If you’ve been on the hunt for a cozy, flavorful treat that pairs perfectly with your afternoon coffee or hot tea, this Pumpkin Hazelnut White Chocolate Biscotti Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the warm spices and pumpkin blend together with the crunchy hazelnuts and sweet white chocolate—the flavors just dance together in the best way. It’s the kind of biscotti that makes your kitchen smell like fall, even when the weather hasn’t quite caught up yet.
What makes this Pumpkin Hazelnut White Chocolate Biscotti Recipe especially worth trying is how effortlessly it balances sweetness and texture. You’ll find that it’s delightfully crisp but not too hard, and the pumpkin adds just the right moisture without making the biscotti cakey. Whenever I’m craving that perfect dunking cookie, this recipe never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Fall Flavors: The blend of pumpkin pie spice, hazelnuts, and white chocolate captures the essence of autumn in every bite.
- Great Texture: Crispy biscotti with a tender crumb that’s ideal for dunking in coffee or tea.
- Simple to Make: No fancy equipment required, and the dough comes together quickly, making it a fantastic weekend baking project.
- Versatile Serving: Works beautifully as a gift, party treat, or cozy snack any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Hazelnut White Chocolate Biscotti Recipe plays an important role in building the flavor and texture you’ll love. I recommend using fresh pumpkin pie spice if possible for the best aroma, and make sure to use good quality white chocolate chips to keep things nice and creamy.
- All purpose flour: The base of your biscotti dough, and you might want a little extra for dusting if the dough feels sticky.
- Pumpkin pie spice: This warm spice mix gives the biscotti that unmistakable fall flavor; fresh is best.
- Baking powder: Adds just enough lift to keep the biscotti from being too dense.
- Cinnamon: Enhances the fall spice profile with its sweet, woody notes.
- Nutmeg: A subtle touch that deepens the warmth in the flavor.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Crushed hazelnuts: I love the crunch and nutty aroma they bring; toasting them lightly beforehand can boost their flavor.
- White chocolate chips: They add sweet, creamy pockets throughout that contrast beautifully with the nuts and spices.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter helps create a rich, tender dough.
- Superfine sugar: If you only have regular granulated sugar, pulse it in a food processor to get that superfine texture.
- Pure canned pumpkin: Adds moisture and subtle sweetness, plus that lovely pumpkin flavor.
- Large eggs: They bind everything together and add richness.
- Vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla rounds out the flavors and adds depth.
Variations
I like to switch things up sometimes depending on what I have on hand or the season. This Pumpkin Hazelnut White Chocolate Biscotti Recipe is perfect for personalization, so don’t hesitate to get creative!
- Add dried cranberries: I sometimes toss in dried cranberries for a tart contrast to the sweet white chocolate—my family goes crazy for that combo!
- Use pecans or walnuts: If hazelnuts aren’t your favorite, pecans or walnuts work beautifully and add their own unique crunch.
- Swap spices: Try adding ginger or cloves to the pumpkin pie spice for a spicier edge that warms the soul.
- Make it gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and just watch the dough texture—it may need a bit more moisture.
How to Make Pumpkin Hazelnut White Chocolate Biscotti Recipe
Step 1: Mix your dry ingredients and add the goodies
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat – trust me, it helps with easy clean-up and keeps the biscotti from sticking. In a medium bowl, sift together your flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt for even distribution. Then stir in your crushed hazelnuts and white chocolate chips; these add texture and sweetness that you’ll taste in every bite.
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar, then mix in pumpkin and eggs
In your stand mixer, beat the softened butter with the superfine sugar on medium speed until fluffy, about 1-1/2 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a light texture. Next, add the canned pumpkin, vanilla extract, and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures your dough stays smooth and well combined without overworking it.
Step 3: Combine wet and dry to form dough
Slowly add in your dry ingredients and mix on low speed just until everything comes together into a dough. If the dough feels too sticky to handle, sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface and over the dough. Don’t go overboard though—you want it firm but not dry. Divide the dough into two equal pieces and shape each into a long, flat log approximately 12 inches long and 2 inches wide.
Step 4: First bake and slice your biscotti
Place the logs on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 22-25 minutes until they’re just golden. I like to keep a close eye here because slightly underbaked logs slice easier and give that perfect biscotti crunch. When cool enough to handle, slice the loaves diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces with a serrated bread knife – it’s the best tool for clean cuts without crumbling.
Step 5: Toast the slices for that signature crunch
Arrange as many biscotti slices as you can on your baking sheet and bake again for 3-4 minutes per side. This second bake dries them out into that classic crisp texture but if you prefer them a little softer, shorten the baking time. Once done, let them cool completely before storing or serving – this also lets the white chocolate firm back up beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Hazelnut White Chocolate Biscotti Recipe
- Use a serrated knife: It makes slicing easier and prevents your biscotti from crumbling—especially important when the logs are warm and soft.
- Don’t overbake on the first go: Slightly underbaking means your biscotti won’t be too hard after the second bake, helping you achieve that perfect crunch without being tooth-aching.
- Toast hazelnuts beforehand: If you have the time, lightly toast your hazelnuts to enhance their nutty aroma and crunchiness.
- Adjust flour as needed: Weather and pumpkin moisture vary, so add a dusting of flour if the dough is too sticky to handle but beware of adding too much.
How to Serve Pumpkin Hazelnut White Chocolate Biscotti Recipe
Garnishes
I often like to sprinkle a tiny bit of cinnamon sugar on top before the second bake for an extra touch of sparkle and sweetness. If I’m serving these at a holiday gathering, a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the cooled biscotti adds a decadent look and flavor that everyone loves.
Side Dishes
These biscotti are stellar with a warm cup of cappuccino or chai tea. For those chilly mornings, I like pairing them with a hot spiced apple cider—it brings out those pumpkin spices so nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving, arrange the biscotti in a pretty box lined with parchment, tied with a rustic ribbon. At parties, I sometimes stick them upright in a glass jar with fall-colored ribbons for festive centerpieces that double as a snack station. They’re just fun and elegant either way!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature, and they keep wonderfully crisp for up to two weeks. Just be sure the container seals well to keep moisture out—it really helps maintain that satisfying crunch.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, biscotti freeze beautifully. I like to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap first, then place them in an airtight freezer bag. They keep up to three months this way without losing any flavor or texture.
Reheating
To revive frozen biscotti, just pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This gently warms them and restores the crunch—perfect for serving with your favorite hot drink.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin in this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh cooked pumpkin, but be sure to cook and puree it well to remove excess moisture. Fresh pumpkin can vary in water content, so you might need to adjust the flour amount slightly to get the right dough consistency.
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How long does biscotti keep fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, biscotti usually stays fresh and crispy for up to two weeks. Keep moisture away to prevent them from softening.
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What’s the best way to slice biscotti dough?
Use a serrated bread knife when slicing your biscotti log, especially when it’s warm, as it helps make clean cuts without crumbling or squashing the dough.
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Can I make this Pumpkin Hazelnut White Chocolate Biscotti Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, and adjust the dough’s moisture if needed. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
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Is there a way to make softer biscotti?
Yes, just cut down the time during the second bake by a minute or two on each side. This leaves the biscotti with a slightly softer, chewy center while still being crisp on the edges.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Hazelnut White Chocolate Biscotti Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s truly a comforting treat that’s both simple to prepare and impressive to share. I love the way it brings people together over warm drinks and sweet, satisfying bites. If you haven’t given it a try yet, I’m telling you, you’ll want to bake a batch soon—you won’t regret it!
PrintPumpkin Hazelnut White Chocolate Biscotti Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 28 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully crunchy Pumpkin Hazelnut White Chocolate Biscotti combine warm pumpkin spice with crunchy hazelnuts and sweet white chocolate chips for perfect autumn treat. Twice-baked for signature crispiness, these biscotti are ideal for dunking in coffee or enjoying as a snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 2 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 2 1/4 oz (1/2 cup) crushed hazelnuts
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Wet Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup superfine sugar
- 2 tbsp pure canned pumpkin
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with a silpat mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pumpkin pie spice until evenly combined.
- Add Nuts and Chocolate: Stir the crushed hazelnuts and white chocolate chips into the dry ingredient mixture, distributing them evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter with the superfine sugar on medium speed for about 1.5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add Pumpkin, Vanilla and Eggs: Incorporate the canned pumpkin and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Then add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined to form a dough. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle some flour on top and on your work surface.
- Shape Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each piece into a long, flat log approximately 12 inches long and 2 inches wide.
- Bake Logs: Place the dough logs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until slightly golden and firm to the touch.
- Slice Biscotti: Allow the logs to cool enough to handle. Using a serrated bread knife, slice the logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
- Second Bake: Arrange the slices cut-side down on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until the biscotti are crisp but slightly softer if preferred.
Notes
- Yields approximately 28-30 biscotti.
- Use a serrated bread knife for cleaner, easier slicing.
- For softer biscotti, reduce the second bake time slightly.
- Store cooled biscotti in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
- Great for dunking in coffee or tea.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscotti
- Calories: 101.5 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15.5 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15.5 mg