Pumpkin Spiced Biscotti with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
Friends, if you’re anything like me, you adore cozy fall flavors, and this Pumpkin Spiced Biscotti with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s that perfect little treat where crisp meets spice, and the white chocolate drizzle feels like a sweet hug on a chilly afternoon. You can enjoy them with your morning coffee or dip them into a cup of warm tea for a snack that’s both comforting and a little fancy.
I’ve made these biscotti countless times when pumpkin season rolls around, and what makes them truly special is the balanced blend of warm spices with that subtle citrus kick from the orange zest. Plus, adding the pumpkin puree keeps them delightfully moist inside, even with the twice-baked crunch outside. This Pumpkin Spiced Biscotti with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe is definitely one you’ll want to bookmark and bake again and again.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Spices: The combination of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg adds a warm depth without overpowering pumpkin’s mild flavor.
- Moist Yet Crisp: Pumpkin puree keeps the biscotti tender inside while the twice-baking gives that signature crunch you expect.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: A sweet, creamy drizzle that complements the spices and adds a touch of elegance.
- Easy to Make Ahead: These biscotti store beautifully, making them a perfect gift or make-ahead snack.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients in this Pumpkin Spiced Biscotti with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe come together to create a perfect harmony of flavor and texture. Each plays a crucial role, from the pumpkin puree adding moisture to the spices building that classic fall warmth.
- Unsalted Butter: Melting it brings richness and helps with the dough’s texture—don’t use salted butter here to control salt levels.
- Canned Pumpkin Puree: Ensures consistent moisture and a lovely pumpkin flavor; fresh pumpkin might add too much water.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning; I prefer regular granulated sugar for the right crunch.
- Eggs: Bind everything and provide structure.
- Orange Zest: Adds a bright freshness that lifts the heavier spices and pumpkin.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors with a subtle sweetness.
- Flour: The base of the biscotti; use all-purpose for crunch and structure.
- Baking Powder: Gives biscotti a slight lift without making them cakey.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- Ground Spices (Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger, Nutmeg): Classic pumpkin pie spices that create that signature autumnal flavor.
- Demerara Sugar: Sprinkled on top before baking for a delightful crunchy crust.
- White Chocolate: Melted for drizzling; pairs beautifully with pumpkin and spices.
- Pumpkin Spice: Mixed into the drizzle for an extra flavor kick.
Tweak to Your Taste
I like my Pumpkin Spiced Biscotti with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe just as is, but feel free to put your spin on it! Once you get comfy with the basics, tweak the spices or the chocolate coating to suit your cravings.
- Nut Variation: I sometimes add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for extra crunch, which pairs incredibly well with the pumpkin flavors.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and vegan white chocolate to make it friendly for dietary restrictions—I’ve done this and it still turned out delicious.
- Spice Levels: Adjust the cinnamon or pumpkin spice up or down depending on how warm or mild you like your biscotti.
- Chocolate Coating: Try dipping half the biscotti bottoms instead of drizzling for a more decadent touch.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Spiced Biscotti with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Gather
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. I always grease mine lightly just to be safe. This step sets you up for smooth baking and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and your warm pumpkin spices. Mixing these first helps distribute everything evenly, so your biscotti bake uniform in flavor and texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the melted butter and sugar together until the mixture turns pale yellow. It takes about 2-3 minutes and really helps create that light, buttery texture you want. Don’t forget to scrape the sides of the bowl a couple of times to get everything evenly mixed.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and orange zest. The orange zest adds a fresh burst that balances the spices and pumpkin so well—don’t skip it!
Step 5: Combine and Shape
Slowly fold in your flour mixture until just combined; be careful not to overmix, or your biscotti could turn tough. Then, divide the dough into two even portions. Using an offset spatula, shape each into a 1-inch thick flat rectangle right on your pan. Sprinkle generously with Demerara sugar for that signature crunchy crust.
Step 6: First Bake
Bake the logs for 25 to 30 minutes until just firm and golden on top. Don’t worry if they look a little soft—that’s how you want them before the slicing.
Step 7: Slice and Second Bake
Transfer the baked logs to a cutting board and slice on the bias into 2-inch pieces—this angled cut gives those classic biscotti shapes. Stand the slices up on their sides back on the sheet tray, giving them room to crisp evenly. Bake again for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re golden and crunchy.
Step 8: Drizzle the White Chocolate
Once your biscotti are completely cool, melt the white chocolate and stir in the pumpkin spice. Drizzle generously over the biscotti or dip the bottoms for a richer touch. Let the chocolate set on parchment paper before digging in.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spiced Biscotti with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
- Perfect Texture: Let the biscotti cool completely before the second bake to avoid dense cookies.
- Cutting Tip: Use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion to avoid tearing your biscotti slices.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Warm the white chocolate gently in a double boiler—too hot and it will seize.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container to keep crispness; biscotti can soften if left exposed to air.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spiced Biscotti with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a dusting of extra pumpkin spice or a few whole pecans on the side for a nice crunch. Sometimes, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the white chocolate drizzle adds an unexpected savory pop that I secretly love.
Side Dishes
I love pairing these biscotti with a creamy chai latte or a robust espresso. If I’m serving them at brunch, sliced fresh fruit like pears or figs complements the warm spices wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, I arrange the biscotti standing up in mason jars tied with ribbon, making both a charming decoration and an easy grab-and-go option for guests. Wrapping a few in cellophane bags tied with twine also makes for sweet, handmade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep my biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature—this keeps them nice and crisp for up to two weeks. If they soften, just pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes to revive that crunch.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these biscotti wrapped tightly in parchment and then foil, placing them in freezer-safe bags. When you’re ready, thaw at room temp and enjoy—they still keep their delightful texture and flavor.
Reheating
To refresh leftover biscotti, I pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. It crisp-ups the edges and warms the flavors without melting the white chocolate drizzle.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Fresh pumpkin isn’t recommended for this Pumpkin Spiced Biscotti with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe because it contains more moisture which can make the dough too wet and affect baking. If you want to use fresh, make sure it’s cooked, pureed, and well-drained before measuring.
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How should I store biscotti to keep them crunchy?
Keep biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. Avoid storing them in humid areas or plastic bags without ventilation, which can lead to sogginess.
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Can I substitute dark chocolate for white chocolate in the drizzle?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate makes for a delicious contrast with the pumpkin spices. Just melt it gently like you would the white chocolate and feel free to add a pinch of pumpkin spice to complement the flavors.
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Is it okay to skip the orange zest?
You can omit the orange zest, though I’d highly encourage keeping it—it really brightens the overall flavor profile. If you don’t have an orange, lemon zest can be a fresh substitute.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spiced Biscotti with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe brings me so much joy, especially on crisp autumn mornings. There’s just something about that satisfying crunch paired with warm spices and the sweet touch of white chocolate that feels like home. I encourage you to try your hand at this recipe—you’ll impress yourself with how easy it is to bake something so flavorful and elegant. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be your go-to cozy treat for years to come!
PrintPumpkin Spiced Biscotti with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 biscotti
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pumpkin Spiced Biscotti recipe features a delightful blend of warm autumn spices and pumpkin puree, creating crunchy yet tender twice-baked cookies perfect for dunking in coffee or tea. Finished with a white chocolate pumpkin spice glaze, these biscotti offer a festive twist to a classic Italian treat.
Ingredients
For Biscotti:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 orange, zested
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Demerara sugar, for dusting
For Glaze:
- 1 cup white chocolate, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Trays: Preheat your oven to 350 °F and line two sheet trays with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the melted butter and sugar together until the mixture is pale yellow and fluffy. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides once or twice to ensure even mixing.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest to the butter mixture and blend until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Place each portion onto a prepared sheet tray and shape each into a 1-inch thick flat rectangle using an offset spatula.
- Add Sugar Topping and Bake First Time: Sprinkle the tops with coarse demerara sugar for a subtle crunch. Bake the loaves for 30 minutes until firm and golden.
- Slice Biscotti: Remove trays from the oven and transfer the baked loaves to a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, slice each loaf diagonally into 2-inch wide pieces.
- Second Bake: Arrange the sliced biscotti on their sides back on the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even browning, until the biscotti are lightly golden and crisp.
- Cool Completely: Remove biscotti from the oven and let them cool on the tray for about 10 minutes, which helps them firm up further.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: Melt the white chocolate and stir in the pumpkin spice until combined. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled biscotti or dip the bottoms into the glaze. Place on parchment paper to allow the chocolate to set.
- Serve and Store: Once the glaze is set, serve the biscotti as a perfect autumn snack. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Be sure to slice the biscotti when the loaves are warm but not hot to avoid crumbling.
- Use fresh pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to control sweetness and spice level.
- Store biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- To enhance flavor, toast nuts like almonds or pecans can be added to the dough.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscotti
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg