Biscotti D’Amore • Nonna’s White Chocolate & Cranberry Cookies for Valentine’s Day

Every Valentine’s Day, Nonna bakes a special batch of these Cranberry Cookies for Nonno—her Biscotti D’Amore (Cookies of Love). It’s a simple, no-fuss recipe, but that’s what makes it so good! The combination of buttery dough, bright orange zest, and tart cranberries gives these cookies just the right balance of sweet and tangy. And to make them extra special, Nonna drizzles them with melted white chocolate—because Nonno always says, “A little sweetness makes everything better!”

These cookies come together in no time, using basic pantry staples like eggs, sugar, flour, and a splash of sunflower oil. The real magic is in the zest of fresh orange and the chewy bits of chopped cranberries, which add a festive pop of flavor. Once baked to a light golden brown, they get a final touch of white chocolate, making them perfect for sharing with someone you love.

So, whether you’re making these for your sweetheart, family, or just yourself, Nonna’s Cranberry Cookies are the perfect way to add a little extra love to your Valentine’s Day. ❤️

INGREDIENTS:

• Eggs – 4
• Melted Unsalted Butter – 2 oz
• Sunflower Oil – 2 oz.
• Sugar – 5 oz.
• Cornstarch – 2 tbsp.
• Baking Powder – 2 tbsp.
• Flour – 3 ½ cups
• Chopped Cranberries – 1 cup
• Orange Zest – From 1 Orange
• White Chocolate (For Decoration) – ½ cup
• Sunflower Oil (For Melted Chocolate) – 1 tsp.
  
  

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DIRECTIONS:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, melted butter, and sunflower oil for a couple of minutes until smooth and well combined.
   
   
2. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and orange zest, mixing as you go. Start by incorporating 3 cups of flour to form the base of the dough.
   
   
3. Fold in the chopped cranberries, then add the remaining ½ cup of flour, mixing by hand until the dough comes together and no dry flour remains in the bowl.
   
   
4. Transfer the dough onto a clean surface and knead it for a couple of minutes until smooth and workable.
   
   
5. Cut off small portions of dough, roll them into strips, and shape them into your preferred cookie designs. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
   
   
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 365°F (185°C) for 15 minutes, or until the cookies turn lightly golden.
   
   
7. Once fully cooled, melt the white chocolate with 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil and drizzle over the cookies for a beautiful finishing touch.
   
   
8. 💖 Happy Valentine’s Day! Enjoy your homemade Biscotti D’Amore! 🍪💕

Watch Nonna Make Biscotti D'Amore!

Tips to Enhance your Biscotti D'Amore!

1️⃣ Use Room Temperature Eggs & Butter – This ensures even mixing and a smoother dough. Cold eggs can make the batter lumpy, and butter won’t incorporate properly.

2️⃣ Measure Flour Correctly – Spoon and level the flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. Too much flour can make the cookies dense and dry.

3️⃣ Chop Cranberries Finely – Large chunks of cranberries can cause uneven distribution in the dough, making some cookies too tart and others lacking flavor. A finer chop ensures every bite has a balanced taste.

4️⃣ Don’t Overwork the Dough – Knead just until smooth. Overworking can develop too much gluten, leading to tough cookies instead of light, tender ones.

5️⃣ Watch the Bake Time – These cookies should be lightly golden, not dark brown. Since ovens vary, start checking at the 12-minute mark to avoid overbaking.

6️⃣ Thin Chocolate for Drizzling – Add 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil when melting white chocolate to keep it smooth and easy to drizzle. If it’s too thick, add a drop more oil until it reaches the perfect consistency.

Following these tips will give you delectable, flavorful cookies with just the right balance of sweetness and tartness! 🍪💖

Did you Know?

1️⃣ A Classic Italian Biscotti Base – While these cookies aren’t the twice-baked, crunchy biscotti most people think of, they follow a traditional Italian soft biscotti dough. Many Italian cookies use a mix of eggs, oil, and butter for a tender yet sturdy texture—perfect for shaping by hand!

2️⃣ Orange & Cranberry: A Natural Pairing – The combination of citrus zest and tart cranberries isn’t just delicious—it’s also scientifically sound! The acidity in oranges enhances the natural sweetness of cranberries, making them taste brighter and less bitter. That’s why they’re often paired in holiday and Valentine’s Day desserts.

3️⃣ Why White Chocolate Works – White chocolate doesn’t contain cocoa solids, making it smoother and creamier than regular chocolate. Since cranberries are tart, the extra sweetness from white chocolate helps balance the flavor, making these cookies both tangy and indulgent.

These little details make Biscotti D’Amore more than just a cookie—they’re a delicious mix of tradition, science, and perfect flavor pairing! 🍪💕

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