Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti

Name: Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24 biscotti
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making these Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti! The perfect blend of rich chocolate and tart cranberries creates a deliciously unique cookie that’s perfect for dipping in coffee or gifting to friends. With a delightful crunch and just the right amount of sweetness, these biscotti are sure to impress anyone who tries them. This recipe has quickly become one of my favorites to whip up during the holidays, but I find myself making them year-round because they’re just that good!

Created by

Imogen Walker

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:22:07.015Z

Through my journey of baking, I stumbled upon the idea of incorporating cranberries into traditional biscotti recipes to create a lovely contrast with rich chocolate. The tartness from the berries beautifully complements the deep cocoa flavor, making for an irresistible treat.

During my latest baking session, I experimented with adjusting the baking time to achieve just the right amount of crunch without compromising on flavor. Trust me when I say, allowing them to cool completely before slicing yields the best results!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with sweet tart cranberries
Perfectly crunchy texture that’s ideal for dunking
Simple to make and perfect for sharing with loved ones

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The combination of all-purpose flour and cocoa powder forms the base of these biscotti, giving them a rich chocolate flavor and structure. The flour provides the necessary gluten, while the cocoa adds chocolate richness without excess fat. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; however, this may affect the texture slightly. Ensure that you measure the cocoa correctly to avoid an overly bitter taste; using unsweetened cocoa creates a perfect balance with the sweetness from the sugar.

Granulated sugar is essential not just for sweetness but also for achieving the right texture. When creamed with eggs, sugar helps to aerate the dough, contributing to the biscotti's light crunch. If you want a lower-sugar version, consider using coconut sugar, which has a slightly lower glycemic index, but be mindful that it can alter the color and flavor profile, giving a deeper, caramel-like taste.

Dried cranberries add a delightful tartness, creating a lively contrast to the richness of chocolate. Look for unsweetened varieties to keep the biscotti from becoming overly sweet. If dried cranberries aren’t available, feel free to use dried cherries or blueberries for a different flavor twist without sacrificing the chewy texture within each bite.

Baking Techniques for Perfect Biscotti

Shaping the dough is a crucial step to ensure even baking. When forming the log, aim for uniformity in height and width to promote consistent crispness throughout. If the dough feels tacky, lightly flour your hands to prevent sticking. Make sure the log isn’t too thick; a height of about 1 inch ensures that the center bakes through without burning the edges. As the biscotti bake, they’ll puff slightly; keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking, which can lead to an overly hard texture.

During the second bake, it’s important to monitor the biscotti closely. They should be baked until they are firm and crisp, which may take anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes. Look for a golden brown color around the edges as an indicator of doneness. To achieve a more even crispness, turn the slices halfway through baking, as the edges tend to brown quicker than the centers.

Letting the biscotti cool completely on a wire rack is essential for achieving that signature crunch. If you skip this step and store them too early, they may retain moisture and lose their desired crisp texture. For storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to two weeks, making them perfect for preparing in advance for holidays or gatherings.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create delectable Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti.

For Biscotti

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Make sure all ingredients are room temperature for the best consistency.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for perfectly baked biscotti.

Preheat Oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Add Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract, then add to the dry ingredients. Mix until combined.

Fold in Add-ins

Gently fold in the cranberries and chocolate chips into the dough.

Shape the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and form it into a log, about 1 inch high and 3 inches wide.

Bake the Log

Place the log on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes, until set.

Cool and Slice

Let the log cool for 10 minutes. Slice it diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces.

Second Bake

Place the slices back on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until crisp.

Cool Completely

Allow the biscotti to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti with a cup of coffee or tea!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled biscotti before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti pair beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, enhancing your enjoyment with their complementary flavors. For a fun twist, consider serving them with a side of chocolate sauce or a drizzle of white chocolate for dipping. This elevates the experience and introduces additional flavors that can contrast nicely with the tartness of the cranberries.

For a festive presentation, arrange the biscotti in a decorative tin or box when gifting to friends and family. You can even include a personalized note suggesting serving ideas, or pair them with a bag of gourmet coffee to create a delightful gift set. Not only do the biscotti look lovely, but they also make a delicious treat that’s easy to share during holiday gatherings.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

These biscotti can be made ahead of time, making them ideal for busy schedules or holiday prep. Once baked and cooled, slice and store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks. If you need to keep them for a longer period, they freeze exceptionally well. Layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container and they’ll retain their texture for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to regain their crunch.

If you’re scaling up the recipe for a larger gathering, simply double the ingredients. Just note that you may need to bake the logs in batches, as overcrowding the baking sheet can lead to uneven baking. Regardless of the amount you make, your friends and family will surely appreciate a homemade treat that they can indulge in whenever they please.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

It's best to stick with dried cranberries as they provide the right sweetness and texture.

→ How do I store the biscotti?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

→ Can I freeze the biscotti?

Yes, biscotti can be frozen. Place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or use applesauce for a vegan version.