Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti

Name: Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24 biscotti
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds); 3 oz dark chocolate, melted

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love baking during the holidays, and these Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti have become one of my favorite treats. With a beautiful combination of rich chocolate and tart cranberries, they make the perfect companion for a cozy cup of coffee or tea. Not only are they delicious, but they also have that satisfying crunch and structure that’s essential for biscotti. What I enjoy most is how simple they are to prepare, making them a great gift for friends and family, or even for a special treat for myself.

Created by

Penelope Dawson

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:10:22.179Z

Baking these Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti is an experience I truly cherish. I love how the rich, bittersweet chocolate complements the tart cranberries, creating a delightful contrast in every bite. Through trial and error, I've found that toasting the nuts beforehand enhances their flavor significantly, giving these biscotti that extra touch of crunch.

My secret to achieving that perfect biscotti texture is to bake them twice—once for the initial shape and then again to achieve a lovely crunch. It's this process that allows the biscotti to become the ideal dipping companion for hot beverages!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with tart cranberries
Perfectly crunchy texture that’s ideal for dunking
Simple ingredients make for an easy yet impressive treat

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The rich chocolate flavor of these biscotti primarily comes from the use of cocoa powder. This ingredient not only contributes to the deep color of the biscotti but also enhances its bold flavor profile. Using high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder will ensure that your biscotti have a decadent taste without being overly sweet. Additionally, the choice of dried cranberries brings a tart contrast that balances the sweetness of the sugars, creating a complex flavor in each bite.

When it comes to the nuts, walnuts or almonds provide a pleasant crunch and a nutty undertone that complements the chocolate and cranberries beautifully. If you're looking for alternatives, try using pecans for a sweeter, richer taste. Just chop them coarsely to ensure even distribution throughout the dough. However, keep in mind any dietary preferences or allergies if you're gifting these biscotti.

Perfecting Your Technique

Shaping the dough into logs before the first bake is crucial for achieving that classic biscotti structure. Make sure to form them tightly and evenly to avoid flat or misshapen biscotti. The logs should be about 1.5 inches wide and 8 inches long; this size allows for even cooking and makes slicing easier later on. Ensure the logs are sufficiently firm after the first bake—if they feel too soft, return them to the oven for a few extra minutes to firm up further.

When it comes time to slice the logs, a serrated knife works best as it gently cuts through without crushing the biscotti. Slice at a diagonal to expose more edges, which increases the surface area for that delightful crunch. After slicing, remember to return the pieces to the oven for the second bake; this step is key to ensuring your biscotti are properly dried out and crunchy.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for your Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti:

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
3 oz dark chocolate, melted

Make sure all your ingredients are fresh for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect biscotti:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together the sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until combined.

Combine Everything

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the cranberries and nuts.

Shape the Dough

Divide the dough in half, shape each portion into a log, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

First Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until firm to the touch.

Cool and Slice

Let the logs cool for about 10 minutes, then slice them diagonally into 1/2 inch thick pieces.

Second Bake

Return the slices to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Cool and Enjoy

Allow the biscotti to cool completely before dipping in melted chocolate if desired.

Enjoy your homemade biscotti with your favorite beverage!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in a splash of orange zest or a hint of cinnamon into the dough.

Storage Tips

These Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, making them a great make-ahead treat. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider freezing them. Place the cooled biscotti in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the oven for a few minutes to refresh their crunch.

If you're preparing these biscotti as a gift, packaging them in decorative cellophane bags or tins not only keeps them secure but also adds a personal touch. Just be sure to include a note about their ingredients if gifted to someone with dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions

These biscotti pair perfectly with coffee, tea, or even a rich hot cocoa. The crunchy texture makes them ideal for dunking, enhancing the flavor of both the beverage and the biscotti itself. For a festive touch, serve them alongside holiday-themed drinks or a charcuterie board featuring cheese and fruits for a delightful contrast.

To elevate the presentation, consider drizzling extra melted dark chocolate over the cooled biscotti or dipping half of each piece for a gourmet touch. You can also sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top before the chocolate sets to create a sweet-and-salty flavor combination that's hard to resist.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

It's best to use dried cranberries, as fresh ones have higher moisture content and can alter the biscotti's texture.

→ How long do these biscotti last?

Stored in an airtight container, they can last up to 2 weeks.

→ Can I freeze these biscotti?

Yes, they freeze well! Just ensure they're in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

→ What can I pair with biscotti?

These biscotti are delicious with coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk.