Crunchy Pumpkin Spiced Biscotti with White Chocolate

Prep: 15 minCook: 50 min24 servingsmediumItalian
Crunchy Pumpkin Spiced Biscotti with White Chocolate

These twice-baked Italian cookies combine warm pumpkin spice flavors with a satisfying crunch that's perfect for dunking in coffee or tea. The addition of pumpkin purée creates a subtle earthiness while orange zest brightens each bite. Finished with a drizzle or dip of melted white chocolate, these biscotti make an elegant treat for fall gatherings or cozy afternoon breaks. The traditional double-baking method ensures the perfect crispy texture that won't crumble when dipped in your favorite hot beverage.

Ingredients

24 servings
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
    vegan butter1:1vegandairy-free

    works well

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup canned pumpkin purée
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
    flax eggs2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water per eggveganeggs-free

    slightly denser texture

    Full guide →
  • 1 orange, zested
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cup flour
    gluten-free flour blend1:1gluten-freegluten-free

    may be slightly more crumbly

    Full guide →
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • demerara sugar, for dusting
  • 1 cup white chocolate, melted
    dark chocolate1:1

    richer flavor

    Full guide →
  • ½ tsp pumpkin spice

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper, lightly greasing the parchment

  2. 2

    Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside

  3. 3

    Blend melted butter and sugar until light, fluffy, and pale yellow, scraping down bowl sides

  4. 4

    Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and orange zest until well incorporated

  5. 5

    Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until just combined without over-mixing

  6. 6

    Divide dough into two equal portions and shape each into 1-inch thick flat rectangles on prepared baking sheets

  7. 7

    Dust tops with demerara sugar and bake for 25-30 minutes until firm and lightly golden

  8. 8

    Transfer to cutting board and slice diagonally into 2-inch pieces while still warm

  9. 9

    Place slices cut side down on baking sheets and return to oven for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway through until golden and crisp

  10. 10

    Cool for 10 minutes, then drizzle with melted white chocolate or dip bottoms in chocolate

  11. 11

    Allow chocolate to firm before serving

Tips

Tip 1

Slice biscotti while still warm for cleaner cuts without crumbling

Tip 2

Store in airtight container for up to one week to maintain crispness

Tip 3

Double-bake ensures proper texture - don't skip the second baking step

Good to Know

Storage

Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week

Make Ahead

Can be made 2-3 days ahead, store without chocolate coating and add before serving

Serve With

Serve with coffee, tea, or dessert wine for dunking

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't over-mix dough to avoid tough biscotti

Watch

Slice while warm to prevent cracking and crumbling

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

butter
vegan butter1:1vegandairy-free

works well

Full guide →

Vegan Options

eggs
flax eggs2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water per eggveganeggs-free

slightly denser texture

Full guide →

Gluten-Free Swaps

flour
gluten-free flour blend1:1gluten-freegluten-free

may be slightly more crumbly

Full guide →

General Alternatives

white chocolate
dark chocolate1:1

richer flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I freeze these biscotti?

Yes, freeze baked biscotti without chocolate coating for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before adding chocolate.

What if my dough is too sticky?

Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until dough is manageable but still slightly sticky.

How long do these keep?

Store in airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature for best crispness.