Giada’s Holiday Biscotti: A Festive Italian Cookie for Every Celebration

There’s something truly special about Giada’s Holiday Biscotti — crisp, elegant, and bursting with festive flavor. This Italian-inspired treat by Giada De Laurentiis perfectly balances sweet white chocolate, tangy cranberries, and earthy pistachios, making it a holiday favorite that’s both beautiful and delicious. Whether you’re gifting homemade cookies or serving them with coffee after dinner, this biscotti recipe captures the essence of Italian holiday baking.

The Charm of Giada’s Holiday Biscotti

Giada’s Holiday Biscotti stands out because it’s simple to make, looks stunning, and stores beautifully for days — ideal for busy bakers during the holidays. Unlike typical cookies, biscotti are baked twice to achieve that perfect crunch that pairs wonderfully with espresso, cappuccino, or even a glass of dessert wine. The combination of tart dried cranberries, rich white chocolate, and buttery dough delivers a cookie that’s both elegant and satisfying.

Ingredients for Giada’s Holiday Biscotti

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the biscotti, giving it structure and the classic crisp texture.
• Baking Powder: Ensures a gentle rise for a light, crunchy finish.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden color.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a tender bite.
• Lemon Zest: Infuses the biscotti with a refreshing citrus aroma that balances the sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the dough.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide moisture before baking.
• Pistachios: Bring nutty flavor, festive color, and a satisfying crunch.
• Dried Cranberries: Add a tart contrast and beautiful ruby-red hue.
• White Chocolate: Used for dipping, it gives the biscotti a luxurious finish.
• Red and Green Sugar Crystals: A decorative touch that makes every cookie sparkle on the dessert table.

Ingredient Swaps and Creative Variations

• Nuts: Swap pistachios for almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts if you prefer a different flavor.
• Fruits: Try dried cherries, apricots, or candied orange peel for a twist on the traditional recipe.
• Chocolate: Dark or semi-sweet chocolate can replace white chocolate for a richer taste.
• Flavor Enhancers: Add vanilla extract or anise for a classic Italian flair, or orange zest for extra brightness.

These adjustments keep Giada’s Holiday Biscotti versatile and adaptable to any palate or occasion.

How to Make Giada’s Holiday Biscotti Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
   Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. This step distributes the leavening evenly through the dough.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
   Using an electric mixer, beat sugar, butter, lemon zest, and salt until fluffy. This creates a light base that incorporates air, resulting in better texture.
4. Add the Eggs
   Beat in the eggs one at a time to keep the batter smooth and consistent.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
   Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and blend just until incorporated. Overmixing can make the biscotti tough.
6. Fold in Add-Ins
   Stir in pistachios and dried cranberries gently so they’re evenly distributed.
7. Shape the Log
   Form the dough into a 13-inch-long, 3-inch-wide log on the prepared baking sheet. Smooth it slightly with your hands.
8. First Bake
   Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the log is lightly golden. Let it cool for 30 minutes before slicing.
9. Slice and Second Bake
   Use a serrated knife to cut the log diagonally into ½- to ¾-inch slices. Lay them cut-side down and bake for another 15 minutes, until crisp and golden.
10. Dip in White Chocolate
    Melt white chocolate over simmering water, dip half of each biscotti, and shake off excess. Place them on parchment and sprinkle with colored sugar.
11. Set and Store
    Refrigerate for 35 minutes to firm up the chocolate. Store in an airtight container for up to four days or freeze for up to three weeks.

Pro Tips for Perfect Holiday Biscotti

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate for a couple of hours before baking to make slicing easier.
• Even Slices: Use an electric knife or a sharp serrated blade for clean cuts.
• Double Bake Carefully: Don’t overbake during the second round — biscotti harden as they cool.
• Storage: Keep in airtight containers to maintain crunch. They also make excellent freezer-friendly gifts.
• Chocolate Dipping Tip: Allow the first bake to cool completely before dipping to prevent melting or cracking.

Serving and Pairing Ideas for Giada’s Holiday Biscotti

Giada’s Holiday Biscotti shines as a standalone treat or paired with your favorite beverage. Serve them with espresso or cappuccino for a true Italian café experience. For a dessert table, pair them with citrus panna cotta or a scoop of vanilla gelato. They also complement mulled wine or hot cocoa during cold winter evenings.

Want a creative twist? Dip half in dark chocolate and drizzle with white chocolate for a marbled effect, or add crushed candy canes on top for a peppermint version.

The Heart of Italian Holiday Baking

What makes Giada’s Holiday Biscotti truly timeless is its connection to Italian tradition. Biscotti — meaning “twice baked” — originated in Tuscany and were made to last for weeks without losing their texture. Giada’s version adds a California-inspired flair with bright cranberries and zesty lemon. It’s the perfect blend of Italian heritage and modern holiday joy — festive, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.

Why You’ll Love Making Giada’s Holiday Biscotti

Beyond its visual appeal, this recipe offers everything you want in a holiday cookie: simplicity, adaptability, and long-lasting freshness. It’s beginner-friendly yet impressive enough for any celebration. With its vibrant colors and delightful flavors, Giada’s Holiday Biscotti is a sweet reminder that the best holiday moments are shared — one crunchy, chocolate-dipped bite at a time.

Bringing It All Together

As the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills your kitchen, Giada’s Holiday Biscotti becomes more than just a dessert — it’s a celebration of warmth, family, and timeless Italian tradition. Each golden slice carries a perfect blend of textures: crisp edges, chewy cranberries, and smooth white chocolate. Whether you serve them during festive gatherings, gift them in decorative tins, or enjoy them with your morning coffee, these biscotti will undoubtedly become a cherished part of your holiday baking ritual.

The best part? Giada’s Holiday Biscotti embodies the spirit of homemade joy — simple ingredients, easy steps, and a stunning result that always delights. Share them with loved ones or keep a stash for yourself; either way, this recipe ensures every bite tastes like the holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions About Giada’s Holiday Biscotti

1. Can I make Giada’s Holiday Biscotti ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the biscotti dough up to two days in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Once baked, store the biscotti in an airtight container for up to four days, or freeze them for up to three weeks without losing their signature crunch.

2. How do I prevent my biscotti from becoming too hard?
If your biscotti turn out overly hard, try shortening the second bake by a few minutes. Remember, biscotti continue to firm up as they cool. For a slightly softer texture, slice the log thicker or reduce baking time during the second round.

3. Can I customize Giada’s Holiday Biscotti with other ingredients?
Yes! That’s part of the charm. Substitute pistachios with almonds or hazelnuts, swap cranberries for dried cherries or apricots, or dip them in dark chocolate for a richer flavor. Even adding a splash of almond or vanilla extract gives a delicious twist.

4. What’s the best way to serve Giada’s Holiday Biscotti?
These cookies pair wonderfully with espresso, cappuccino, or dessert wine. They also make stunning edible gifts when wrapped in cellophane and tied with ribbon. For extra festivity, drizzle melted chocolate over the dipped portion or sprinkle with holiday-themed sugar crystals.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Giada’s Holiday Biscotti remains one of the most beloved holiday cookie recipes. With its delicate crunch, balanced sweetness, and colorful presentation, it’s a recipe that invites joy and connection. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your holiday baking journey, this biscotti guarantees success — and plenty of smiles. Bake, share, and savor the season, one delicious bite at a time.

More Relevant Recipes

• Cinnamon Roll Cookies
• Giada’s Dried Cherry and Almond Cookies
• Gingerbread Reindeer

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