Pumpkin Spice Biscotti with White Chocolate Glaze Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy treat that perfectly blends the warmth of fall spices with a hint of sweetness, this Pumpkin Spice Biscotti with White Chocolate Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. I’ve made these biscotti countless times during chilly afternoons, and there’s something about that tender pumpkin-infused dough paired with a crisp texture that feels just right with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. Plus, that white chocolate glaze? It’s the perfect sweet finish that brings these biscotti to another level.
What makes this Pumpkin Spice Biscotti with White Chocolate Glaze Recipe really special is how effortlessly it embraces the flavors of the season while staying delightfully crunchy and fragrant. You can enjoy these as an afternoon pick-me-up, or bring them out for holiday gatherings to impress guests without too much fuss. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect texture balance: The dough bakes into a crispy, crunchy biscotti that’s not too hard, making it ideal for dipping yet sturdy enough to hold the glaze.
- Seasonal spice blend: The combination of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg with pumpkin puree gives these biscotti an authentic autumn flavor that’s comforting and inviting.
- White chocolate glaze finish: Adding a sweet, creamy glaze balances the spiced biscotti beautifully and gives it a lovely presentation for gifting or entertaining.
- Simple prep and baking steps: Even if you’re new to biscotti, the step-by-step process for this Pumpkin Spice Biscotti with White Chocolate Glaze Recipe is easy to follow and yields consistent deliciousness.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Spice Biscotti with White Chocolate Glaze Recipe plays a key role. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and richness, while classic fall spices provide warmth. Choosing quality vanilla and fresh orange zest really elevates the flavor too.
- Unsalted butter: Melting it helps incorporate moisture and richness evenly throughout the dough.
- Canned pumpkin puree: Adds natural sweetness and a tender crumb while keeping the biscotti moist inside.
- Sugar: Balances spices and helps create a crisp texture after baking.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients for structure and add tenderness.
- Orange zest: Brightens the flavor to cut through the earthiness of the pumpkin and spices.
- Vanilla extract: Depth of flavor enhancer that rounds out the spices.
- Flour: Forms the base and provides the biscotti its tender bite.
- Baking powder: Gives just enough lift without losing that classic biscotti crunch.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
- Ground cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg: The essential warm spices mixing into the dough for that unmistakable pumpkin-spice taste.
- Demerara sugar: Adds a crunchy sugar topping that gives these biscotti a delightful texture and subtle caramel notes.
- White chocolate: Used in the glaze, melts into a creamy, sweet coating that complements the spices perfectly.
- Pumpkin spice (for the glaze): Adds an extra punch of seasonal flavor that ties the whole recipe together beautifully.
Make It Your Way
I love making this Pumpkin Spice Biscotti with White Chocolate Glaze Recipe my own by swapping out some of the spices or trying different toppings. Feel free to make the recipe fit your taste or special dietary needs — biscotti are so versatile!
- Variation: I’ve experimented with adding chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for a nutty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin and glaze.
- Gluten-Free Option: Try using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend to make these biscotti safe for gluten-free diets without sacrificing texture.
- Less Sweet: If you prefer less sweetness, cut back a bit on the sugar in the dough and keep the glaze as the main sweet element.
- Spice Adjustments: If you like things a little bolder, bump up the cinnamon or add a pinch of ground cardamom for a unique twist.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Spice Biscotti with White Chocolate Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Mixing the Spiced Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two sheet trays with parchment paper—this saves you from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. While the oven warms, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, and the lovely medley of spices. In a stand mixer or large bowl, beat the melted butter and sugar until it turns a pale yellow and looks fluffy—you’ll want to scrape the bowl a couple of times to get everything mixed evenly. Then, add eggs, vanilla, and fresh orange zest for that little zing. Slowly fold in the dry mix until just combined; over-mixing can make your biscotti tough, so keep it gentle!
Step 2: Shaping and First Bake
Divide the dough into two even portions and place them on your prepared sheet trays. Using an offset spatula or your hands, shape each portion into a 1-inch thick rectangle or log. Don’t skip sprinkling coarse demerara sugar on top—it adds a satisfying crunch and a touch of caramelized sweetness. Pop them in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes until the loaves are set and lightly golden. Keep an eye so they don’t brown too much.
Step 3: Slicing and Baking to Perfection
When you pull the biscotti logs out, let them cool slightly on a cutting board—just enough so they’re cool, but still warm enough to slice nicely. Cut them into 2-inch diagonal pieces; the slant gives a pretty look and ensures an even crunch. Place each piece back onto the sheet tray, standing them on their sides for the second bake. Bake for another 18-20 minutes, turning halfway through so each side crisps up evenly. You’re aiming for a beautiful golden color without burning.
Step 4: Glazing with White Chocolate
Once fully cooled, whisk together melted white chocolate and pumpkin spice to make your glaze. I like to drizzle it casually over the biscotti with a spoon or fork for a rustic look, but dipping the bottoms into the glaze is equally lovely and creates a wonderful contrast. Let the glaze set on parchment paper—this usually takes about 30 minutes at room temperature, or you can speed it up by popping them in the fridge.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t Skip the Demerara Sugar: It adds a perfect crunchy texture that you don’t get with regular granulated sugar on top.
- Slice While Warm, Not Hot: Cutting the biscotti when slightly warm makes slicing neat and prevents crumbling.
- Use an Offset Spatula: This tool helps shape the logs smoothly and evenly, which promotes even baking.
- Glaze at Room Temperature: Glazing when biscotti are fully cooled stops the chocolate from melting off and keeps the coating pretty.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Biscotti with White Chocolate Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with just the demarara sugar topping and white chocolate glaze, but sometimes I sprinkle finely chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of extra cinnamon on top of the glaze for a festive touch. A little orange zest garnish on the plate also looks beautiful and enhances the citrus notes.
Side Dishes
Pair these pumpkin spice biscotti with a creamy latte, chai tea, or even hot apple cider to create a cozy snack experience. I love serving them alongside sharp cheeses or even pumpkin butter for a surprising sweet-savory combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I like arranging the biscotti standing upright in a decorative jar or clear vase tied with a seasonal ribbon—it makes a charming edible centerpiece. Wrapped individually in parchment and tied with twine, they also make wonderful gifts. Plus, layering them in a glass jar with cinnamon sticks gives an instant autumn vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. The crunchy texture stays intact, and the flavor develops nicely over time. If you live in a very humid environment, storing them in the fridge wrapped well helps keep them crisp.
Freezing
These biscotti freeze beautifully! I wrap them individually in parchment and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you want a treat, just thaw at room temperature for about an hour or warm gently in a low oven for a few minutes to refresh their crispness.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked crunch, pop the biscotti in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Don’t microwave them—they lose that satisfying snap. This little trick works great for both fresh and thawed leftovers.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned for this Pumpkin Spice Biscotti with White Chocolate Glaze Recipe?
You can, but fresh pumpkin needs to be cooked and pureed until smooth before using. Also, fresh pumpkin tends to have higher water content, so you might need to reduce any other liquids slightly to maintain the right dough consistency.
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How long do these pumpkin spice biscotti stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these biscotti stay fresh and crunchy up to two weeks. Beyond that, they may dry out or soften depending on your environment.
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Can I omit the white chocolate glaze?
Absolutely! The biscotti are delicious on their own with the spiced pumpkin flavor. The glaze adds sweetness and visual appeal, but you can skip or replace it with a simple powdered sugar dusting if you prefer.
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What if I don’t have pumpkin spice for the glaze?
No worries! You can create your own pumpkin spice blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in equal parts or simply omit it—the glaze will still taste wonderful and pair nicely with the biscotti.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spice Biscotti with White Chocolate Glaze Recipe has become my go-to anytime I want a comforting, crunchy treat infused with cozy fall vibes. Baking these biscotti always brings a little smile because of how simple they are and how beautifully they capture the season’s essence. I promise you’ll enjoy making them just as much as eating them, and once you’ve tried, they’ll be a regular part of your baking rotation you can always count on.
PrintPumpkin Spice Biscotti with White Chocolate Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 biscotti
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pumpkin Spiced Biscotti recipe combines the cozy flavors of pumpkin, warm spices, and a hint of orange zest for a perfect autumn treat. Twice-baked to achieve that signature crispness, these biscotti are perfect for dipping in coffee or enjoying as a festive snack. Finished with a delicate white chocolate and pumpkin spice glaze, they are both elegant and comforting.
Ingredients
Biscotti
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 orange, zested
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Demerara sugar, for dusting
Glaze
- 1 cup white chocolate, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350 °F and line two sheet trays with parchment paper, then grease the parchment to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the melted butter and sugar. Mix until the butter turns pale yellow, stopping to scrape down the sides with a spatula once or twice.
- Add wet aromatics: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest to the butter-sugar mixture. Blend until fully incorporated.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape dough: Divide the dough evenly into two pieces. On the prepared sheet trays, use an offset spatula to shape each piece into a 1-inch thick flat rectangle or loaf. Sprinkle demerara sugar generously over the tops.
- First bake: Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until firm and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Slice biscotti: Transfer the loaves to a cutting board and, using a sharp serrated knife, slice them diagonally into 2-inch pieces to create the traditional biscotti shape.
- Second bake: Arrange the biscotti cut side down on the baking sheets. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even crisping and a golden finish. Allow them to cool completely for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare glaze: While biscotti cool, melt the white chocolate gently until smooth. Stir in pumpkin spice evenly into the chocolate.
- Glaze biscotti: Drizzle the pumpkin spiced white chocolate over the cooled biscotti or dip the bottoms for a more decadent finish. Place on parchment paper and let the glaze set completely.
Notes
- Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the right texture and flavor.
- Make sure to toast the spices lightly in the oven for enhanced aroma.
- To melt white chocolate gently, use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts to prevent burning.
- Store biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks to maintain crispness.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free white chocolate.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar slightly but the glaze adds sweetness balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscotti
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg