dry ingredients evenly. This mix creates a trustworthy base for your biscotti’s texture and flavor.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients and Combine

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated and brown sugars, melted butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, orange extract (if using), and fresh orange zest until smooth and fragrant. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing just until combined to keep the dough tender. Avoid overmixing—this will keep your biscotti from becoming tough.

Step 3: Add Cranberries and Almonds

Gently fold in the dried cranberries and flaked almonds, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. These delightful add-ins provide tart and crunchy surprises with every bite, making the biscotti uniquely delicious.

Step 4: Shape the Dough Logs

Lightly flour your work surface and scoop the sticky dough out. Knead it gently with floured hands so it holds together well enough to form two flattened logs, about 8-10 inches long each, directly on your parchment-lined baking sheet. If you like, brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish as they bake.

Step 5: First Bake

Bake the logs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden and firm. This initial baking sets the shape and deepens the flavor, resulting in biscotti that will have the perfect snap after the second bake. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to keep them from crumbling.

Step 6: Slice and Second Bake

Once cool, use a sharp knife to slice the logs crosswise into ½ to 1-inch thick pieces. Place the slices cut side up on the baking sheet and bake again for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning and crispiness. This twice-baking step is what transforms soft dough into the irresistible crunchy biscotti you love.

Step 7: Optional Chocolate Dipping

If you want to add an indulgent touch, melt semi-sweet or white chocolate and dip the ends of cooled biscotti into the chocolate. Place them back on parchment paper, optionally sprinkle chopped nuts over the wet chocolate, and let set at room temperature or in the fridge. It’s a charming way to make these biscotti extra special.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Almond Biscotti Recipe

The image shows several pieces of biscotti arranged on a golden wire cooling rack set against a white marbled surface. Each biscotti piece is elongated and slightly curved with a golden brown, crumbly texture. The biscotti have visible chunks of almonds and dried cranberries embedded inside. Half of each biscotti piece is dipped in dark chocolate, which looks smooth and shiny, topped with small bits of crushed nuts for added texture. The overall look is warm and inviting, with the chestnut color of the biscotti contrasting with the glossy dark brown chocolate and sprinkled nuts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted white chocolate can dress up your biscotti effortlessly. You can also sprinkle some extra orange zest or chopped almonds on top for added flair and texture—little touches that make the presentation irresistible.

Side Dishes

These biscotti shine when paired with your favorite hot beverages. A steaming cup of coffee, an aromatic espresso, or even a spiced tea complements the crunchy texture and zesty flavors perfectly. They’re also delightful alongside dessert wines like Vin Santo if you want to serve them as a festive treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a lovely gift or party platter, arrange the biscotti upright in a tall glass or wrap them in cellophane tied with a bright orange ribbon. You can also serve them alongside small bowls of whipped cream or mascarpone cheese for dipping, which adds a creamy contrast to the crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store your biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. They can keep well for up to two weeks this way, making them a fantastic treat to bake ahead of time. Avoid refrigeration, as the moisture can soften their beloved crunchy texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep your biscotti fresh even longer, freezing is a great option. Place them in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and your biscotti will be just as delightful as fresh.

Reheating

To revive any biscotti that have softened a bit, simply warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This quick refresh brings back their crisp snap as if they were just baked, perfect for those moments when you need that fresh-from-the-oven vibe.

FAQs

Can I substitute other nuts for the almonds?

Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or pistachios would all work nicely and add unique flavors and textures. Just be mindful of chopping them coarsely to keep the perfect crunch balance.

What if I don’t have orange extract? Can I leave it out?

You can omit the orange extract without losing much flavor because the orange zest already provides vibrant citrus notes. The extract just amplifies it, so feel free to use what you have!

How long will biscotti stay fresh?

Stored correctly in an airtight container at room temperature, biscotti can stay crisp and delicious for up to two weeks. Beyond that, they may start losing their crunch but usually remain tasty.

Can I make biscotti gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting your all-purpose flour with a good-quality gluten-free blend and ensuring the almond flour is gluten-free, you can make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets. Texture might vary slightly but will still be wonderful.

Why do biscotti need to be baked twice?

The first bake sets the shape and cooks the dough, while the second bake dries out the slices, creating that signature crisp texture. This twice-baking is what makes biscotti perfect for dunking without becoming soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Almond Biscotti Recipe is such a joy to make and even more delightful to share. Its perfect blend of bright citrus, tart berries, and crunchy nuts with the classic biscotti crunch feels like a warm hug in cookie form. Whether for breakfast, tea-time, or gift-giving, I hope you’ll find as much happiness in making and eating these as I have. Go ahead and give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!