White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio

Featured in: Sweet Little Treats

These twice-baked cookies feature a crisp texture layered with creamy white chocolate, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy pistachios. The dough is mixed without chilling, shaped into logs, baked until golden, then sliced and baked again for perfect crispness. A final drizzle of melted white chocolate adds a sweet finish. These treats pair wonderfully with coffee or tea and bring festive charm to any gathering.

Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:59:00 GMT
Golden white chocolate cranberry pistachio biscotti, enticingly crisp and perfect for dunking in coffee. Pin this
Golden white chocolate cranberry pistachio biscotti, enticingly crisp and perfect for dunking in coffee. | recipeshood.com

Crisp, twice-baked Italian cookies studded with tart cranberries, crunchy pistachios, and creamy white chocolate. Perfect for dipping in coffee or gifting during the holidays—no dough chilling required!

I first baked these biscotti for festive gatherings when I wanted a treat that felt gourmet but didn't require any fussy steps. My family loved dunking them in coffee after dinner, and now they request them every year for our holiday cookie boxes.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g), provides structure to the biscotti
  • Baking powder: 1 1/2 teaspoons, helps lift and lighten the cookies
  • Fine sea salt: 1/4 teaspoon, balances flavors
  • Granulated sugar: 2/3 cup (135 g), adds sweetness
  • Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (115 g), melted and slightly cooled for rich flavor
  • Large eggs: 2, for binding and tender texture
  • Pure vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, for aroma
  • Almond extract (optional): 1/2 teaspoon, to enhance the nutty taste
  • Shelled pistachios: 3/4 cup (90 g), roughly chopped for crunch
  • Dried cranberries: 2/3 cup (80 g), add tart flavor
  • White chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate: 3/4 cup (120 g), divided; reserve 1/4 cup for drizzling

Instructions

Prep Oven and Pan:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
Combine Mixtures:
Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Fold in Add-Ins:
Fold in pistachios, cranberries, and 1/2 cup of the white chocolate chips.
Shape Logs:
Divide the dough in half. On the prepared baking sheet, shape each half into a log about 10 inches (25 cm) long and 2.5 inches (6 cm) wide. Flatten tops slightly.
Bake First Time:
Bake for 23–25 minutes, until lightly golden and firm to the touch. Remove from oven and let cool on the sheet for 10 minutes.
Lower Oven Temperature:
Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
Slice and Arrange:
Using a sharp serrated knife, slice logs diagonally into 3/4-inch (2 cm) thick pieces. Place slices cut side down on the baking sheet.
Bake Second Time:
Bake for 10 minutes, flip biscotti, then bake for 8–10 minutes more until crisp and golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Drizzle Chocolate:
Melt the remaining 1/4 cup white chocolate. Drizzle over cooled biscotti. Let set before serving or storing.
A pile of festive white chocolate cranberry pistachio biscotti, speckled with bright red cranberries and green pistachios. Pin this
A pile of festive white chocolate cranberry pistachio biscotti, speckled with bright red cranberries and green pistachios. | recipeshood.com

Sharing these biscotti during holiday mornings over coffee has become our family's favorite tradition, with everyone vying for the slices with the most chocolate drizzle!

Required Tools

Baking sheet, parchment paper, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula or wooden spoon, serrated knife, wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (butter, white chocolate), tree nuts (pistachios), soy (may be present in white chocolate). Individuals with allergies should check ingredient labels for possible traces.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 130, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 18 g, Protein: 2 g

Homemade white chocolate cranberry pistachio biscotti, showcasing a delightful crunch and sweet, inviting aroma. Pin this
Homemade white chocolate cranberry pistachio biscotti, showcasing a delightful crunch and sweet, inviting aroma. | recipeshood.com

Let your creativity shine with different add-ins and dips. These biscotti will brighten any coffee break or gift basket!

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

What gives the biscotti its crisp texture?

Twice-baking the dough firms up the slices, creating the signature crispness without drying them out.

Can I substitute pistachios with other nuts?

Yes, almonds or walnuts can be used to maintain a crunchy texture while offering different flavor notes.

Is chilling the dough necessary before baking?

No dough chilling is needed; the dough can be shaped and baked immediately for convenience.

How should these biscotti be stored to maintain freshness?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to keep the crisp texture intact.

What drink pairings complement these biscotti?

Espresso, tea, or dessert wine enhance the flavors of the white chocolate, cranberries, and pistachios beautifully.

Can I toast the pistachios before adding?

Lightly toasting pistachios before folding them in intensifies their nutty flavor and adds extra crunch.

White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio

Crisp twice-baked cookies with white chocolate, cranberries, and pistachios, ideal for coffee or gifting.

Prep Duration
20 min
Time to Cook
40 min
Overall Time
60 min
Created by Julia Harris


Level of Challenge Medium

Cuisine Type Italian-American

Servings Made 24 Number of Portions

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Wet Ingredients

01 2/3 cup granulated sugar
02 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
03 2 large eggs
04 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Add-Ins

01 3/4 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
02 2/3 cup dried cranberries
03 3/4 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate (divided; reserve 1/4 cup for drizzling)

Method

Step 01

Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and sea salt; set aside.

Step 03

Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.

Step 04

Incorporate dry ingredients: Stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 05

Add nuts, fruit, and chocolate: Fold in pistachios, dried cranberries, and half of the white chocolate chips.

Step 06

Shape dough logs: Divide dough in half and form each portion into a log approximately 10 inches long and 2.5 inches wide on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten tops slightly.

Step 07

First bake: Bake logs for 23 to 25 minutes until lightly golden and firm. Cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.

Step 08

Adjust oven temperature: Lower oven temperature to 300°F.

Step 09

Slice logs: Using a serrated knife, slice logs diagonally into 3/4-inch-thick pieces. Arrange slices cut side down on the baking sheet.

Step 10

Second bake: Bake slices for 10 minutes, flip, then bake an additional 8 to 10 minutes until crisp and golden. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11

Finish with chocolate drizzle: Melt remaining white chocolate and drizzle over cooled biscotti. Allow chocolate to set before serving or storing.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Serrated knife
  • Wire rack

Allergen Details

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (butter, white chocolate), tree nuts (pistachios), soy (possible in white chocolate). Verify labels if allergic.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Nutrition info is for reference purposes only and isn't medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 130
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 2 g