Imagine biting into a crunchy, golden-brown biscotti that’s bursting with the festive flavors of tart cranberries and nutty pistachios. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, making even the most stoic of souls crack a smile. These cranberry pistachio biscotti are not just a treat; they’re a cozy hug in cookie form, perfect for dunking into your morning coffee or enjoying as a sweet pick-me-up throughout the day.
Every time I bake these delightful sticks of joy, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen during the holidays. She would have flour dusted on her apron, a mischievous twinkle in her eye, and the whole family gathered around, waiting for those first batches to come out of the oven. The anticipation was palpable—much like how you’ll feel when you whip up this recipe for yourself. Let’s dive into this cookie adventure that’s equal parts nostalgia and yum!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cranberry pistachio biscotti are incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for beginners
- With their vibrant colors and nutty flavor, they are visually stunning treats
- Enjoy them on special occasions or as an everyday snack—you can’t go wrong!
- Plus, they pair beautifully with coffee or tea for that extra touch of comfort
I remember one holiday season when my cousin tried to impress everyone by dunking his biscotti into hot chocolate—his face was priceless when he realized it had turned into mush!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for the best texture; it gives the biscotti a lovely structure.
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Granulated Sugar: This sweetener balances the tartness of cranberries perfectly; adjust based on your taste buds.
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Butter: Unsalted butter works best here; it allows you to control the saltiness of your dough.
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Baking Powder: A key leavening agent that helps give your biscotti a light and airy texture.
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Eggs: Fresh eggs add richness and binding power; be sure to use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
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Dried Cranberries: Opt for sweetened ones if you prefer; they provide a delightful chewiness in every bite.
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Pistachios: Shelled and roughly chopped; these nuts add crunch and flavor—don’t skimp!
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances all the flavors; avoid imitation for a richer taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and sugar until well combined. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
Cream Butter and Eggs: In another bowl, cream softened butter with sugar until fluffy. Then add eggs one at a time, mixing until incorporated smoothly.
Add Flavorful Components: Stir in vanilla extract along with dried cranberries and chopped pistachios. The mixture should look vibrant and inviting!
Create Biscotti Logs: Transfer dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into two logs about 10 inches long—don’t worry if it looks rustic; that’s part of its charm!
Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Your kitchen will start smelling heavenly—this is normal!
Slice and Second Bake: Let logs cool slightly before slicing diagonally into pieces. Place them back on the sheet cut-side down & bake again for 10-15 minutes until crisp.
Now that you’ve mastered these cranberry pistachio biscotti, don’t forget to enjoy them while still warm with your favorite beverage! Just remember my cousin’s epic fail when pairing them with hot chocolate—it’s all about balance! Happy baking!
You Must Know
- Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti is not just a treat; it’s a delightful experience!
- The sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios create a wonderful flavor combination that will leave your taste buds dancing
- Plus, they’re perfect for dunking in coffee or tea
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by toasting the pistachios to enhance their flavor, then mix dry ingredients before blending in wet ones for a smooth batter.

Add Your Touch
Try adding orange zest for a citrusy twist or substitute almonds for pistachios if you prefer different nuts.
Storing & Reheating
Store biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature. For freshness, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality dried cranberries to maximize flavor in your biscotti
- Keep an eye on baking time, as they can become overly hard if left too long
- Ensure cooling is complete before slicing to prevent crumbling
My friend once told me that these biscotti disappeared faster than I could make them! Everyone loved the crunchy texture and sweet tang of cranberries—definitely a crowd-pleaser!
FAQ
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are too moist and tart; stick with dried for best results.
How long do these biscotti last?
Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti can last up to two weeks when stored properly.
Can I freeze biscotti for later use?
Yes, freezing is great! Just wrap them tightly and thaw before serving.
Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 biscotti 1x
Description
Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti are crunchy, golden-brown treats that combine the tartness of cranberries with the rich flavor of pistachios. Perfect for dunking into coffee or enjoying as a snack, these biscotti evoke nostalgia and warmth, making them an ideal addition to any festive gathering or a delightful everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup shelled pistachios (roughly chopped)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and sugar until well combined.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter with sugar until fluffy; add eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract, cranberries, and pistachios until evenly distributed.
- Shape the dough into two logs (about 10 inches long) on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly then slice diagonally; return slices to the baking sheet cut-side down and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscotti (25g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: For added flavor, toast the pistachios before mixing them in. Feel free to substitute almonds for pistachios or add orange zest for a citrusy twist. Store biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze tightly wrapped for later use.



