As the vibrant colors of autumn emerge and the air takes on a crisp, inviting chill, there’s nothing quite as comforting as the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting from your kitchen. Among the myriad seasonal delights, these homemade Pumpkin Pecan Biscotti unequivocally stand out as the quintessential fall indulgence. Meticulously crafted with wholesome pumpkin puree, rich brown sugar, finely milled almond flour, and a generous scattering of crunchy chopped pecans, these biscotti achieve a perfect harmony of warm, autumnal flavors and a deeply satisfying texture. Forget any preconceptions you might have about dry, crumbly biscotti; our recipe yields a remarkably moist, tender, and nutty bite that elevates the simple act of dunking into your morning coffee or a steaming mug of tea into pure bliss. They are an impeccable choice for a cozy Thanksgiving morning breakfast or truly any moment you desire a touch of festive warmth and irresistible flavor.

Experience the Best Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Biscotti

This recipe isn’t just about baking biscotti; it’s about creating an experience. Our homemade pumpkin biscotti offers an exceptional blend of crispness, crunch, and profound flavor that will captivate your senses. The inclusion of real pumpkin puree and a touch of almond flour is transformative, keeping the biscotti wonderfully moist on the inside, a delightful contrast to their satisfyingly firm exterior. Chopped pecans are generously folded into the dough, imparting a rich, buttery nuttiness that is simply irresistible. Infused with a thoughtful touch of warming spices like ground cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and accessible, guaranteeing biscotti that are perfectly crisp without ever being dry or stale. Once you savor the superior taste and texture of these homemade gems, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself saying goodbye to packaged biscotti for good!

For those who adore a soft, melt-in-your-mouth treat with their coffee or tea, don’t miss my Pumpkin Madeleines! They offer a different, yet equally lush, pumpkin-infused experience with a lighter, fluffier texture.

Key Ingredients for Irresistible Pumpkin Pecan Biscotti

Success in baking begins with understanding your ingredients. Each component in this pumpkin pecan biscotti recipe contributes to its unique flavor and texture profile, making it truly special:

• Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature): Starting with butter at room temperature is fundamental. It creams beautifully with sugar, creating a light, airy base that ensures a tender crumb in the final biscotti.
• Brown Sugar: This isn’t just a sweetener; brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-rich flavor and vital moisture, enhancing the overall chewiness and caramel notes that marry perfectly with pumpkin.
• Large Eggs (Room Temperature): Eggs are binders, providing structure and richness. Using them at room temperature is crucial as they emulsify more effectively with the other ingredients, leading to a smoother, more uniform dough.
• Pumpkin Puree (100% Pure): The star of the show! It’s imperative to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling is pre-sweetened and spiced, which would throw off the delicate balance of this recipe. Puree adds natural sweetness, moisture, and that unmistakable vibrant autumnal flavor and color.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A touch of high-quality vanilla extract acts as a flavor enhancer, weaving through the other ingredients to create a more complex and inviting aroma and taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the foundational structure of the biscotti, giving it the necessary strength and bite.
• Almond Flour: As previously highlighted, almond flour is the secret weapon for biscotti that are crisp but never dry. It adds moisture, tenderness, and a lovely, subtle nutty flavor.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that gives a slight lift to the dough, contributing to a lighter, less dense texture.
• Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These quintessential fall spices infuse the biscotti with aromatic warmth. A pinch of ground ginger or cloves can be added for an even more complex spice blend, if desired.
• Chopped Pecans: These provide a delightful crunch and a rich, buttery flavor that complements the sweet pumpkin and warm spices. If pecans aren’t on hand, chopped walnuts are an excellent substitute.
• Coarse Sugar (Optional): Sprinkling coarse sugar on top before the first bake adds a beautiful sparkling finish and an extra textural element, making the biscotti even more appealing.

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (based on 6 reviews)

Pumpkin Biscotti Recipe

These incredibly delicious pumpkin biscotti are made with real pumpkin puree, rich brown sugar, and crunchy chopped pecans. They are absolutely perfect for dipping into your favorite morning beverage!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings: 16 biscotti

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature, ½ stick)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• ½ cup pumpkin puree *
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (try our homemade vanilla extract recipe)
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but highly recommended)
• ½ cup chopped pecans **
• Coarse sugar (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

• Large Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Stand Mixer (or a hand mixer with a large mixing bowl)
• Sharp Serrated Knife
• Wire Cooling Rack
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Rubber Spatula

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring it extends beyond the edges for easy handling. Set this aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer in a large bowl), combine the room-temperature unsalted butter and brown sugar. Beat on medium speed for approximately 1 minute, until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, contributing to the biscotti’s tender texture.
3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the room-temperature large eggs, pure pumpkin puree, and pure vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth. Be sure to stop and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed to ensure even incorporation.
   
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg (if using) to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until a shaggy dough forms. It’s crucial not to overmix at this stage, as it can lead to tough biscotti.
5. Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans by hand using a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The dough will be thick and somewhat firm.
   
6. Shape the Loaves (First Bake Prep): Transfer the dough onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Using lightly floured hands, gently shape each portion into a rectangular log, approximately 4 inches long, 8 inches wide, and about 1 inch tall. Strive for uniform shapes to ensure even baking. For an optional extra sparkle and crunch, sprinkle the tops of each dough loaf generously with coarse sugar.
   
7. First Bake: Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown around the edges and feel firm to the touch.
8. Cool and Slice: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the baked loaves to a cutting board. Allow them to cool for about 10-15 minutes, until they are firm enough to handle but still warm. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut each loaf into 1-inch thick slices across the short way. Each loaf should yield approximately 8 biscotti, totaling 16.
   
9. Second Bake (The Crispness Factor): Arrange the sliced biscotti, cut side up, back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Return them to the oven for their crucial second bake. Continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the biscotti are completely dry, crisp, and lightly golden brown. Monitor them closely to prevent over-browning.
   
10. Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the biscotti from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Serve and enjoy with your favorite beverage!

Recipe Notes & Expert Tips for Success

• *Important Note on Pumpkin Puree: Always use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling contains added sugar and spices which will disrupt the intended flavor and texture of this recipe.
• **Nut Alternatives: If pecans are unavailable or you prefer another nut, chopped walnuts make an excellent and delicious substitute, offering a similar crunch and complementary flavor.
• Dough Consistency Guidance: It’s common for biscotti dough to appear a bit crumbly after the dry ingredients are first incorporated. Don’t worry; continue mixing gently. The moisture from the pumpkin and eggs will help the dough come together into a workable, cohesive mass.
• Achieving Uniform Slices: For the most appealing and evenly baked biscotti, aim for consistent 1-inch thick slices after the first bake. A sharp serrated knife is invaluable for clean cuts.
• Indicators of Doneness: During the second bake, biscotti are finished when they feel firm and are lightly golden brown. Avoid over-browning, as this can make them too hard or give them a slightly burnt taste. Remember, they will continue to crisp as they cool.
• Elevate with Chocolate: For an extra layer of decadence, once the biscotti have cooled completely, dip one end into melted dark, milk, or white chocolate chips. Allow the chocolate to set on parchment paper before storing.
• Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to blend smoothly and incorporate air efficiently, resulting in a more uniform and tender dough.

Nutrition Facts

Pumpkin Biscotti Recipe

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Amount Per Serving (1 biscotti)

• Calories 149
• Calories from Fat 72
• Fat 8g (12% Daily Value*)
• Saturated Fat 2g (13% Daily Value)
• Trans Fat 1g
• Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat 2g
• Cholesterol 28mg (9% Daily Value)
• Sodium 37mg (2% Daily Value)
• Potassium 61mg (2% Daily Value)
• Carbohydrates 18g (6% Daily Value)
• Fiber 1g (4% Daily Value)
• Sugar 7g (8% Daily Value)
• Protein 3g (6% Daily Value)
• Vitamin A 1311IU (26% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C 1mg (1% Daily Value)
• Calcium 39mg (4% Daily Value)
• Iron 1mg (6% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Author: Becky Hardin

The Art of the Two-Bake: Achieving Perfect Biscotti Crispness

The distinctive crisp, yet subtly tender, and undeniably sturdy texture of authentic biscotti is achieved through a unique baking methodology famously known as the “twice-baked” process. This traditional Italian technique is absolutely essential for creating biscotti’s remarkable shelf stability and its signature ability to endure a satisfying dunk in coffee, tea, or even a glass of dessert wine without disintegrating. The first stage involves baking the prepared dough, typically shaped into logs, until it is thoroughly cooked through and acquires a beautiful light golden hue. This initial bake is crucial for setting the internal structure and ensuring the dough cooks evenly. After a brief cooling period, these semi-baked logs are carefully sliced into individual cookies, which are then returned to the oven for their second, often lower-temperature, bake. This second round in the oven is where the true transformation occurs: it systematically dries out the biscotti, converting them from softer cookie-like pieces into their characteristic firm, crunchy delights. This drying process efficiently removes any excess moisture, which is key to their extended shelf life and prevents them from becoming stale quickly, imbuing them with that signature snap. For our special Pumpkin Pecan Biscotti, this two-bake method is particularly important, as it masterfully ensures that even with the added moisture and tenderness from the pumpkin puree and almond flour, they still achieve that perfect, desirable balance of a wonderfully crisp exterior and a tender, flavor-packed crumb inside.

Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings for Your Pumpkin Pecan Biscotti

These exquisite Pumpkin Pecan Biscotti are remarkably versatile, making them a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire throughout the fall season and well beyond. Their robust texture and rich, comforting flavors make them ideally suited for a myriad of enjoyable moments:

• Your Morning Ritual: The classic and arguably most beloved pairing! The biscotti’s satisfying crispness softens just enough when dipped into your morning coffee, latte, or a steaming cup of herbal tea, gently releasing all its warm, spiced goodness and nutty notes into your beverage.
• Afternoon Indulgence: Enjoy them simply on their own for a gratifying crunch, or perhaps alongside a tall glass of cold milk, a warm mug of spiced apple cider, or even a chai tea latte for a perfectly balanced afternoon pick-me-up.
• Elegant Dessert Platter: Arrange these charming biscotti artfully alongside other favorite fall desserts – think pumpkin pie, apple crisp, or chocolate tarts – to create a visually stunning and deliciously varied dessert spread for any gathering. They add a touch of rustic elegance to any table.
• Heartfelt Holiday Gifts: Homemade biscotti make for wonderfully thoughtful and much-appreciated gifts. Package a freshly baked batch in beautiful decorative bags, tins, or jars, and you have a perfect present for friends, family, or gracious hosts during the holiday season. They travel exceptionally well and maintain their freshness for an extended period.
• Sophisticated Wine Companion: While traditionally enjoyed with Italian dessert wines like Vin Santo, these spiced biscotti would also pair beautifully with a dry sherry, a robust port, or even a creatively crafted spiced autumn cocktail, offering an unexpected and delightful flavor contrast.

How to Store and Freeze Your Pumpkin Pecan Biscotti for Lasting Freshness

One of the many appealing advantages of baking biscotti is their inherently excellent shelf life, which makes them an ideal candidate for preparing treats in advance, enjoying over several days, or even sharing as thoughtful gifts. To ensure your homemade pumpkin biscotti remain in pristine condition, preserving their delicious flavor and signature crispness, follow these simple storage guidelines:

• Room Temperature Storage: Once your pumpkin biscotti have cooled completely to room temperature, it is crucial to store them in an airtight container. A sturdy cookie jar with a tight-fitting lid or a sealed plastic food storage container works perfectly. When stored properly in this manner, your biscotti will retain their freshness, delightful crispness, and full flavor for an impressive duration of up to 2 weeks. The key is to ensure the container is genuinely airtight to prevent any ambient moisture from softening them.
• Freezing for Extended Enjoyment: For those looking to savor these delectable treats for an even longer period, biscotti freeze exceptionally well. To prepare them for freezing, first ensure the biscotti are completely cooled. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for approximately one hour, or until they are solid. This step prevents them from sticking together. Once flash-frozen, transfer the solid biscotti to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They can be confidently stored in the freezer for up to 1 month, maintaining their quality.
• Thawing Frozen Biscotti: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen biscotti, simply remove them from the freezer. You can let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator for a gradual return to temperature, or allow them to sit at room temperature for 3-4 hours. There’s no strict need to reheat them, but if you desire to restore some of their initial crispness, a quick toast in a warm oven (around 250°F / 120°C for 5-10 minutes) can work wonders, bringing back that fresh-baked crunch.

By adhering to these proper storage techniques, you can ensure that you always have a delightful supply of these autumnal treats on hand, ready to elevate any coffee break or sweet craving!