Candied Cherry Biscotti

There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of biscotti baking in the oven, filling the kitchen with the promise of a crisp, twice-baked delight. As the holidays approach, or even just on a chilly afternoon, I find myself craving the satisfying crunch and subtle sweetness of these Italian classics. This Candied Cherry Biscotti recipe takes that comforting feeling to another level, infusing the traditional flavor with the bright, festive pop of candied cherries. The vibrant red hues and sweet, chewy texture of the cherries make these biscotti a perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter or a thoughtful homemade gift. Imagine dipping these beauties into your morning coffee or enjoying them with a glass of Vin Santo after dinner pure bliss!

Biscotti baking has been a passion of mine for years, and I’ve experimented with countless variations. I’ve found that using high-quality ingredients and paying attention to the details in the baking process truly elevates the final product. In this recipe, I share my secrets for achieving that perfect biscotti texture – crunchy without being rock-hard – and maximizing the flavor of the candied cherries. Join me as we bake a batch of Candied Cherry Biscotti that will delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family!

Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients! The quality of each component plays a vital role in the overall success of our Candied Cherry Biscotti. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why:

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our biscotti. Using all-purpose flour provides the right amount of gluten for a sturdy yet tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the biscotti’s signature crunch.
• Eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness and moisture.
• Butter: A touch of butter adds tenderness and a subtle richness to the biscotti. You can use salted or unsalted butter, adjust salt accordingly.
• Baking Powder: Provides a gentle lift, creating a slightly airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
• Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor enhancer that complements the candied cherries beautifully. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
• Almond Extract: Adds a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with cherries. If you are allergic to almonds, you can omit this ingredient.
• Candied Cherries: The star of the show! Choose good-quality candied cherries that are plump and moist. Roughly chop them before adding to the dough.
• Almonds: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. You can use whole almonds, slivered almonds, or chopped almonds. Toasting them before adding them to the dough enhances their flavor even further.

Ingredient Science and Substitution Tips:

• Flour: For a slightly denser biscotti, try using bread flour.
• Sugar: Brown sugar can be used for a more caramel-like flavor, but it will also result in a softer biscotti.
• Eggs: Flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) can be used as a vegan alternative.
• Butter: Vegan butter or coconut oil can be used as substitutes.
• Nuts: Feel free to swap almonds for pistachios, walnuts, or pecans.
• Candied Cherries: Dried cranberries, or even chopped apricots can work if you don’t have candied cherries on hand!

Expert Tips for Perfect Biscotti

After many batches of biscotti, I’ve learned a few tricks that can make all the difference. Here are my top expert tips for Candied Cherry Biscotti:

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough biscotti. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes makes it easier to handle and prevents the biscotti from spreading too much during baking.
• Shape the Logs Evenly: Aim for consistent thickness when shaping the dough logs. This ensures that the biscotti bake evenly.
• Don’t Overbake the Logs: The logs should be lightly golden brown and firm to the touch. Overbaking will result in overly dry biscotti.
• Cool Completely Before Slicing: Allow the logs to cool completely before slicing them. This prevents them from crumbling.
• Use a Serrated Knife: A serrated knife makes it easier to slice the biscotti without crushing them.
• Toast to Perfection: The second bake is crucial for achieving the signature biscotti crunch. Keep a close eye on the biscotti during this stage, as they can burn easily. Aim for a golden brown color.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other flavorings to the dough, such as lemon zest, orange zest, or anise extract.

My Personal Testing Notes: I found that using a combination of almond extract and vanilla extract really enhanced the flavor of the candied cherries. I also experimented with adding a touch of orange zest, which added a lovely citrusy note. In terms of texture, I found that chilling the dough for a full hour resulted in a slightly denser, more flavorful biscotti.

Storage & Substitutions

Let’s talk about storage and substitutions to ensure your Candied Cherry Biscotti are perfect every time!

Storage:

• Airtight Container: Store your biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help them maintain their crispness.
• Longevity: Properly stored, biscotti can last for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: You can also freeze biscotti for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Substitutions:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these biscotti gluten-free. You may need to adjust the liquid in the recipe.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative or coconut oil.
• Nut-Free: Omit the almonds or substitute them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
• Egg-Free: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) as an egg substitute.
• Candied Cherry Alternatives: If you don’t have candied cherries on hand, you can use dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even chocolate chips.

FAQ: Your Candied Cherry Biscotti Questions Answered

Why are my biscotti so hard?

Biscotti are meant to be crunchy, but if they’re rock-hard, it could be due to overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour accurately and don’t overbake the logs during the first bake. Also, be mindful of the toasting time during the second bake.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of candied cherries?

Fresh cherries contain too much moisture for this recipe and will not produce the desired biscotti texture. Candied cherries are essential for their concentrated sweetness and chewy texture.

How do I prevent my biscotti from spreading too much during baking?

Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing spreading. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping the logs. Also, avoid overmixing the dough, as this can develop the gluten and cause the biscotti to spread.

Can I add chocolate to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chocolate pairs beautifully with cherries and almonds. You can add chocolate chips to the dough or drizzle melted chocolate over the finished biscotti. For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate.

What’s the best way to slice the biscotti without crumbling them?

Allow the logs to cool completely before slicing them. Use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion to slice the biscotti. Avoid pressing down too hard, as this can cause them to crumble.

How do I know when the biscotti are done during the second bake?

The biscotti are done when they are golden brown and firm to the touch. Keep a close eye on them during the second bake, as they can burn easily. The toasting process is a balancing act – you want them crisp, not charred.

Can I make these biscotti ahead of time?

Yes! Biscotti are a great make-ahead treat. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months. They are perfect for holiday baking when you need to spread out the work.

Bake Up Some Biscotti Bliss!

And there you have it – a delightful recipe for Candied Cherry Biscotti that’s sure to become a new favorite. The combination of crunchy texture, sweet cherries, and nutty almonds creates a truly irresistible treat. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or simply to satisfy your own sweet tooth, these biscotti are guaranteed to impress.

Now it’s your turn to get baking! I encourage you to try this recipe and share your creations with friends and family. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your Candied Cherry Biscotti turned out. And if you’re looking for more delicious biscotti recipes, be sure to check out my other posts on Almond eggnog, Chocolate Chip . Happy baking!

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