If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, crunchy treat that’s bursting with holiday cheer, you’re going to adore this Gingerbread Biscotti with White Chocolate Recipe. I absolutely love how these biscotti balance warm spices like ginger and cinnamon with the sweet creaminess of white chocolate. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a favorite in my kitchen—perfect for dipping in a mug of coffee or gifting to friends. Trust me, once you taste these, you’ll understand why they’re a holiday must-have!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Holiday Flavor: The blend of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves offers that classic gingerbread taste that feels like a warm hug.
- Crunchy Yet Decadent: Twice-baked biscotti give you a satisfying crunch, while the white chocolate adds a luscious, creamy contrast.
- Great for Gifting: These biscotti keep well and look super fancy when dipped or drizzled with white chocolate.
- Easy to Make: No complicated techniques here—just straightforward steps that anyone can follow and succeed at.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Gingerbread Biscotti with White Chocolate Recipe plays its part in creating that signature texture and flavor. I love using fresh spices and good-quality molasses to really bring out that authentic gingerbread taste. Here are some tips to help you shop smart and prep like a pro.
- All-purpose flour: Make sure it’s fresh and measure it carefully; too much flour can make biscotti dry.
- Baking powder: Helps the biscotti rise and keep some lightness despite being a twice-baked cookie.
- Ground ginger: Look for fragrant, finely ground ginger—it’s the star spice here.
- Ground cinnamon: Offers warmth and depth; fresh cinnamon sticks ground at home are even better if you can.
- Ground cloves: A little goes a long way in adding that signature gingerbread spice sharpness.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.
- Butter: Use softened unsalted butter for that creamy richness and to properly cream with sugar.
- Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar gives moisture and a caramel note that’s perfect in gingerbread.
- Eggs: Large eggs bind everything together and add structure.
- Molasses: The key ingredient for authentic gingerbread flavor and moistness.
- Macadamia nuts: Coarsely chopped for crunch and a buttery nutty flavor that pairs brilliantly with white chocolate.
- White chocolate chips: Melts beautifully for dipping or drizzling, adding that luscious sweetness contrast.
Variations
I love how versatile this Gingerbread Biscotti with White Chocolate Recipe is—you can easily tweak the nuts, the chocolate, or the spice mix to suit your mood or occasion. Feel free to make it your own!
- Nut Swaps: I sometimes swap macadamia nuts for toasted pecans or almonds, which gives a deeper nuttiness and crunch.
- Chocolate Variations: If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, bittersweet or dark chocolate chips work beautifully too.
- Spice Adjustments: For a milder spice, reduce the ground cloves and ginger slightly; or add nutmeg for an extra festive kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: I’ve experimented using a gluten-free flour blend and it turned out pretty well, just expect a slightly different texture.
How to Make Gingerbread Biscotti with White Chocolate Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Dry Spices and Flour
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl. This way, your spices get evenly distributed throughout the flour, so every bite of the biscotti bursts with that gingerbread flavor. I like to give it a good whisk until it’s evenly blended—this little step really helps make sure your dough is consistent.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and packed brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. I use a hand mixer, and this step is crucial because it helps create a tender crumb in your biscotti. You’ll notice the mixture turn pale and a bit fluffy—that’s exactly what you want.
Step 3: Beat in Eggs and Molasses
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition so everything blends smoothly. Then pour in the molasses and beat again until just combined. The molasses adds that rich, authentic gingerbread depth—it’s what transforms these biscotti from ordinary to utterly irresistible.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Nuts
Switch to low speed and slowly mix in the dry flour-spice mixture until just combined. Overmixing can make the dough tough, so stop as soon as it’s blended. Then fold in the coarsely chopped macadamia nuts with a spatula to keep their crunch intact.
Step 5: Shape and First Bake
Sprinkle some flour on your work surface and gently turn the dough out. Divide it in half and shape each piece into a 12-inch long log about 2 inches wide, then flatten the tops slightly. This shaping helps the biscotti bake evenly. Place the logs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until the tops crack and the dough looks dry. Cooling for 10 minutes after baking is key before slicing.
Step 6: Slice and Second Bake
Lower the oven temp to 275°F and line two baking sheets with parchment. Using a serrated knife, slice the logs diagonally into ½-inch biscotti. Arrange them cut side down on the baking sheets. The second bake dries them out to get that classic biscotti crunch—bake for 30-40 minutes, rotating sheets and racks halfway through to brown evenly.
Step 7: Dip or Drizzle with White Chocolate
Melt your white chocolate chips following the package instructions—usually gently in a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring often. This part is fun because you can fully dip the biscotti or just drizzle squiggles for a pretty touch. Sprinkle with anything festive if you like—colored sugar, crushed candy canes, or leave them simple. Lay them on waxed paper to set and voila, your beautiful, delicious biscotti are ready!
Pro Tips for Making Gingerbread Biscotti with White Chocolate Recipe
- Don’t Overmix: I learned the hard way that overmixing the dough makes the biscotti tough instead of tender—mix just until ingredients come together.
- Uniform Slices: Use a serrated knife and cut biscotti on a slight diagonal for larger surface area and prettier presentation.
- Even Baking: Rotate pans and racks halfway through the second bake to avoid burnt edges and ensure even drying.
- Melting Chocolate Gently: Melt white chocolate on low heat to avoid seizing—adding a teaspoon of coconut oil helps make it silky smooth.
How to Serve Gingerbread Biscotti with White Chocolate Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep garnishing simple with a drizzle of white chocolate and a light sprinkle of festive colored sugar or crushed peppermint candies. It adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of crunch without overpowering the gingerbread flavor. For a minimalistic look, just dipping half the biscotti in white chocolate is classy and delicious.
Side Dishes
These biscotti are incredible paired with a steaming cup of coffee, chai, or hot cocoa—that’s truly my favorite way to enjoy them on chilly mornings or cozy evenings. They also work great alongside a sharp cheddar or creamy brie on a festive cheese platter if you want to mix sweet and savory.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or gifting, I love arranging these biscotti in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine or festive ribbon. Another fun idea is to stand them upright in a pretty mason jar layered with peppermint sticks and pine sprigs as a charming edible centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled and dipped in chocolate, I store my gingerbread biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay crunchy and fresh for up to two weeks, making them perfect to bake in advance.
Freezing
If you want to freeze biscotti, I recommend freezing the plain ones before dipping. Wrap the logs tightly in plastic and foil. When you’re ready, thaw, slice, and bake as usual, then add the chocolate afterwards. This keeps the biscotti fresher and prevents the white chocolate from cracking through freezing.
Reheating
To revive biscotti crunch, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. If you have chocolate-dipped ones, heat gently in short bursts to avoid melting the chocolate. They pair beautifully warm with your favorite hot drink!
FAQs
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Can I use different nuts in the Gingerbread Biscotti with White Chocolate Recipe?
Absolutely! While macadamia nuts offer a buttery crunch that complements the white chocolate nicely, you can substitute pecans, almonds, or even walnuts based on your preference or what you have on hand.
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How do I prevent the white chocolate from seizing when melting?
White chocolate is sensitive to heat and moisture. Melt it slowly over low heat, preferably in a double boiler or in short microwave bursts, stirring frequently. Adding a small amount of coconut oil or shortening helps keep it smooth and prevents seizing.
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Can I make these biscotti gluten-free?
Yes, swapping in a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend generally works well. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still shine.
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How long do gingerbread biscotti stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks. Avoid moisture to maintain the perfect texture.
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What’s the best way to slice biscotti for perfect crunch?
Use a serrated knife and slice the logs diagonally into about ½-inch thick pieces. This gives more surface area and a lovely shape that crisps beautifully during the second bake.
Final Thoughts
This Gingerbread Biscotti with White Chocolate Recipe holds a special spot in my heart—it’s that delightful mix of comforting spices, satisfying crunch, and a touch of indulgence that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re making it to enjoy at home with a cup of coffee or wrapping it up as a thoughtful gift, you’ll find this recipe is easy to follow and full of festive joy. Give it a try and watch your friends and family go crazy for this tasty holiday treat!
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Gingerbread Biscotti with White Chocolate Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 34 biscotti
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Gingerbread Biscotti combine the warm, spicy flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves with the crunch of toasted macadamia nuts. These twice-baked Italian cookies are dipped or drizzled with creamy white chocolate, making them a festive and perfect treat for holiday cookie trays or gifting during Christmas.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour (plus more for the work surface)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup molasses
Add-ins and Toppings
- 1 cup macadamia nuts (coarsely chopped)
- 11 ounces white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt until fully combined and aromatic. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat the softened butter with the brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes, creating a creamy base for the dough.
- Add eggs and molasses: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the molasses until the mixture is uniform in color and texture.
- Combine flour mixture and nuts: Gradually add the flour-spice mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing. Gently fold in the coarsely chopped macadamia nuts with a spatula to evenly distribute them.
- Shape dough logs: Dust your work surface lightly with flour. Turn the dough out and divide it into two equal parts. Shape each into a 12-inch long log, about 2 inches wide, flattening the tops slightly for even baking. Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet.
- First bake: Bake the logs at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until the tops are cracked and the dough feels dry to the touch. Remove from oven and let cool for approximately 10 minutes to firm up slightly.
- Lower oven temperature: Reduce oven temperature to 275°F (135°C). Line a second baking sheet with parchment paper and position oven racks in the top and bottom thirds of the oven for even air circulation during the second bake.
- Slice biscotti: Transfer the cooled logs to a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, slice the logs on a slight diagonal (bias) into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices cut side down on the two prepared baking sheets.
- Second bake: Bake the biscotti at 275°F for 30 to 40 minutes, until they are dry and lightly browned. Halfway through the bake, rotate the pans between the top and bottom racks and also front to back to ensure even baking. Once done, cool the biscotti on wire racks completely.
- Melt white chocolate: Melt the white chocolate chips according to the package instructions, typically using a microwave or double boiler method, until smooth and creamy.
- Decorate biscotti: Dip the cooled biscotti into the melted white chocolate or use a piping bag to create decorative swirls on top. Optionally, sprinkle with festive sprinkles. Place the decorated biscotti on waxed paper and let the chocolate set fully before serving.
- Enjoy and store: Once the chocolate has hardened, enjoy your crunchy gingerbread biscotti with tea, coffee, or hot cocoa. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Gingerbread biscotti are delightfully crunchy with warm holiday spices, perfect for festive cookie trays.
- The macadamia nuts add a buttery crunch that complements the gingerbread flavor beautifully.
- Dipping or drizzling with white chocolate adds a creamy sweetness that balances the spices.
- Ensure to bake the biscotti twice for the signature crisp texture essential to this cookie style.
- These biscotti make great homemade gifts for Christmas and other holidays.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscotti
- Calories: 159 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg