Breakfast
Freeflourish
Gluten-Free Holiday Spiced Cranberry and Hazelnut Biscotti
By Freeflourish Test KitchenReviewed by Freeflourish Editorial TeamPublished May 4, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026
Italian-inspired
55 mins
glutenfreedairyfreeoptionsvegetarianbakingfamilyfriendlyholidayclassicseasonaldessertsnackeasyfreezablenutfree
Celebrate the holiday season with these gluten-free, dairy-free biscotti featuring tart dried cranberries and crunchy hazelnuts. This festive Italian-inspired baking recipe is family-friendly and easy to make, perfect as a seasonal dessert, snack, or gift. Nut-free substitution options included to accommodate dietary needs.
Prep
15 min
Cook
40 min
Total
55 min
Servings
12
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
Italian-inspired
Ingredients
Servings
12
- 1 3/4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
- 1 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, omit for nut-free)
- 3/4 cup dried tart cranberries (unsweetened if possible)
- 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts (substitute with pumpkin seeds or omit for nut-free option)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until combined.
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In a large bowl, beat the sugar and eggs together with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until pale and frothy, about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) to the egg mixture and mix until combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a stiff dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky.
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Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped hazelnuts (or nut-free substitute).
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Divide the dough in half. On the prepared baking sheet, shape each half into a 12-inch long log, about 2-3 inches wide and 1 inch tall. Space the logs apart to allow for spreading.
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Bake the logs for 25 minutes until they are golden and firm to the touch.
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Remove from the oven and allow the logs to cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet.
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Using a serrated knife, slice each log diagonally into 1/2-inch thick biscotti pieces.
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Arrange the biscotti cut-side down on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes. Flip halfway through to crisp both sides evenly.
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Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. The biscotti will harden as they cool.
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.
To maintain gluten-free integrity, use a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend containing xanthan gum for proper texture. For a nut-free option, omit hazelnuts or substitute with crunchy pumpkin seeds to keep the satisfying texture without allergens.
This recipe is naturally dairy-free, but always verify extracts and dried fruits to avoid hidden dairy ingredients if you require strict dairy-free options.
If omitting almond extract (which contains nuts), you can increase vanilla extract or substitute with maple extract to preserve a warm, complementary flavor.
For a vegan adaptation, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use an effective egg replacer suited for gluten-free baking.
These substitutions keep your holiday spiced biscotti festive, inclusive, and suitable for sharing with everyone during the holiday season.
Allergen Overlap Note
While our gluten-free recipes span categories like Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Desserts, Snacks, Soups & Salads, and Gluten-Free Baking, it's important to consider potential allergen overlaps. Many recipes include common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or eggs, and even gluten-free ingredients may be processed in facilities handling wheat or tree nuts.
To ensure safety when preparing gluten-free meals, especially for those with multiple allergies or sensitivities, we recommend:
- Using certified gluten-free and allergen-free ingredients whenever possible.
- Thoroughly cleaning all surfaces, utensils, and equipment before use to prevent cross-contact.
- Carefully checking labels for hidden gluten or other allergens, especially in baking powders, extracts, and packaged dried fruits or nuts.
- Considering nut-free or dairy-free substitutes included in recipe variations to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Being cautious with shared kitchen spaces when preparing food for guests with severe allergies.
Following these practices helps maintain the integrity of gluten-free and allergen-friendly meals across our diverse and family-friendly selection, including Quick & Easy, Paleo, Whole30, and Holiday & Seasonal options.
Texture Expectations
Gluten-free baking, such as these holiday spiced cranberry and hazelnut biscotti, often results in textures differing from traditional wheat-based goods due to the absence of gluten — the protein that provides elasticity and chewiness. Expect a slightly more tender and crumbly crumb in these biscotti.
This recipe uses a twice-baked method to achieve a crisp and crunchy texture typical of biscotti, with the biscotti hardening further as they cool. The dough has a stiff yet sticky consistency, typical when working with gluten-free flours that include binders like xanthan gum to provide structure.
The dried cranberries add chewy bursts while the chopped hazelnuts (or nut-free pumpkin seed alternatives) provide extra crunch and texture contrast. Variations in gluten-free flour blends can influence the texture, producing either a lighter, delicate biscotti or a denser, heartier bite.
Overall, these biscotti balance the traditional crisp crunch with the unique tender crumb of gluten-free baking—offering a festive and family-friendly holiday treat perfect for dipping with coffee or tea.
Dining With Non Gf Family Note
Preparing gluten-free meals in a family that includes non-gluten-free members can be both manageable and enjoyable with thoughtful planning. To ensure safety and shared enjoyment, consider these guidelines:
- Separate Ingredients and Cookware: Use dedicated utensils, cutting boards, and cookware for gluten-free dishes, labeling gluten-free ingredients clearly.
- Clean Thoroughly: Clean surfaces and equipment meticulously before cooking gluten-free meals, and wash hands between handling gluten and gluten-free foods.
- Cook Gluten-Free Foods First: Prepare gluten-free dishes before gluten-containing foods to minimize airborne gluten contamination.
- Store Separately: Keep gluten-free products in separate containers or areas to prevent accidental contact.
- Educate Family Members: Promote awareness about gluten sensitivity so everyone understands the importance of avoiding cross-contamination.
- Include Everyone in Meal Planning: Select recipes from categories like Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Desserts, Snacks, Soups & Salads, Gluten-Free Baking, and Quick & Easy that meet diverse dietary needs.
- Adapt Recipes Easily: Use tags like dairyfree, nutfree, vegan, kidfriendly, and familyfriendly to find gluten-free recipes accommodating additional restrictions and preferences.
Implementing these strategies creates a safe, inclusive dining environment where both gluten-free and non-gluten-free family members can enjoy comforting, delicious meals together worry-free.
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