Orange Pistachio Biscotti

Why This Is The Best Orange Pistachio Biscotti Recipe

The best thing about this recipe for pistachio biscotti is the dark chocolate on one side. The salty pistachios enhance the bitterness of the chocolate, giving it a well-rounded flavor.

I think one of the parts I like best about the biscotti is that extra special dip into dark chocolate. Of course, it doesn't hurt that I get extra pistachios that way too! 🙂

These cookies are oh so good and make a very nice homemade gift for the holidays. I like to add mine to a basket with a cute coffee mug and a nice coffee for that special neighbor that is always available for a morning coffee break.

Ingredients

For the biscotti:

• All-purpose Flour
• Sugar
• Baking Powder
• Eggs
• Orange Zest
• Orange Juice
• Candied Orange Peel
• Shelled Pistachios
• Dark Chocolate chips or high quality chocolate bar

If you can't find candied orange peel you can either leave it out or substitute it with sugared orange candy slices. They are usually available in a grocery store's candy section.

How to Make Chocolate Dipped Pistachio Orange Biscotti

1. In a small bowl, mix flour, sugar, and baking powder.
2. In a large bowl, add eggs, orange zest, candied peel, and orange juice.
3. Whisk to mix.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix with a spoon til incorporated.
5. Add nuts.
6. Stir to incorporate.

7. On a floured cutting board, knead the dough for a minute, using a little extra flour if sticky, then cut the dough n half.
8. Place the dough on a silicone mat or parchment paper lined cookie sheet, forming each into a log that is about 2" wide.
9. Bake 20-25 minutes or until firm to touch and lightly browned. Let cool 10 minutes.
10. Place the baked pistachio biscotti on a cutting board and cut into ½" wide slices with a serrated knife.
11. Lay flat on a cookie sheet and bake another 10-15 minutes, turning over halfway through.
12. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

13. Once cool, melt the chocolate for dipping. Place the chips in a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup and cook on high in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Do not overcook as chocolate will seize easily (in other words, become hard).
14. Dip an end of a cooled biscotti in the melted chocolate.
15. Immediately dip the warm chocolate end into chopped pistachios.
16. Place back on the baking sheet and allow the chocolate to set. They can also be placed in the refrigerator for the chocolate to set faster.

These crisp and nutty orange pistachio biscotti are the perfect treat for a lazy morning's breakfast or that late afternoon coffee break. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

Here are some ideas:

• Lemon Pistachio Biscotti - substitute orange with lemon.
• Other Nuts - substitute pistachios with other nuts. Almond, hazelnut, pecan, and walnut are great choices.
• White Chocolate Pistachio Biscotti - Dip the biscotti in white chocolate instead of dark chocolate.

Recipe Tips

• Have all ingredients at room temperature before making the biscotti.
• After the first bake, allow the biscotti logs to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
• Use a serrated knife to cut the baked dough log into the biscotti slices.
• Slice at an angle for longer biscotti.
• Cool the biscotti completely before dipping and storing. This keeps the biscotti crisp and crunchy.

Make Ahead

You can make the biscotti dough ahead and keep it in the refrigerator or freeze it. Prepare the dough to the point of making the logs. Wrap the logs tightly with plastic wrap. If freezing, wrap again with aluminum foil.

Refrigerate the dough for up to 7 days. Freeze the dough for up to 2 months.

Thaw frozen biscotti dough in the refrigerator overnight.

How to Store Biscotti

Store biscotti in an airtight container or heavy ziptop bag on the counter. Homemade biscotti will last up to 2 weeks.

Freeze biscotti in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw on the counter or in the fridge.

More Recipes for Nutty Cookies and Bars

• Almond Shortbread Cookies with Chocolate Filling
• Cranberry White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
• Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust
• Pistachio Cherry Meltaway Cookies
• Pistachio Shortbread Cookies

Find lots of easy recipes for cookies here on 2CM!