Craving a delightful treat that’s both festive and easy to make? These Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti (Red & Green) are the perfect solution!
This Italian-inspired cookie offers a satisfying crunch and a burst of holiday flavors, making them ideal for gifting or enjoying with your morning coffee.
With simple pantry staples, you’ll whip up these beautiful, twice-baked cookies in no time. For more easy holiday baking ideas, explore our collection!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti (Red & Green)
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Festive & Beautiful: The vibrant red cranberries and green pistachios make these biscotti a stunning addition to any holiday spread.
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Perfect for Dipping: Their signature crisp texture is ideal for dunking in coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate.
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Great for Gifting: These homemade biscotti make thoughtful and delicious gifts for friends and family.
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Long Shelf Life: Biscotti stay fresh for weeks, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Primary components: You’ll need all-purpose flour, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and large eggs to form the base of these delightful biscotti.
Liquids & Seasoning: A touch of vanilla extract enhances the flavor, while baking powder and salt ensure the perfect texture.
Optional add-ins: Dried cranberries and shelled pistachios provide the signature red and green colors and delicious texture, though you could swap for other dried fruits or nuts.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Exact quantities appear in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti (Red & Green)
Making these festive Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti involves a simple two-stage baking process.
First, you’ll bake the dough logs, then slice and bake them again for that characteristic crispness. For more tips on perfecting your biscotti, check out this guide.

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Area
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, preparing your surface for the biscotti logs.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Cream Wet Ingredients for Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Form the Biscotti Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pistachios evenly throughout the dough.
Step 5: First Bake of Your Biscotti Logs
Divide the dough in half.
Shape each half into a log (about 9-10 inches long and 2 inches wide) on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 25-30 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 6: Slice and Second Bake for Crispness
Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes. Reduce oven to 300°F (150°C).
Slice logs diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces. Place cut-side down on the baking sheet and bake for another 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until dry and crisp.
Step 7: Cool and Store Your Festive Biscotti
Let the Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti cool completely on a wire rack.
Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
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Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to ensure tender biscotti.
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Serrated Knife is Key: Use a good serrated knife for clean, even slices after the first bake.
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Flip for Even Crispness: Remember to flip the biscotti halfway through the second bake for uniform crispness.
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Cool Completely: Ensure biscotti are fully cooled before storing to prevent them from becoming soft.
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Drizzle for Extra Flair: For a decadent touch, melt white chocolate and drizzle over the cooled biscotti.
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Gift with Care: Package cooled biscotti in decorative bags or tins for a charming homemade gift.
Final Thoughts
These Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti (Red & Green) are truly a joy to make and share. The blend of sweet cranberries and savory pistachios creates a balanced flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want a special treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea, these twice-baked cookies deliver.
Consider adding a hint of orange zest to the dough next time for an extra layer of bright flavor! For more delightful festive cookie recipes, be sure to check out our other posts.

FAQs
How do I know when my Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti are done baking the first time?
The logs should be lightly golden brown and firm to the touch. They will still be soft inside, which is normal before the second bake.
Can I substitute other dried fruits or nuts in this cranberry pistachio biscotti recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with dried cherries, chopped almonds, or even white chocolate chips to customize your festive biscotti.
How should I store these holiday biscotti to keep them fresh?
Once completely cooled, store your Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crisp for up to two weeks.
Can I freeze Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti?
Yes, you can! Once fully baked and cooled, place the biscotti in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti (Red & Green) is a truly satisfying Family Favorite
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 biscotti 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti (Red & Green) is a truly satisfying Family Favorite. These festive biscotti are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a delightful treat any time of year.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pistachios.
- Divide the dough in half. On the prepared baking sheet, shape each half into a log, about 9-10 inches long and 2 inches wide. Leave some space between the logs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until lightly golden and firm to the touch.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
- Carefully transfer the logs to a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, slice the logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
- Place the sliced biscotti back on the baking sheet, cut-side down.
- Bake for another 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until dry and crisp.
- Let cool completely on a wire rack before storing in an airtight container.
Notes
- For an extra festive touch, you can drizzle the cooled biscotti with melted white chocolate.
- Biscotti are traditionally twice-baked, which gives them their characteristic crisp texture, perfect for dipping in coffee or tea.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscotti
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg








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