Is there anything more delightful than the aroma of freshly baked biscotti filling your home, especially during the festive holiday season? This Candied Cherry Biscotti recipe is a modern twist on a classic Italian treat, perfect for gifting, serving with coffee, or simply enjoying as a sweet indulgence. Imagine biting into a crisp, golden-brown biscotto studded with glistening candied cherries, their sweetness perfectly balanced by the subtle almond flavor and a hint of citrus. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience, a way to share warmth and joy with loved ones. I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe, ensuring each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, resulting in the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. From selecting the best candied cherries to mastering the double-baking technique, I’ll guide you through every step to create biscotti that are truly unforgettable.
As a recipe developer with over 15 years of experience, I’ve always been passionate about creating accessible and delicious recipes that celebrate the joy of baking. This recipe builds upon trending search interests for holiday baking and elevated biscotti recipes, combining classic techniques with modern flavors. Let’s embark on this baking adventure together and create some truly delightful Candied Cherry Biscotti!
Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Biscotti Bliss
Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need to create these delicious Candied Cherry Biscotti. Understanding the role each ingredient plays is key to achieving perfect results.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our biscotti. Using a good quality all-purpose flour ensures a tender, yet sturdy, structure. For a slightly denser biscotti, you can substitute up to 25% of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a crisp texture.
- Baking Powder: Our leavening agent, ensuring a light and airy crumb.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness. Use large eggs for best results. The eggs provide moisture and structure to the dough.
- Almond Extract: Infuses the biscotti with a delightful nutty aroma. If you prefer, you can substitute with vanilla extract or a combination of both.
- Orange Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the sweetness of the cherries. Lemon zest also works well.
- Candied Cherries: The star of the show! Look for high-quality candied cherries that are plump and vibrant in color. I prefer to use both red and green cherries for a festive look. You can usually find them at your local grocery store or specialty baking shop.
- Optional Glaze: Powdered Sugar, Milk/Lemon Juice (for the glaze)
Expert Tips: Baking Biscotti Like a Pro
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before the first bake helps prevent the biscotti from spreading too much.
- Don’t Overbake: Be careful not to overbake the biscotti during the first bake. You want them to be firm but still slightly soft to the touch.
- Cool Completely Before Slicing: Let the biscotti cool completely before slicing to prevent them from crumbling.
- Use a Serrated Knife: A serrated knife is your best friend when slicing biscotti. It will help you create clean, even slices.
- Adjust Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep a close eye on the biscotti and adjust the baking time as needed.
- Toast to Perfection: The second bake is all about achieving that perfect crispness. Keep a close eye on the biscotti and remove them from the oven when they are golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Even Slices: Aim for even slices, roughly ¾ to 1 inch thick, for uniform baking during the second bake.
Storage & Substitutions
- Storage: Store your Candied Cherry Biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Flour Substitutions: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Nut Allergies: If you have nut allergies, omit the almond extract or substitute it with vanilla extract.
- Candied Cherry Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of candied cherries, try dried cranberries, chopped almonds, pistachios, chocolate chips, or a combination!
FAQ: Your Biscotti Questions Answered
Why are my biscotti so hard?
Biscotti are meant to be crunchy, but if they’re too hard, you might have overbaked them during either the first or second bake. Also, ensure you’re not using too much flour. Properly measured ingredients are key.
How do I prevent my biscotti from spreading?
Chilling the dough before the first bake is crucial to prevent spreading. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh and that you’re not adding too much sugar.
Can I make biscotti without almond extract?
Absolutely! You can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract or orange extract, or simply omit it altogether. The flavor will be different, but still delicious.
Why are my biscotti crumbling when I slice them?
This usually happens if the biscotti are not completely cooled before slicing or if your knife is not sharp enough. Use a serrated knife and make sure the biscotti are completely cool.
How do I store biscotti to keep them fresh?
Store your biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their crispness and prevent them from becoming stale.
Can I freeze biscotti?
Yes, biscotti freeze very well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
What can I serve with biscotti?
Biscotti are traditionally served with coffee or tea, but they also pair well with dessert wine or a glass of milk. You can also crumble them over ice cream or yogurt for added texture and flavor.
Share the Biscotti Joy!
These Candied Cherry Biscotti are more than just a recipe; they are a celebration of flavors, textures, and the joy of baking. With their crisp texture, sweet candied cherries, and subtle almond flavor, they are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re gifting them to loved ones, serving them with coffee, or simply enjoying them as a personal indulgence, I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it has brought me over the years.
PrintCandied Cherry Biscotti
Candied Cherry Biscotti Delicious twicebaked treat Enjoy cherry biscotti today
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 biscotti
- Category: Cookie
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 cup candied cherries, halved
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional glaze)
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or lemon juice (optional glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, almond extract, and orange zest. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the candied cherries.
- Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, shape each half into a log about 12 inches long and 3 inches wide.
- Place the logs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
- Using a serrated knife, slice the logs into 3/4-inch thick slices. Place the slices cut-side up on the baking sheet.
- Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp, flipping halfway through. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Optional Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and milk/lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled biscotti.
Notes
This Candied Cherry Biscotti recipe is a modern twist on a classic Italian treat, perfect for gifting, serving with coffee, or simply enjoying as a sweet indulgence. Experience a crisp, golden-brown biscotto studded with glistening candied cherries, balanced by almond and citrus flavors.
