Gingerbread Biscotti: Irresistibly Spiced Holiday Cookies

Gingerbread Biscotti

If you love cozy spices and a crispy treat to dunk into your morning coffee, you are going to adore this Gingerbread Biscotti recipe. These crunchy delights capture the warming flavors of traditional gingerbread with every bite, baked to golden perfection and lightly sweetened so they never feel heavy. Perfect for a festive breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, these biscotti combine the aromatic punch of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves with a touch of molasses richness, making them a true celebration of holiday spirit in cookie form. Plus, the addition of white chocolate and colorful sprinkles adds a playful finish that brings both charm and extra indulgence.

Gingerbread Biscotti - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Gingerbread Biscotti lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that work harmoniously to create the perfect texture and deep spiced flavor. Each element is essential — from the flours that provide a crisp bite to the spices that deliver that classic gingerbread warmth.

  • Vegetable oil (⅓ cup): Keeps the biscotti moist while maintaining a tender crumb.
  • Large eggs (3): Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
  • Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering the spices.
  • Molasses (¼ cup): Brings that unmistakable deep, slightly smoky gingerbread flavor and beautiful color.
  • All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups): Forms the base of the dough, giving structure to the biscotti.
  • Whole wheat flour (1 cup): Adds a nutty note and dense texture that complements the crunch.
  • Baking powder (1 tbsp): Ensures a gentle rise for a slightly airy bite.
  • Ground ginger (1 ½ tbsp): The star spice, delivering that signature ginger warmth.
  • Ground cinnamon (1 ¼ tsp): Enhances the spicy depth with cozy notes.
  • Ground cloves (1 ½ tsp): Adds an aromatic pungency that’s key to authentic gingerbread.
  • Freshly grated nutmeg (¼ tsp): Provides a subtle, fragrant finish.
  • White chocolate chips (⅓ cup): For dipping — adding creamy sweetness and a delightful contrast to the spices.
  • Red and green colored sprinkles: Festive decoration that brings fun and holiday cheer to every bite.

How to Make Gingerbread Biscotti

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mix Wet Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375° Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, and molasses until everything is smoothly combined. This mixture forms the flavorful, moist backbone of your biscotti dough.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough

In another bowl, whisk together both flours, baking powder, and all the warm spices — ginger, cloves, cinnamon, plus that freshly grated nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. As you stir, a stiff dough will come together, fragrant with those signature gingerbread scents.

Step 3: Shape the Dough Logs

Split the dough in half for easier handling. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a log about 18 inches long, the length of your baking sheet. Place these logs on the parchment and gently pat them down to roughly half an inch thick, creating an even shape for even baking.

Step 4: First Bake

Pop your biscotti logs into the oven and bake for 25 minutes. You’ll notice the edges start to firm up and the logs become beautifully golden. Take them out and allow the logs to cool just enough to handle — about five minutes.

Step 5: Slice and Arrange for Second Bake

Using a serrated knife, slice each log into half-inch thick pieces. For the classic biscotti crunch, stand each slice upright with one cut end down on the baking sheet. This positioning ensures that when you bake them again, every side crisps up evenly.

Step 6: Second Bake to Crisp

Bake the slices for 5 to 7 minutes, then flip each biscotti to the other side and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll want them to be hard and crisp, perfect for dunking without crumbling. After baking, let them cool completely before moving on to the finishing touches.

Step 7: Dip and Decorate

For that extra splash of decadence and festivity, melt the white chocolate chips in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth. Dip one end of each biscotti into the creamy chocolate, then sprinkle with red and green colored sprinkles before the chocolate sets. It’s a joyful finishing touch that looks as delightful as it tastes.

How to Serve Gingerbread Biscotti

Garnishes

Gingerbread Biscotti is lovely served just as is, but you can add extra charm by dusting lightly with powdered sugar or drizzling with a thin glaze of icing sugar and molasses. These simple additions elevate the cozy appearance and hint at the sweet spices within.

Side Dishes

This crisp treat pairs beautifully with hot beverages like coffee, chai tea, or mulled wine during holiday gatherings. The biscotti’s firm texture is designed for dunking, where each sip pulls in the warm, spicy notes of the cookie and the creamy richness of your drink.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, arrange your Gingerbread Biscotti in a decorative tin or basket tied with a ribbon for gift-giving. You can also serve them alongside a charcuterie board of cheeses and fruits to balance their sweet spices with savory and fresh flavors. Serving with warm bowls of vanilla custard or lightly whipped cream can turn your biscotti into a holiday dessert sensation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Gingerbread Biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crisp texture. They keep well for up to two weeks, meaning you can bake ahead for the busy holiday season or enjoy a treat over multiple days.

Freezing

If you want to save your biscotti longer, freezing is a great option. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for a few hours, and they will taste freshly baked.

Reheating

To refresh the crunch of your Gingerbread Biscotti after storing, pop them in a warm oven at 300° Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This light toasting brings back the perfect crispness and aroma of the spices.

FAQs

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?

Yes! Butter can be used instead of vegetable oil to add a richer flavor. Just be sure to melt it first and cool slightly so it blends smoothly with the other wet ingredients.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup for cup like regular flour. Also, make sure the baking powder is gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but the delicious spices will still shine through.

How do I prevent biscotti from being too hard?

These biscotti should be crunchy for dipping but not rock hard. To avoid overbaking, check the slices close to the end of the second bake and remove them once they feel crisp but still have a little give when you bite.

Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of white for dipping?

Definitely! Dark or milk chocolate pairs wonderfully with the gingerbread spices and offers a richer, more intense flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with whatever chocolate you prefer.

What is the best way to enjoy Gingerbread Biscotti?

Enjoy your Gingerbread Biscotti alongside a steaming cup of coffee or spiced tea for the best experience. Dunking them softens the biscotti just enough to bring out the full depth of the gingerbread spices while adding a silky touch to each bite.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about homemade Gingerbread Biscotti that effortlessly fills your kitchen with holiday cheer and invites cozy moments with loved ones. Give this recipe a go, and I promise it will become a cherished part of your festive traditions. Whether as a sweet breakfast companion, a thoughtful gift, or a delightful snack, these biscotti will warm your heart with every crunchy, spice-filled bite.

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Gingerbread Biscotti

Gingerbread Biscotti

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4.2 from 214 reviews

These crunchy gingerbread biscotti are infused with classic warming spices and lightly sweetened for a perfect festive treat. Baked to crisp perfection, they offer a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with your morning coffee or holiday tea. Finished with a white chocolate dip and colorful sprinkles, these biscotti bring a cheerful touch to any holiday breakfast or dessert table.

  • Author: Mari
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 48 biscotti cookies 1x
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ¼ cup molasses

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 ½ tbsp ground ginger
  • 1 ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg

Toppings

  • ⅓ cup white chocolate chips
  • Red and green colored sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, and molasses thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg.
  4. Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring continuously until a stiff dough forms. The dough should be firm enough to shape without sticking excessively.
  5. Shape the Biscotti Logs: Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll each half into a log approximately 18 inches long, about the length of your baking sheet. Transfer the logs onto the prepared baking sheet and gently pat each until they are about ½ inch thick.
  6. Bake the Logs: Bake the logs in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until they are set and lightly golden.
  7. Cool Slightly and Slice: Remove the biscotti logs from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes, just until cool enough to handle. Using a serrated knife, slice the logs into ½ inch thick slices.
  8. Toast the Biscotti Slices: Stand each biscotti slice on its cut end, placing one cut side down and the other cut side up on the baking sheet. Return to the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, then flip the biscotti slices and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes until they are crisp and hardened.
  9. Cool Completely: Remove the toasted biscotti from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack to achieve their characteristic crunch.
  10. Melt White Chocolate: Place the white chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well between each, until melted and smooth.
  11. Dip and Decorate: Dip one end of each cooled biscotti into the melted white chocolate. Place dipped biscotti onto a parchment-lined surface and immediately sprinkle with red and green colored sprinkles. Allow the chocolate to set before serving or storing.

Notes

  • Store biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness.
  • Best enjoyed within 2 weeks of baking for optimal freshness and flavor.
  • The biscotti can be dipped in dark or milk chocolate as alternative to white chocolate, depending on preference.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute flours with a gluten-free baking blend accommodating necessary adjustments.
  • Ensure slices are thin and baked well during the second bake to achieve the classic crunchy biscotti texture.
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