I absolutely love this Pumpkin Biscotti Recipe because it’s that perfect cozy treat that feels like fall wrapped into every crunchy bite. When those pumpkin spice cravings hit, this biscotti delivers just the right amount of cozy warmth, plus the chocolate chips add a little surprise pop of sweetness that keeps you coming back for more. I first tried this recipe on a chilly Sunday afternoon, and now it’s my go-to when I want a snack to pair with my morning coffee or afternoon tea.
You’ll find that these biscotti are wonderfully crisp yet tender enough not to chip a tooth, which is the sweet spot for this type of cookie. What makes the Pumpkin Biscotti Recipe stand out is how effortlessly it combines classic fall flavors with a simple two-step baking process that anyone can follow. Once you try it, you’ll want to make a batch every season—and maybe even gift some to friends because, honestly, who doesn’t love a little homemade pumpkin goodness?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Make: You’ll love how easy the two-bake method is, perfect even if you’re new to biscotti.
- Seasonal Flavors: Pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin puree create that cozy fall vibe everyone craves.
- Crunchy & Chocolatey: Mini chocolate chips add a delightful twist you won’t find in every biscotti recipe.
- Great for Gifting: These bite-sized treats make lovely homemade gifts, especially when wrapped up with a ribbon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pumpkin Biscotti Recipe calls for wholesome ingredients that come together to create a soft-yet-crisp cookie with that unmistakable pumpkin spice magic. Knowing how each item contributes helps you shop smarter and even tweak it to your taste.
- Eggs: They bind the dough and add richness; I always use large eggs for consistency.
- Granulated sugar: Classic sweetness that balances the pumpkin’s earthiness perfectly.
- Pumpkin puree: Use pure pumpkin, not pie filling, for the best natural flavor and texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the warm flavors, so don’t skip it!
- Pumpkin pie spice: The hero spice blend here—adds that signature fall aroma and taste.
- Flour: Provides structure; I’ve had success with all-purpose flour every time.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents work together to give the biscotti perfect texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch to boost all those sweet flavors.
- Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips: Tiny pockets of melty chocolate that add surprise indulgence with every bite.
Variations
One of the things I enjoy about this Pumpkin Biscotti Recipe is how easy it is to customize for different flavor moods or dietary tweaks. Feel free to experiment and make it your own—you might discover a new favorite twist!
- Classic Pumpkin Spice: Omit the chocolate chips and try dipping the biscotti in melted white chocolate for a sweeter touch—I did this last autumn and everyone loved the contrast.
- Chocolate Chip Only: Skip the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, then add melted butter for richness. This gives you a straightforward chocolate chip biscotti that’s perfect year-round.
- Pumpkin Pecan: Stir in chopped pecans or your favorite nuts, then drizzle or dip in melted chocolate for an elegant dessert-like finish—my family goes crazy for this one during the holidays.
How to Make Pumpkin Biscotti Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Wet Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350˚F. Then, beat the eggs and sugar together for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is thick and light in color—this is key for a tender biscotti. Next, add in the pumpkin puree and vanilla, continuing to beat to fully combine everything smoothly. Trust me, taking your time with this part really sets the foundation for perfect texture.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Bring It All Together
In a separate bowl, whisk your flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt really well so the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed. Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, folding gently to avoid overmixing. Once the dough starts to form, stir in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Loaves
Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each into a long, narrow rectangle right on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Don’t worry if the dough feels sticky—it will spread a bit during baking. Bake at 350˚F for 20-25 minutes until the loaves turn golden around the edges but are still soft in the center. This initial bake sets the shape and starts the cooking process.
Step 4: Slice and Crisp Them Up
Lower your oven to 300˚F. Let the loaves cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes so they firm up for slicing. Then, carefully transfer each loaf to a cutting board and cut diagonally into 3/4-inch slices using a serrated knife—this angle makes for those classic biscotti shapes. Place the slices cut side down on the baking sheet, spaced an inch apart, and bake again at 300˚F for 17-22 minutes, turning once halfway through if you want even browning. The biscotti should be dry, crisp, and lightly browned when done.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Biscotti Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Two-Bake Method: The first bake firms up the dough, and the second dries the biscotti for that classic crunch—rushing this step leads to soggy cookies.
- Use a Serrated Knife: A serrated knife cuts cleanly through the biscotti loaves with less crumbling or breaking.
- Control the Moisture: Pumpkin puree can vary in water content, so if your dough feels too sticky, add a tablespoon more flour to help it hold its shape.
- Cool Before Slicing: Letting the loaves cool slightly helps you get even slices without the dough falling apart.
How to Serve Pumpkin Biscotti Recipe
Garnishes
I often like to drizzle my pumpkin biscotti with melted white or dark chocolate for an elegant finish—plus, it adds a lovely shine when they’re presented on a platter. Sprinkling chopped pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar also elevates the look and adds a fun texture. Honestly, a simple dusting of cinnamon sugar works wonders too and keeps it cozy.
Side Dishes
These biscotti are naturally great paired with a steaming cup of coffee, chai, or hot chocolate. For a brunch setting, I like serving them alongside spiced pumpkin latte or a pumpkin soup bowl—it’s a combo that feels like an autumn hug on chilly mornings.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or gifting, I arrange the biscotti in a rustic basket lined with a festive cloth napkin and tie ribbon around small bundles of three to five pieces. You can also wrap individual pieces in wax paper and tie with twine for a charming, homemade vibe. And if you’re hosting a party, use mini cupcake liners to hold each biscotti—it’s a fun presentation twist that guests always comment on!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover pumpkin biscotti in a container that isn’t fully airtight because biscotti love to breathe a little—otherwise, they get soft, which isn’t bad but not quite what you want. When they do soften, a quick stint back in the oven at 300˚F for 8-12 minutes crisps them right back up like magic. For ease, a cookie tin or loosely closed jar works beautifully.
Freezing
Freezing biscotti is a lifesaver for me when I’ve made a big batch. I pop them into an airtight container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to three months. When I want some, I just thaw them at room temperature, and they’re perfect—still crunchy but without drying out.
Reheating
To refresh the crunch, I reheat biscotti in a low oven (around 300˚F) for 5 to 8 minutes. This brings back that ideal crispness without making them too hard. Avoid the microwave—it tends to make them chewy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
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Can I make this Pumpkin Biscotti Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but it will still taste delicious. You might want to add a little xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it to help with binding.
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How long do pumpkin biscotti last?
Stored properly in a container that’s not airtight—or partially sealed—they stay crisp and fresh for about two weeks at room temperature. Beyond that, they may start to soften, but you can always re-crisp them in the oven.
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Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, I always use canned pumpkin puree because it gives a consistent texture and flavor. Just be sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that might throw off the balance.
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What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No worries! You can make your own blend with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Usually, 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice is roughly 1 teaspoon cinnamon plus ½ teaspoon combined of the others.
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Why does the dough seem sticky, and how do I fix it?
Pumpkin puree can add moisture, making your dough sticky—this is normal. If it feels unmanageable, adding one or two tablespoons more flour helps tighten it up without drying out the biscotti.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Biscotti Recipe is one I genuinely treasure because it’s easy enough to whip up anytime fall inspiration strikes but impressive enough to share with guests or gift during the holidays. Walking you through these simple steps and sharing my little tips means you’ll get buttery, spiced, chocolate-studded biscotti that truly hit the spot. So go ahead—grab your apron, maybe a cozy sweater, and make some magic happen in your kitchen with this delightful pumpkin treat. Your taste buds (and anyone lucky enough to get a bite) will thank you.
PrintPumpkin Biscotti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 37 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 20 biscotti
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the seasonal flavors of these Pumpkin Biscotti, a crunchy and spiced treat perfect for pairing with coffee or tea. Made with pumpkin puree, warm pumpkin pie spice, and mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, these twice-baked cookies deliver a perfect balance of sweetness and autumnal warmth. Crispy on the outside yet tender inside, they offer an irresistible texture that’s ideal for dunking. This recipe includes tips for variations and storage methods, making it a versatile favorite for cozy fall gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C) to prepare for the initial baking of the biscotti dough.
- Mix Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes thick and pale, ensuring a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Pumpkin and Vanilla: Beat in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, adding moisture and warm flavor to the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, ensuring even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to form a thick dough.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for bursts of sweetness.
- Shape Dough into Logs: Divide the dough in half and spread each half into a long, narrow rectangle on a parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping them into biscotti loaves.
- First Bake: Bake the loaves at 350˚F for 20-25 minutes until the outsides turn golden, though the centers remain soft.
- Lower the Oven Temperature: Reduce the oven temperature to 300˚F (150˚C) for the second baking phase that will crisp the biscotti.
- Cool Loaves Slightly: Allow the biscotti loaves to cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes; this step firms them up, making slicing easier.
- Slice the Biscotti: Transfer the loaves to a cutting board and use a serrated knife to cut them diagonally into ¾-inch thick slices.
- Arrange Slices for Second Bake: Lay the biscotti slices cut side down on the baking sheet, ensuring at least ½-inch of space between each to allow even crisping.
- Second Bake: Bake the biscotti slices at 300˚F for 17-22 minutes until they are crisp and lightly browned.
- Cool Completely: Let the biscotti cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool fully and achieve their signature crunch.
Notes
- Pumpkin Spice Variation: Omit the mini chocolate chips from the batter. The loaves may be smaller. After cooling, melt white chocolate chips or vanilla almond bark to coat the bottom of each piece for a sweet finish.
- Chocolate Chip Variation: Remove the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. Replace pumpkin puree with ½ cup melted butter for a classic chocolate chip biscotti dough.
- Pumpkin Pecan Variation: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or your choice of nuts to the dough. Once cooled, coat the bottom of each biscotti with melted semi-sweet or white chocolate chips or drizzle on top, then sprinkle with chopped nuts.
- Storage Tips: Store biscotti in a non-airtight container or partially sealed container to maintain crispness, as airtight containers trap moisture and soften them. To re-crisp softened biscotti, bake at 300˚F for 8-12 minutes.
- Freezing: Biscotti can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscotti (approx. 30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg