Zesty Lemon Cranberry Cardamom Biscotti
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with these Zesty Lemon Cranberry Cardamom Biscotti. Perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or as a gift for loved ones, these crisp delights are enriched with the vibrant notes of fresh lemon, sweet-tart cranberries, and a subtle hint of fragrant cardamom. Baked to perfection twice, these biscotti are ideal for dipping into your favorite beverage, making every bite a refreshing experience. Share the joy of baking and treat yourself and friends to these delightful Italian cookies that embody the essence of sunny citrus and cheerful celebration.
N/A
Servings
96
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 3/4 cups (Spoon lightly into measuring cups and level with a knife.)
sugar
1 cup (N/A)
ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
baking powder
2 teaspoons (N/A)
grated fresh lemon rind
1 tablespoon (Grate the rind from a fresh lemon.)
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (Extract juice from a fresh lemon.)
lemon extract
1 tablespoon (N/A)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (N/A)
large eggs
3 (N/A)
dried cranberries
1/4 cup (Chop if large, or use whole.)
cooking spray
N/A (Use to coat the baking sheet.)
powdered sugar
2/3 cup (N/A)
fresh lemon juice for icing
1 tablespoon (Extract juice from a fresh lemon.)
yellow food coloring
3-5 drops (N/A)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by coating it with cooking spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, gently spoon 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour into measuring cups, leveling it off with a knife. Add 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Mix together until well combined.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of grated fresh lemon rind, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon extract, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, and 3 large eggs. Combine these wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Fold in 1/4 cup of dried cranberries, ensuring all elements are well blended. Note that the dough will be dry and crumbly.
4
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently about 7 to 8 times to bring it together. Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into an 8-inch-long roll.
5
Place the rolls 6 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each roll to a thickness of 1 inch, ensuring an even surface.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until just golden. Remove the rolls from the baking sheet and allow them to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
7
Once cooled, slice each roll diagonally into 15 pieces that are about 1/2-inch thick. Arrange the slices cut side down on the baking sheet.
8
Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and bake the biscotti for an additional 10 minutes. Flip the slices over and bake for an extra 10 minutes. The biscotti will remain slightly soft in the center but will harden as they cool.
9
Remove the biscotti from the baking sheet and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
10
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 2/3 cup of powdered sugar, and 3-5 drops of yellow food coloring. Drizzle this mixture over the cooled biscotti for an elegant touch.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
16g
Carbs
1g
Protein
4g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary flavors in these biscotti?
The primary flavors are fresh lemon, sweet-tart dried cranberries, and fragrant ground cardamom.
How many times are these biscotti baked?
These biscotti are baked twice to achieve their signature crisp texture.
What is the initial oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) for the first stage of baking.
What is the oven temperature for the second bake?
The temperature is lowered to 325°F (160°C) for the second baking session.
How should the flour be measured for this recipe?
Spoon the all-purpose flour lightly into measuring cups and level it off with a knife.
What should I do if the dough seems dry and crumbly?
The dough is intended to be dry and crumbly; kneading it 7 to 8 times will help it come together.
How many times should the dough be kneaded?
Knead the dough gently about 7 to 8 times on a lightly floured surface.
How long should the dough rolls be?
The dough should be divided into two portions, each shaped into an 8-inch-long roll.
How far apart should the dough rolls be placed on the baking sheet?
Place the rolls 6 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
How thick should the flattened dough rolls be?
Flatten each roll until it is approximately 1 inch thick.
How long is the first bake?
The first bake takes approximately 30 minutes until the rolls are just golden.
How long should the rolls cool before slicing?
Allow the rolls to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before slicing.
How thick should each biscotti slice be?
Slice the rolls diagonally into pieces that are about 1/2-inch thick.
How many pieces does each roll yield?
Each 8-inch roll yields approximately 15 slices.
How long is the second baking period?
The second bake lasts 20 minutes total: 10 minutes on one side and 10 minutes on the other.
Do I need to flip the biscotti during the second bake?
Yes, flip the slices over halfway through the second baking time.
Will the biscotti be hard immediately after the second bake?
They will remain slightly soft in the center while hot but will harden as they cool.
What ingredients are used for the lemon glaze?
The glaze consists of lemon juice, powdered sugar, and a few drops of yellow food coloring.
Is lemon extract required for this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of lemon extract is used to enhance the citrus flavor.
How many calories are in one biscotti?
Each biscotti contains approximately 96 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 3 grams of fat per serving.
How much sugar is in each cookie?
Each cookie contains 4 grams of sugar.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes, they are described as an ideal gift for loved ones or for sharing at tea parties.
What kind of cardamom is used in the dough?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom.
Can I use fresh lemon for the rind and juice?
Yes, the recipe specifically requires fresh lemon rind and fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
What type of oil is recommended?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe requires 3 large eggs.
What is the best way to enjoy these biscotti?
They are ideal for dipping into your favorite beverage, such as coffee or tea.
Is the food coloring in the glaze mandatory?
No, the yellow food coloring is optional and used for an elegant, decorative touch.
How should the baking sheet be prepared?
The baking sheet should be prepared by coating it with cooking spray.