If you’re looking for that perfect coffee companion that’s crunchy, flavorful, and just a little bit fancy, you’re gonna love this Cinnamon Vanilla Biscotti Recipe. Seriously, it’s one of those treats that’s easy enough for a weekday snack but special enough to serve when friends pop over. The combination of warm cinnamon and sweet vanilla just makes everything better – trust me, you’re gonna want to grab that cup of coffee or tea right now and start baking!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The warm cinnamon and fragrant vanilla harmonize beautifully without overpowering each other.
Textural Magic: The double-bake method gives the biscotti that classic crispness you’ll love dunking into your drink.
Easy to Shape: Slightly sticky dough that’s forgiving and fuss-free, so you don’t need to be a pro baker to get great results.
Customizable Glaze: The simple cinnamon-sugar glaze adds a lovely finish, but you can tweak it for your taste or leave it off.

Cinnamon Vanilla Biscotti, biscotti recipe with cinnamon vanilla, how to make cinnamon vanilla biscotti, crunchy biscotti with vanilla and cinnamon, homemade cinnamon vanilla biscotti - This image shows several triangular slices of light brown scones arranged on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each scone slice has a visible crumbly texture with small dark specks inside. On top of each slice, there is a thick white icing drizzle applied in vertical lines, adding contrast and a smooth, glossy look to the rough texture of the scones. The focus is on a front scone slice, with others blurred in the background, giving depth to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients come together in a way that’s simple but exciting. A little butter, sugar, and eggs form the base for a tender crumb. Then, flour, baking powder, salt, and spice build texture and flavor that holds up beautifully to the twice-baked process. I like to use real vanilla extract because it adds that rich, aromatic depth you just can’t fake.

Unsalted butter: Gives the dough a tender, rich texture without overwhelming saltiness.
Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create that perfect golden crust.
Vanilla extract: The star of the show for flavor—always go for the good stuff here!
Eggs: They bind everything and add moisture to ensure the biscotti isn’t dry.
All-purpose flour: The backbone providing structure with just enough chewiness.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
Baking powder: Gives a slight lift so the biscotti is crisp but not too dense.
Ground cinnamon: That cozy warmth that makes this truly special.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): Adds a sweet finishing touch that’s light and elegant.
Hot water (for glaze): Helps achieve a smooth, drizzle-able consistency.
Dash of cinnamon (for glaze): Echoes that classic cinnamon flavor in the glaze for a lovely visual and taste boost.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I adore about this Cinnamon Vanilla Biscotti Recipe is its versatility. I often tweak it based on mood, occasion, or what I have on hand in my pantry. You should definitely make it yours—add nuts, switch up the spices, or go nut-free if that’s your thing.

Add-ins: One time, I tossed in chopped almonds and a handful of dried cranberries for a festive touch that my guests raved about.
Spice swap: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist—just a little to complement cinnamon and vanilla.
Gluten-free option: I’ve had success using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, just monitor the dough texture since it might be a bit softer.
Sugar alternatives: If you prefer less refined sugars, coconut sugar works beautifully too, but the color will be darker.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Vanilla Biscotti Recipe

Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Then, in a medium mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key; it creates air pockets that help give your biscotti a nice texture so don’t rush it! Once that’s done, stir in the vanilla extract until it’s totally blended.

Step 2: Incorporate the Eggs and Dry Ingredients

Next, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures a smooth, cohesive dough. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to keep things light. Once the dough starts to come together, sprinkle in the cinnamon at the end. I like to do it last so you can see those beautiful swirls of spice when you slice into the biscotti.

Step 3: Shaping the Dough Log

Lightly flour your parchment-lined baking sheet – a generous dusting helps keep the dough from sticking. Dump the dough out onto the sheet and gently shape it into a long log about 13 inches long. The dough is a little sticky, so don’t hesitate to add more flour to your hands or the surface to keep it manageable. Cut the log into two equal pieces and place them side-by-side. Press them down so they’re roughly ½ inch thick and tidy up the edges with your hand.

Step 4: First Bake for Golden Perfection

Bake the logs for around 30 minutes, until they’re light golden brown and firm to the touch. This bake basically sets the shape and preps the biscotti for slicing. Let them cool on the tray for 5 to 10 minutes so they’re just firm enough to handle without crumbling.

Step 5: Slice and Twice-Bake for Crunch

Lower your oven to 280°F. Using a serrated knife, slice each log diagonally into thick cookies—about ⅝–¾ inch thick works well. Place the slices on their sides on the cookie sheet and pop them back in the oven. Bake for 10 minutes, flip each cookie over, and bake another 10 minutes. If you’re a serious crunchy fan like me, feel free to keep baking 20 minutes per side for an even crisper finish.

Step 6: Make the Glaze and Drizzle

While the biscotti cool on the tray, whisk together powdered sugar, hot water, and a dash of cinnamon to make a drizzle-able glaze. Adjust water until it flows smoothly but still holds a bit of thickness. Use a fork or a sandwich bag with the tip cut off for a controlled drizzle over the tops of your biscotti. This little glaze is what takes these from great to truly irresistible.

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Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Vanilla Biscotti Recipe

Watch the Dough Stickiness: It should be soft but not overly sticky. Add flour sparingly to keep it manageable but still tender.
Use a Serrated Knife: This makes slicing through the partially baked logs clean and prevents crumbling or breaking.
Cool Before Slicing: Letting the logs cool 5–10 minutes firms them up enough to slice neatly without shattering.
Glaze Consistency Matters: Too thin and it’ll run off; too thick and it won’t drizzle nicely. Adjust water slowly to get it just right.

How to Serve Cinnamon Vanilla Biscotti Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of keeping it simple here. A light drizzle of the cinnamon glaze is enough to make the biscotti look and taste inviting. But if you want to go all out, a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios or slivered almonds on top of the glaze adds a lovely crunch and a pop of color that looks so pretty on a plate.

Side Dishes

These biscotti are perfect with a strong espresso or a creamy latte. For a cozy afternoon, pair them with a warm chai tea or even hot apple cider. And if you’re serving for brunch, they go surprisingly well alongside a fresh fruit salad or creamy mascarpone cheese dip for a delightful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

I love arranging the biscotti upright in a glass jar or vintage tin for a rustic, homey vibe – it’s an inviting way to present them when friends come by. For festive occasions, wrapping a few biscotti in wax paper tied with twine makes a charming edible gift that looks super thoughtful without much effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover biscotti fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp for up to two weeks this way, which is plenty of time to enjoy many cups of coffee or tea alongside them. Just make sure the container seals well to keep out moisture.

Freezing

Yes, biscotti freeze wonderfully! Once cooled completely, I layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They thaw quickly on the counter and keep their crunch as if freshly baked. Freezing is perfect if you want to make a big batch ahead of time.

Reheating

If you want to refresh the biscotti before serving, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This brings back their crispness—plus a lovely warm aroma fills your kitchen. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soft and chewy instead of crunchy.

FAQs

Can I make this Cinnamon Vanilla Biscotti Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can swap the unsalted butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil (solid at room temp). The texture might be a tiny bit different, but the biscotti will still have great flavor and crunch.
How can I store biscotti to keep them crispy?

Store your biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature, away from humidity. Avoid plastic bags that don’t seal tightly, as moisture will soften them. If they do soften, a few minutes in the oven will restore their crispness.
Can I add nuts or fruits to this recipe?

Definitely! Chopped almonds, pecans, or dried fruits like cranberries or cherries mix really well with the cinnamon and vanilla flavors. Just fold them in with the dry ingredients before shaping the dough.
What’s the best way to slice biscotti without breaking them?

Use a sharp serrated knife and slice the biscotti logs when they’ve cooled but are still slightly warm. Cut on a diagonal to create pretty, sturdy slices. This prevents the dough from crumbling or shattering.
Is the glaze necessary?

Nope! The biscotti are delicious without it thanks to their cinnamon and vanilla flavors. The glaze just adds a sweet, decorative touch, so feel free to skip it or customize it to your liking.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Vanilla Biscotti Recipe has honestly become a staple in my kitchen because it’s approachable, delicious, and so satisfying. Every time I bake it, I’m reminded of those cozy mornings sipping coffee while munching on these crunchy delights. I can’t recommend it enough—you’ll love the comforting flavors and the satisfying crunch. So grab your mixing bowl, let yourself get a little messy, and enjoy this sweet little labor of love!