Biscotti with Pistachios and Dried Cherries

The Biscotti with Pistachios and Dried Cherries recipe always brings a wave of nostalgia every time I prepare it. I remember the first time I made these delightful treats; it was a brisk autumn afternoon, and the aroma of roasting nuts filled the kitchen. It felt right to bring a bit of warmth and sweetness into our home. I had invited friends over, and I wanted to serve something special alongside our coffee. Biscotti seemed like the perfect choice — crunchy, yet not too sweet, perfect for dipping! The combination of the rich, roasted pistachios and tart dried cherries creates a beautiful harmony that sings of the season. My family has a tradition of enjoying these delightful cookies during our holiday gatherings. Though they are simple to make, the result is a sophisticated treat that pairs beautifully with a hot beverage. Every bite combines the delightful crunch of pistachios with the chewiness of dried cherries, making for an exquisite experience. As you indulge in these biscottis, you can’t help but feel the warmth of home. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love baking so much. So, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, these Biscotti with Pistachios and Dried Cherries will surely impress!

Ingredient List for Biscotti with Pistachios and Dried Cherries

Every ingredient in these Biscotti with Pistachios and Dried Cherries plays an essential role in creating the delightful texture and flavor that we love. The harmony among them is what gives this recipe its unique appeal. From the crunchy pistachios to the sweet-tart bursts from dried cherries, each element contributes to a balanced, delicious treat.

• All-purpose flour – The foundation of our biscotti, providing the essential structure and texture.
• Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps in achieving that perfect golden brown color.
• Old-fashioned oats – Adds a lovely chewiness and depth of flavor.
• Baking powder – Ensures our biscotti rise to the perfect height and provides a light texture.
• Baking soda – Helps with browning and contributes to the biscotti’s crunch.
• Kosher salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Large eggs – Binds everything together and contributes to the biscotti’s rich flavor.
• Vegetable oil – Adds moisture and helps create a tender biscuit.
• Orange zest – Infuses the biscotti with a refreshing citrus aroma and flavor.
• Lemon zest – Brightens the overall flavor and complements the cherries.
• Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Almond extract – Intensifies the nutty flavor of the pistachios.
• Unsalted butter – Enhances richness and flavor.
• Dried cherries – Provides sweetness and a delightful chewy texture.
• Pistachios – Adds a wonderful crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the cherries.

How to Assemble Biscotti with Pistachios and Dried Cherries

Making these Biscotti with Pistachios and Dried Cherries is an enjoyable process that fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas. Follow these steps to create your perfect batch of biscotti!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. This helps the biscotti bake evenly right from the start. While your oven is heating, you can prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, old-fashioned oats, baking powder, baking soda, and Kosher salt. Mix these dry ingredients together until well-combined. This ensures that your biscotti will have an even texture and flavor.
3. Blend the dry ingredients on low speed for about 30 seconds. This helps to aerate the mixture, which is crucial for achieving a light and crispy texture.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs. Once they’re well-beaten, whisk in the vegetable oil, orange zest, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and almond extract. This mixture is vital for adding moisture and flavor to your biscotti.
5. Next, mix in the unsalted butter until fully combined. This step adds richness to your biscotti, making them more enjoyable to eat.
6. Now, gradually add the egg mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is well combined. The dough may seem a little loose at this stage, but that’s perfectly okay!
7. Fold in the dried cherries and pistachios, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step is crucial as it adds delicious bites of flavor and texture.
8. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it in half. Using floured hands, shape each half into logs, about 12 to 14 inches long. This step is key to achieving the traditional biscotti shape.
9. Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 5 inches apart. Flatten each log into a 2-inch wide strip, approximately ½ to ¾ inches tall. This will help them bake evenly.
10. Bake the logs in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and set. Remember to rotate the pan halfway through to ensure even baking.
11. Once baked, transfer the logs to a wire rack and let them cool for about 15 minutes. This cooling period is essential for making them easier to slice.
12. Reduce the oven temperature to 250°F. This lower temperature allows the slices to become crisp without burning.
13. Using a large knife, carefully cut each log diagonally into ⅓-inch thick slices. Cutting diagonally gives the biscotti their classic shape.
14. Arrange the slices cut side down on the baking sheets. This allows them to bake evenly and become extra crispy.
15. Bake the biscotti for an additional 40 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t brown too much.
16. Finally, transfer the biscotti to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they’re ready to be enjoyed!

Recipe Variations about Biscotti with Pistachios and Dried Cherries

There are countless ways to personalize your Biscotti with Pistachios and Dried Cherries. Feel free to get creative!

• Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent touch, melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled biscotti.
• Nut Variations: Substitute pistachios with almonds or walnuts for different flavor profiles.
• Dried Fruits: Try using dried apricots or cranberries instead of dried cherries for a new twist.
• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm spice flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour for a gluten-free version.
• Low Sugar: Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for a healthier version.

What Goes Well With This Biscotti with Pistachios and Dried Cherries

The Biscotti with Pistachios and Dried Cherries is a versatile treat that pairs beautifully with various beverages and occasions. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy them:

• Coffee: Serve these with a warm cup of coffee for a delightful morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
• Tea: They’re also fantastic with a soothing cup of herbal tea, making for a relaxing experience.
• Gift Idea: Present them in a decorative box for a thoughtful, homemade gift during the holidays.
• Brunch: They make a wonderful addition to brunch spreads, alongside pastries and fruit.
• Pairing with Cheese: Enjoy with soft cheeses for a savory-sweet contrast.
• Casual Get-Together: Perfect for casual gatherings or book clubs, paired with drinks and conversation.
• Seasonal Treat: Their festive flavors make them ideal for holiday celebrations.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Biscotti with Pistachios and Dried Cherries stands out as a delightful treat that merges taste and texture in a simple yet elegant way. I encourage you to try making these delightful biscottis for yourself — you won’t regret it! Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a sweet gift for a friend, they’ll surely bring joy and satisfaction. Happy baking!

Biscotti with Pistachios and Dried Cherries

The ultimate snack for any occasion, Biscotti with Pistachios and Dried Cherries are crunchy, sweet, and filled with delicious flavors. Perfect for dipping into your coffee or tea, these delightful cookies are easy to make and will be a hit with everyone around the table. Enjoy a treat that brings joy to your day!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine Italian

Servings 10 servings

Calories 160 kcal

Equipment

• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Sugar
• ½ cup Old-fashioned oats
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• ½ teaspoon Baking soda
• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
• 2 large Eggs
• 4 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon Orange zest
• 1 tablespoon Lemon zest
• 1.5 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon Almond extract
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter room temperature
• 1 cup Dried cherries
• 1.5 cups Pistachios roasted and shelled

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Combine the flour, sugar, oats, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer.
• Blend on low speed for about 30 seconds.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and then whisk in the vegetable oil, orange zest, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
• Mix in the butter and then add the egg mixture. Mix until fully combined.
• Fold in the dried cherries and the pistachios.
• Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and divide in half. Using floured hands, shape each dough half into a 12 to 14" long log.
• Transfer the logs to the prepared baking sheet, about 5" apart. Flatten each log into a 2" wide strip (about ½" - ¾" tall).
• Bake until lightly browned and set, about 25 minutes, rotating the pan about halfway through.
• Transfer to a rack and let cool for 15 minutes.
• Reduce the oven to 250°F. Line a second baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Transfer the biscotti to a work surface. Using a large knife, cut each log diagonally into ⅓"-thick slices.
• Arrange slices, cut side down, on the baking sheets. Bake biscotti until crisp, about 40 minutes, rotating halfway through.
• Transfer to wire rack to let cool.

Notes

• Dough Texture: The dough will initially be a little crumbly or loose. This is normal; use your hands to press the dough together when forming the logs.
• Storage: Store the cooled biscotti in an airtight container when not serving. They will keep for up to 7 to 10 days.
• Freezing Dough: You can freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Let thaw completely before forming the logs and baking.

Keyword Biscotti with Pistachios, Crispy Biscotti, Dried Cherry Biscotti, Italian Biscotti Recipe

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Meet Sienna Blake

I’m Sienna, the detail-obsessed cook of the group! I specialize in baking and perfecting technical recipes so you never have to guess in the kitchen. I have tested this specific recipe multiple times adjusting the measurements and timing to guarantee it is absolutely foolproof and ready for your table. Trust the process, and I promise you’ll get amazing results!