Easy Fruit and Nut Biscotti – Crunchy Holiday Cookies

The very first time I made fruit and nut biscotti, I was convinced something had gone terribly wrong. The dough looked so dry I thought I had invented a brand-new baking disaster. I literally stared at it like, “Well… there goes my Sunday.”
But nope — turns out biscotti dough is supposed to look like the Sahara Desert. Who knew?

The moment those fruit and nut biscotti came out of the oven all golden, crispy, and full of little jeweled bits of fruit and nuts, I had a full dramatic chef-kiss moment right in my kitchen. You know — the kind where you hold the baking tray like it’s a newborn child? Yeah, that one.

Ever since then, this fruit and nut biscotti recipe has become “my thing.” My family acts like I personally brought biscotti to North America. I absolutely let them believe that. I just smile, flip my hair like I’m hosting a cooking show, and pass another plate.

So if you love cozy baking, holiday colors, and impressing people with ridiculously easy recipes… these fruit and nut biscotti are about to become your thing too. 💁‍♀️✨

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

What Makes This Fruit and Nut Biscotti Special

There are a lot of biscotti recipes out there, but this fruit and nut biscotti has a few little secrets that make it extra special in a cozy, holiday-baking kind of way.

First, the look.
All those chopped dried fruits and toasted nuts turn every slice into a little jeweled holiday biscotti. You get pops of red from cranberries or cherries, golden bits from apricots or raisins, and pretty green from pistachios. It’s basically Christmas colors baked right into a crunchy Italian cookie. If you love colorful holiday treats, you’ll also enjoy my Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies — so festive and gorgeous.

Second, the texture.
This recipe gives you crunchy biscotti that are perfect for dunking in coffee or hot chocolate, without being rock-hard or intimidating. And if you want an extra cozy drink for dunking, try my Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate — they’re a match made in holiday heaven.

Third, it’s surprisingly beginner-friendly.
Even if you’ve never made Italian biscotti cookies before, the dough comes together easily, the steps are clear, and you don’t need anything fancier than a mixing bowl and a serrated knife. If you’re building your holiday baking list, these biscotti pair beautifully with simple favorites like my Iced Oatmeal Cookies.

And finally — the make-ahead magic.
Because they’re baked twice and have very low moisture, this Christmas biscotti stays fresh for days. That makes them perfect for cookie trays, edible gifts, or snacking all week while pretending you’re organized. If you love easy make-ahead recipes, you’ll also love my Peppermint Pancakes for festive mornings.

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Ingredients for Fruit and Nut Biscotti (And Why They Work)

The magic of a perfect fruit and nut biscotti comes from simple ingredients that build crunch, color, and that classic Italian-cookie flavor. This fruit and nut biscotti recipe is easy, beginner-friendly, and built to stay crunchy without turning rock-hard. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters.

Core Biscotti Dough Ingredients

Flour
Provides structure and helps your fruit and nut biscotti hold its shape during both bakes.

Sugar
Adds balanced sweetness without overpowering the dried fruit.

Eggs
Bind the dough and create that signature crisp texture of traditional Italian biscotti cookies.

Baking powder
Gives a slight lift so your biscotti stay crunchy but not dense.

Vanilla or almond extract
Adds warmth and depth to every slice of your easy fruit and nut biscotti recipe.

Citrus zest (optional)
Enhances the festive flavor, especially in holiday jeweled biscotti.

Best Dried Fruits to Use

The dried fruit is what makes every slice of fruit and nut biscotti colorful and “jewel-like.”

Great choices include:
• Dried cranberries
• Dried cherries
• Dried apricots
• Golden raisins
• Mixed fruit peel

Chop everything small so each bite of your mixed fruit biscotti has even color and flavor.

Nuts That Add Crunch

Nuts give this fruit and nut biscotti its texture and that classic Italian feel.

• Pistachios
• Almonds
• Hazelnuts
• Walnuts

Toast them lightly for the best flavor in your Italian mixed fruit biscotti.

Optional Flavor Boosters

These extras make your fruit and nut biscotti recipe taste bakery-level:

• Orange zest
• Almond extract
• Warm spices
• Chocolate chips
• Honey (just a touch)

Each one adds personality while keeping your holiday biscotti recipe crisp and fragrant.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Perfect Fruit and Nut Biscotti

Making fruit and nut biscotti looks fancy, but it’s actually one of the easiest holiday bakes. This fruit and nut biscotti recipe follows the classic Italian method—mix, shape, bake twice—and the result is crunchy, colorful, and perfect for coffee or gifting. Here’s how to get it right every time.

Before You Start – Tools & Prep

You don’t need anything fancy.
Just a mixing bowl, whisk, spatula, baking sheet, parchment paper, and a serrated knife for clean slices.

Preheat the oven and line your tray so your fruit and nut biscotti bake evenly and lift off without crumbling. Chop your dried fruits and nuts into small bite-size pieces so they distribute beautifully in every slice of biscotti.

Mixing the Dough Without Overworking It

Start by whisking your wet ingredients, then add the dry ingredients.
The dough for fruit and nut biscotti will feel thick, slightly sticky, and a bit stiff—this is normal and exactly what you want.

Fold in the dried fruits and nuts gently so the dough stays tender. A well-mixed dough will give you biscotti that are crisp without being too hard and full of balanced fruit-and-nut flavor.

Shaping the Biscotti Logs for Even Baking

Divide the dough into two logs. Press them into even shapes with slightly rounded tops.
This helps your fruit and nut biscotti bake consistently and keeps the inside tender while the outside becomes perfectly crisp.

Aim for logs that are equal in thickness so both batches bake at the same rate. Smooth the tops lightly to prevent cracks.

First Bake, Slice, and Second Bake

Bake the logs until they’re lightly golden.
Let them cool just long enough that you can slice them without tearing—warm biscotti slice cleanly, especially when loaded with fruit and nuts.

Use a serrated knife to cut on a slight diagonal.
Return the slices to the oven to crisp up. This second bake gives your fruit and nut biscotti the classic crunchy texture everyone loves for dunking.

Flip halfway for even color and crunch.

Mix-and-Match Fruit & Nut Pairing Chart

One of the best parts of fruit and nut biscotti is how customizable it is. You can build your own flavor combo depending on what you have in the pantry or the holiday vibe you want. Use this simple pairing guide to create your own “jeweled biscotti” that look as good as they taste.

Best Ratios for Fruit and Nut Biscotti

For one batch of fruit and nut biscotti recipe:

• About 1 to 1½ cups total mix-ins
• Aim for ½ fruit + ½ nuts
• Chop everything small so your mixed fruit biscotti slices stay neat and easy to cut.

Example:

• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup chopped apricots
• ¾ cup mixed nuts

Flavor Combos: From Classic to Bold

You can follow this chart to choose your style of Italian mixed fruit biscotti:

Style	Fruits	Nuts	Vibe / Notes
Classic Holiday	Dried cranberries, golden raisins	Pistachios, almonds	Red + green “jeweled biscotti” look
Cozy Citrus	Dried apricots, orange peel	Almonds	Bright, sweet, perfect with tea
Fruitcake-Inspired	Mixed dried fruit, cherries	Walnuts, pecans	Feels like mini fruitcake biscotti
Berry Lover	Dried cranberries, cherries	Pistachios	Bold color, great holiday biscotti
Warm & Nutty	Golden raisins	Hazelnuts, walnuts	Deep flavor, less “bright” color

Choosing Colors for Jeweled Biscotti

If you want your fruit and nut biscotti to look extra festive:

• Use red fruits like cranberries or cherries for holiday color.
• Add green with pistachios for a true Christmas biscotti feel.
• Mix in golden accents from apricots or golden raisins for warmth.

Think of each slice as a little stained-glass window: small pieces, mixed colors, and just enough space between fruits and nuts so every piece of biscotti looks pretty on the plate.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Here’s a helpful breakdown of the nutrition profile for this fruit and nut biscotti recipe. These numbers are based on one slice and may vary depending on your mix of fruits and nuts.

Nutrition Table (Per 1 Biscotti Slice)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~120 kcal
Total Fat	4 g
Saturated Fat	0.5 g
Unsaturated Fat	3.5 g
Carbohydrates	18 g
Sugar	9 g
Fiber	1 g
Protein	3 g
Cholesterol	15 mg
Sodium	35 mg

Notes on Nutrition

The dried fruits in this fruit and nut biscotti add natural sweetness and a little fiber, which makes each slice feel satisfying without being heavy. Nuts also bring healthy fats and protein — especially almonds and pistachios, which research from Harvard School of Public Health shows can support heart health thanks to their unsaturated fat profile.

Altogether, these ingredients make this fruit and nut biscotti recipe a crunchy, flavorful treat that feels indulgent but still balanced.

Serving Ideas & Gifting Tips for Fruit and Nut Biscotti

Fruit and nut biscotti are the kind of treats that feel fancy without trying. They’re crunchy, colorful, and perfect for serving in so many cozy ways. Whether you’re planning a holiday brunch or packing little gifts, these biscotti make every moment feel special.

Serving Ideas

• With coffee or espresso — the classic. The crunchy texture of fruit and nut biscotti softens just a bit when you dip it, and honestly, it feels like a tiny luxury.
• With hot chocolate — especially during the holidays. The dried fruits melt slightly and the nuts get extra fragrant.
• With tea — the lighter citrus flavors in this fruit and nut biscotti recipe make it perfect for afternoon tea.
• As a dessert board addition — pair biscotti with berries, cheeses, and chocolate for an easy, elegant setup.
• Crumbled over ice cream — a crunchy topping that turns vanilla ice cream into a little celebration.

Gifting Tips

If you want a homemade gift that looks thoughtful and festive, fruit and nut biscotti is your secret weapon.

• Wrap in clear treat bags and tie with red or gold ribbon for a holiday-ready look.
• Use small gift boxes and line them with parchment to keep your biscotti crisp.
• Add handwritten tags describing the flavors — people adore that personal touch.
• Make mini bundles of two or three biscotti as party favors.
• Create a coffee-lover set by pairing biscotti with a small bag of coffee beans.

The jewel-like fruits and toasty nuts already look gorgeous, so your homemade biscotti practically decorate themselves.

Fruit and Nut Biscotti FAQ’s

Conclusion

Baking fruit and nut biscotti always feels like a little celebration in the kitchen — the kind where your whole counter smells like citrus, toasted nuts, and warm dough. Once you slice into those golden logs and see the jewel-like fruits inside, it’s impossible not to feel proud. Whether you’re serving these crunchy beauties with coffee or wrapping them up as gifts, this recipe brings a cozy holiday sparkle to any day. Enjoy every crunchy bite, my friend — you earned it.

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