5 Fall Biscotti Recipes You'll Love Baking

If you're eager to welcome the fall season with delicious, heartwarming treats, then baking biscotti should be on your to-do list. Biscotti, those delightful twice-baked Italian cookies, pair perfectly with your favorite hot beverage, making them an ideal choice for the cool autumn months. Here are five scrumptious fall biscotti recipes you'll love baking and sharing:

1. Pumpkin Spice Biscotti

What could be more autumnal than pumpkin spice? These biscotti bring the classic flavors of the season into every bite.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¹⁄₂ cup walnuts (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice) in a large bowl.
  3. In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  4. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in walnuts if using.
  5. Divide the dough into two logs on a baking sheet, bake for about 30 minutes, then cool for 10 minutes.
  6. Slice logs into ¹⁄₂-inch slices, place cut-side down, and bake again for 15 minutes until crisp.

🍂 Note: Pumpkin puree can be quite wet, so ensure to blot or strain excess moisture before mixing.

2. Maple Pecan Biscotti

Embrace the warm, comforting taste of maple syrup with this nutty twist.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups flour
  • ¹⁄₂ cup maple syrup
  • ¹⁄₂ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ³⁄₄ cup chopped pecans
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl; in another, combine eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla.
  3. Combine wet and dry, stir in pecans, shape into logs, and bake as per the pumpkin recipe.

3. Apple Cinnamon Biscotti

Crisp apples and cinnamon make for a match made in heaven.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ³⁄₄ cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ¹⁄₂ cup finely chopped apple
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix butter, sugar, and eggs until creamy, then incorporate dry ingredients.
  3. Fold in apple pieces, form logs, and bake as previously described.

4. Chai Tea Biscotti

The exotic flavors of chai tea infuse these biscotti, making them a unique treat.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¹⁄₂ tsp baking powder
  • ¹⁄₄ tsp salt
  • 1 ¹⁄₂ tsp ground cardamom
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp each of cinnamon, ginger, and allspice
  • ¹⁄₄ tsp black pepper
  • ³⁄₄ cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbsp brewed chai tea
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix all dry ingredients, then add eggs and chai tea to form a dough.
  3. Shape into logs and follow the baking process listed in the pumpkin recipe.

5. Cranberry Orange Biscotti

These biscotti capture the bright flavors of fall with cranberries and orange zest.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups flour
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp baking powder
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp baking soda
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
  • ³⁄₄ cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Combine dry ingredients, then add in eggs, vanilla, zest, and cranberries.
  3. Shape into logs and bake following the pumpkin recipe’s process.

With these five delightful recipes in your baking repertoire, you're ready to bring the flavors of fall into your kitchen. Each biscotti recipe captures the essence of autumn, whether it’s through the warm spice of pumpkin, the earthy crunch of pecans, the sweet-tart flavor of apple, the aromatic spices of chai, or the vibrant tang of cranberries and orange. They're perfect for enjoying with your morning coffee, as an after-dinner treat, or to share with friends and family.

Can biscotti be made gluten-free?

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Yes, biscotti can easily be adapted to be gluten-free by substituting regular flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure to check the label for baking properties or follow a specific gluten-free baking recipe for best results.

How do I store biscotti to keep them fresh?

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Biscotti should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for several weeks, but for longer storage, keep them in a cool, dry place or freeze them.

Can I reduce the sugar content in these recipes?

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Absolutely, you can reduce the sugar by 10-20% in most cookie recipes without significantly affecting the texture. Just keep in mind that reducing sugar might affect the crispness or browning of the biscotti.