Pin Recipe Crunchy, twice-baked biscotti infused with warm spices, citrus zest, and festive marmalade. Perfect for holiday gifting or pairing with coffee.
Every December, I bake these marmalade biscotti for friends and family. The aroma of spices and orange zest fills my kitchen, and I always enjoy decorating each piece with white chocolate before wrapping as homemade presents.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups (280 g)
- Baking powder: 1 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Ground ginger: 1/2 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp
- Unsalted butter (softened): 1/2 cup (115 g)
- Granulated sugar: 2/3 cup (135 g)
- Large eggs: 2
- Vanilla extract: 2 tsp
- Orange zest: From 1 orange
- Orange marmalade: 1/2 cup (120 g)
- Dried cranberries: 2/3 cup (90 g)
- Chopped pistachios: 1/2 cup (60 g)
- Chopped almonds: 1/2 cup (60 g)
- White chocolate (melted, optional): 4 oz (115 g)
- Extra marmalade or candied orange peel (optional): For decoration
Instructions
- Prep Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and orange zest.
- Combine Dough:
- Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Add Mix-ins:
- Gently fold in orange marmalade, dried cranberries, pistachios, and almonds until evenly distributed.
- Shape Logs:
- Divide dough in half. On the prepared baking sheet, shape each half into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Flatten slightly.
- First Bake:
- Bake for 25 minutes until golden and firm. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Slice Biscotti:
- Using a serrated knife, slice logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick slices.
- Second Bake:
- Arrange slices cut side down on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, flip, then bake another 8–10 minutes until crisp and golden.
- Decorate:
- Cool completely. Drizzle with melted white chocolate and decorate with extra marmalade or candied orange peel if desired.
Pin Recipe My children love helping with the chocolate drizzle. It becomes a delightful family tradition that signals the start of holiday celebrations.
Required Tools
Electric mixer or mixing bowls and whisk, baking sheet, parchment paper, serrated knife, cooling rack.
Allergen Information
Contains eggs, wheat (gluten), milk (butter), tree nuts (pistachios, almonds). Always check marmalade and chocolate labels for possible additional allergens.
Nutritional Information (per biscotti)
Calories: 120, Total Fat: 5 g, Carbohydrates: 18 g, Protein: 2 g
Pin Recipe Pack these biscotti in gift boxes or enjoy with a warm cup of coffee for a festive treat. Their crunchy texture and bright flavor make each bite special.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute other nuts for pistachios and almonds?
Yes, hazelnuts or pecans can replace pistachios or almonds for varied flavor and texture.
- → How do I achieve crisp biscotti texture?
Bake slices on both sides after initial baking. Let them cool completely for maximum crunch.
- → What’s the best drink pairing for biscotti?
Coffee, tea, or mulled wine enhance the spices and citrus undertones in each biscotti.
- → Can I add more citrus flavor?
Absolutely. Add lemon zest along with orange zest for a brighter, tangier note.
- → How should I store biscotti for freshness?
Keep biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- → Is melted white chocolate decoration necessary?
No, it’s optional but adds a sweet, festive touch and extra creaminess to each cookie.