Hey there! If you’re looking for a crunchy, chocolate-dipped treat to add a little Christmas magic to your coffee break, you’re in the right place. I’m talking about homemade Christmas Biscotti – spiced just right with cinnamon, ginger, and a hint of orange zest, and packed with crunchy hazelnuts. Plus, there’s a dip in dark chocolate to give it that extra festive flair! They’re easy to make, they last for weeks, and they make great gifts – if you don’t eat them all yourself first! Let’s get into it, shall we?
Try my PB Christmas Cookies recipe.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Festive Flavors: Packed with cinnamon, ginger, orange zest, and hazelnuts – it’s Christmas in every bite!
Perfect for Dipping: These biscotti are super crunchy, making them ideal for dunking in coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Easy to Make: Just mix, shape, and bake – no fancy techniques here!
Great for Gifting: Wrapped up with a ribbon, these biscotti make a thoughtful (and delicious!) homemade gift.
Long-Lasting: Store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay crispy for up to 3-4 weeks – holiday treats that last!
Chocolate-Dipped Goodness: The dark chocolate coating adds a rich, luxurious touch that takes these biscotti over the top.
Try my Christmas Pudding Protein Balls recipe.
What you’ll need to make
All-Purpose Flour: The classic base that keeps these biscotti sturdy and perfect for dipping without falling apart.
Superfine Sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness. If you have demerara sugar on hand, it works just as well and brings a hint of caramel flavor.
Spices (Cinnamon & Ginger): These two spices are the heart of that warm, holiday flavor. They give the biscotti a cozy vibe that just screams Christmas!
Orange Zest: A little zest goes a long way. It adds a fresh, citrusy note that pairs perfectly with the spices and nuts.
Hazelnuts: For that perfect crunch and a hint of nuttiness. Hazelnuts give these biscotti an almost toasty flavor that rounds out the spices beautifully.
Coconut Oil: Used here instead of butter to keep things a bit lighter. Plus, it adds a subtle richness without overpowering the other flavors.
Almond Milk & Almond Extract: A splash of almond milk helps bring the dough together, while almond extract enhances the nutty flavor and makes these biscotti even more delicious.
Dark Chocolate: Melted and ready for dipping! The rich, slightly bitter chocolate complements the sweetness of the biscotti and gives them a nice, festive finish.
Try my Holiday Chocolate Truffles recipe.
| Ingredients: Serves 16 |
|---|
| Dry Ingredients: |
| – 1 cup (120g) all purpose flour |
| – 1/3 cup (70g) superfine sugar (demerara sugar works too) |
| – 1/2 tsp baking powder |
| – 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon |
| – 1/2 tsp ground ginger |
| – pinch of salt |
| Wet Ingredients: |
| – 1 tbsp coconut oil |
| – 3 tsp almond milk |
| – 1/2 tsp almond extract |
| Garnish: |
| – 2 oz (60g) dark chocolate (traditional, dairy-free, or vegan), melted |
What you’ll need to do
Time required: 60 minutes
Prep Time! Preheat your oven to 340°F (170°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Easy peasy!
Dry Mix Magic: In a mixing bowl, stir together all the dry ingredients, except for those hazelnuts. Set it aside like a little pile of holiday cheer.
Melt & Whisk: Pop the coconut oil in a small bowl and melt it – either in the microwave or over simmering water. Once it’s nice and melty, whisk in the almond milk and almond extract. Smells good already!
Bring It Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ones and mix until just combined. The dough should be Goldilocks-perfect – not too dry, not too sticky. Need a touch more milk or flour? Go ahead, adjust away!
Add the Crunch: Toss in those chopped hazelnuts and fold them into the dough until they’re spread out evenly.
Shape That Log: Roll the dough into a long, thick log, then set it on your baking sheet and gently flatten it into a 1.5 x 10 inch (about 3-4 cm x 25 cm) log.
First Bake: Pop the sheet into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until it’s firm and golden on the outside. Take it out and let it cool on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes.
Slice & Bake Again: Once it’s cooled a bit, cut the log into 1/2 inch (1-1.5 cm) slices. Place each slice on the baking sheet, cut side down. Back into the oven they go for 15-20 minutes – the longer they’re in, the crunchier they get!
Cool Off: Take the biscotti out and set them on a wire rack to cool completely.
Choc Dipping Fun: Melt the dark chocolate, dip each biscotti into the melted goodness, and let them dry on a wire rack.
Store & Snack: Pop these beauties into an airtight container, and they’ll stay crispy and delicious for 3-4 weeks – if they last that long!
Enjoy your festive biscotti creation! Perfect for gifting, snacking, or dipping in a warm cup of cocoa!
Glycemic Index: Moderate (61) Glycemic Load: Low (8)
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Recipe swaps & Creative tweaks
Swap Out the Nuts: Not a fan of hazelnuts? Try almonds, pistachios, or even pecans for a different crunch and flavor profile. Almonds add a classic Italian touch, while pistachios bring a pop of color.
Go Citrus-Free: If orange zest isn’t your thing, try lemon zest instead for a slightly brighter flavor. Or, skip the citrus entirely for a more straightforward spiced biscotti.
Change Up the Chocolate: Dark chocolate adds a rich, bold flavor, but you can also dip these biscotti in white or milk chocolate for a sweeter touch. Adding a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies on the chocolate also gives it a fun, holiday twist!
Make it Vegan: Swap out the almond milk with any plant-based milk you like – oat or soy work just as well. Ensure the chocolate is vegan, too, and you’re all set for a fully plant-based treat.
Add Dried Fruits: Want to mix in more texture? Toss in some dried cranberries, chopped dried cherries, or raisins. They add a chewy, fruity contrast to the crunchiness and pair well with the spices.
Boost the Spice: Love a bolder flavor? Add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth. These spices will take the holiday vibe up a notch!
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a good gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 swap blend to keep the texture close to the original.
Add a Hint of Coffee: Mix a teaspoon of instant espresso powder into the dough for a subtle mocha twist – perfect if you’re a coffee lover!
Try my Eggnog Protein Smoothie recipe.
Useful tips for Making Christmas Biscotti
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until they’re just combined. Overmixing can make the biscotti too tough and dense.
Adjust the Dough Texture: The dough should be moist but not sticky. If it’s too dry, add a touch more almond milk; if it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour until it’s just right.
Flatten the Log Evenly: When shaping the dough into a log, make sure it’s even in thickness so it bakes consistently. This will make slicing easier and give you evenly baked biscotti.
Cool Before Slicing: Let the baked log cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps prevent crumbling and makes cleaner cuts for those perfect biscotti shapes.
Bake Twice for Extra Crunch: Biscotti is all about that crispy texture, so don’t skip the second bake! Baking the slices cut-side down ensures they dry out and get nice and crunchy.
Watch the Chocolate Dip: When melting chocolate, use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts to avoid burning. Dip only one end of each biscotti to keep things neat and give a nice balance of chocolate to cookie.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place: To keep your biscotti crunchy for weeks, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a small piece of parchment paper between layers helps prevent sticking.
Experiment with Decorations: Drizzle extra chocolate on top, sprinkle with crushed nuts, or add festive sprinkles for a holiday touch that looks as good as it tastes!
Try my Orange Spiced Hot Chocolate – Christmas Treat recipe.
Serving Ideas for Christmas Biscotti
With a Hot Beverage: Serve biscotti alongside a steaming mug of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea. Their crunchy texture makes them perfect for dunking!
As a Holiday Dessert Platter: Arrange the biscotti on a festive dessert platter with other holiday treats like cookies, truffles, and candy canes for a crowd-pleasing holiday spread.
Gift-Worthy Treats: Wrap biscotti in cellophane bags or festive tins with a holiday ribbon for a delicious homemade gift. Add a little note with serving suggestions for a personal touch!
Paired with Ice Cream: For an unexpected twist, serve biscotti alongside a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts perfectly with the crunchy, spiced biscotti.
Dipped in Wine: For a traditional Italian treat, enjoy biscotti dipped in a dessert wine like Vin Santo or a port wine. The flavors pair beautifully and make for a cozy, grown-up dessert.
DIY Biscotti Bar: If hosting, set up a biscotti bar with melted chocolate, nuts, and sprinkles for guests to customize their own biscotti dip and toppings.
On a Holiday Breakfast Table: Add biscotti to your holiday brunch spread alongside scones, muffins, and fresh fruit for a festive morning treat.
Try my Festive Chai Hot Chocolate recipe.
Storage Options for Christmas Biscotti
Airtight Container: Store biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to 3-4 weeks. Stack them with a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Freezer Storage: If you want to keep them longer, biscotti freeze well! Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, with parchment paper between layers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Cookie Tin: For a festive touch, store biscotti in a metal cookie tin. They stay crispy, and it adds a holiday feel – great if you’re gifting them, too!
Glass Jar Display: If you want a decorative storage option, keep biscotti in a large glass jar with a tightly sealed lid on your countertop. This doubles as a holiday decoration and makes them easy to grab for a quick snack!
And there you have it – a batch of homemade Christmas Biscotti ready to bring a bit of holiday cheer to your mornings! Whether you’re dunking them in coffee, giving them as gifts, or just sneaking one as a treat, these little guys are sure to add a touch of Christmas spirit. They’re crunchy, chocolatey, and bursting with holiday flavor – plus, they stay fresh for weeks! Hope you enjoy making (and eating) these as much as I do. Happy holidays and happy baking!
Recipe card
Christmas Biscotti
Cozy up with Christmas Biscotti! 🍊🎄 Made with warm spices, orange zest, and a dark chocolate dip, these biscotti bring the holiday cheer to every bite. Perfect for snacking, dunking, or sharing with loved ones!
Ingredients
Dry ingredients:
Wet ingredients:
Garnish:
Instructions
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Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 340°F (170°C). Line a baking sheet with baking paper.
-
Step 2:
Mix all the dry ingredients together (except the hazelnuts) in a mixing bowl and set aside.
-
Step 3:
Place the coconut oil in a small bowl and melt in the microwave or over a pot of simmering water. Once melted, whisk in the almond milk and almond extract
-
Step 4:
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix gently until roughly combined. The dough should be not too dry or too sticky. If it’s too dry, add a touch more milk and if it’s too wet, add a touch more flour.
-
Step 5:
Now, add the chopped hazelnuts and mix them gently into the dough, making sure they are distributed evenly.
-
Step 6:
Roll the dough into a long, thick log and then transfer it to the baking sheet and flatten it into a 11⁄2 x 10 inch (3-4 cm x 25 cm) log.
-
Step 7:
Place the baking sheet into the hot oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the surface of the log is firm and lightly browned.
-
Step 8:
Remove the log from the oven and set onto a wire rack to cool for 15-20 minutes. Cut the log into 1⁄2 inch (1-1.5cm) slices with a knife. Place the slices on a baking sheet cut side down and return them to the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes (the longer you bake them the harder they get).
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Step 9:
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and place the biscotti on a wire rack to cool completely.
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Step 10:
Once cool, melt the dark chocolate, dip the biscotti into the melted chocolate and arrange to dry on a wire rack.
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Step 11:
Store the biscotti in an airtight container for 3-4 weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 16
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 85kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 4g7%
- Total Carbohydrate 13g5%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Protein 1g2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
