Name: Cinnamon Vanilla Biscotti Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature); ¾ cup granulated sugar; 3 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 eggs; 1 ¾ cups + 2 tablespoons all purpose flour (plus more for shaping the dough); ¾ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup powdered sugar; 3 teaspoons hot water (more or less to achieve a drizzle consistency); Dash of ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe·5 from 5 reviews

If you’re anything like me and love dunking something crisp and lightly sweet into your coffee or tea, you’re going to absolutely adore this Cinnamon Vanilla Biscotti Recipe. It’s that perfect balance of warm cinnamon spice and sweet vanilla aroma that makes these biscotti utterly addictive. Plus, it’s quite straightforward to make at home, even if you’re new to biscotti baking. I can’t wait to share my tips and personal tweaks so you can nail these every single time.

🤎

Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavor: The tandem of cinnamon and vanilla creates a warm, inviting taste without overpowering the classic biscotti flavor.
Simple, Clean Ingredients: Using basic pantry staples makes this recipe accessible and easy for anyone to try.
Perfect Texture Control: The two-stage baking process ensures that crisp, satisfying crunch every biscotti lover desires.
Customizable Glaze: A lightly sweet vanilla glaze with a dash of cinnamon ties everything together beautifully.

Cinnamon Vanilla Biscotti, cinnamon vanilla biscotti, homemade biscotti with cinnamon and vanilla, easy biscotti recipe, crunchy vanilla cinnamon cookies - 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

Every ingredient in this Cinnamon Vanilla Biscotti Recipe plays a role in creating those signature crunchy slices with just the right hint of flavor. I always recommend using fresh vanilla extract because it really lifts the taste and cinnamon that’s freshly ground can make a real difference.

Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture but keeps the flavors clean without extra salt.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create that tender crumb – plus a nice caramelized surface during baking.
Vanilla Extract: The soul of this recipe, it adds warmth and depth that compliments the cinnamon perfectly.
Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to that perfect biscotti texture.
All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base that balances softness and crunch.
Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
Baking Powder: Adds a slight lift so biscotti aren’t too dense.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice – I like to add it last so the dough still shows beautiful cinnamon swirls.
Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Creates a smooth, sweet coating that hardens beautifully with a drizzle consistency.
Hot Water (for glaze): Loosens the powdered sugar just enough for easy drizzling without losing thickness.
Ground Cinnamon (for glaze): Just a little dash to echo the biscotti’s spice in the glaze.

📝

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 best parts about this Cinnamon Vanilla Biscotti Recipe is how easy it is to play around with flavors and textures. Personally, I love adding some chopped nuts for crunch or even dipping a few biscotti ends in melted chocolate when I want a treat that’s a bit fancier. Feel free to make it your own!

Nuts or Seeds: Toasted almonds or pistachios bring a lovely crunch; I’ve tried walnuts, too, for a richer finish.
Chocolate Dipped: After glazing and drying, dip the ends in dark or white chocolate for an elegant upgrade.
Spice Variation: Try swapping cinnamon for cardamom or adding a pinch of nutmeg for a different warm spice profile.
Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend – just watch the dough texture; it might need slight tweaking.

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 (175°C) and lining a baking tray with parchment. In a medium bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes 3–4 minutes with an electric mixer. You want to see a creamy texture, which helps with the dough’s structure later. Once smooth, stir in the vanilla extract until it’s all blended in.

Step 2: Adding Eggs and Dry Ingredients

Crack in the eggs one at a time and mix well after each addition, giving it about a minute to incorporate fully and get things nice and smooth. Then, in a separate small bowl, whisk together your flour, salt, baking powder, and save the ground cinnamon for later. Gently fold these dry ingredients into your egg mixture — I find folding helps keep the dough tender rather than overworking it.

Step 3: Creating That Beautiful Cinnamon Swirl

Now, sprinkle the cinnamon over the dough and fold it in gently just enough so you still get those appealing little swirls of spice instead of evenly distributed cinnamon. Trust me, this gives the biscotti a rustic, handmade look that you’ll love.

Step 4: Shaping the Dough

Lightly flour your parchment-lined tray. Then, dump out your dough in the center. It will be soft and slightly sticky, so sprinkle flour on your hands and the dough as needed to shape it. Stretch and roll the dough lengthwise until it’s about as long as the cookie sheet (roughly 13 inches). Carefully cut the log in half, place the two pieces side by side, and gently press them so they’re about half an inch thick. I like to smooth the edges with my hands to get even straight sides—makes slicing easier later.

Step 5: The First Bake

Bake your logs for about 30 minutes until they turn a light golden brown and feel firm to the touch. I always check to make sure the dough isn’t too soft in the middle—if it is, give it a few more minutes. Once done, let them cool for 5 to 10 minutes right on the tray so they firm up slightly before slicing.

Step 6: Slicing and Second Bake

Lower your oven temperature to 280°F (135°C). Place one of the logs on a cutting board and slice it diagonally into thick slices with a serrated knife—about ½ inch thick works beautifully. Stand the slices on their sides on the tray and bake for 10 minutes, then flip each biscotti and bake for another 10. If you prefer an extra crunchy biscotti like I do sometimes, feel free to extend the bake to 20 minutes per side for that classic snap.

Step 7: Adding the Glaze

While your biscotti are cooling, mix the powdered sugar, hot water, and a dash of cinnamon in a small bowl until you get a smooth, thick but drizzle-able glaze. You can use a fork or pop the glaze in a sandwich bag with a tiny corner snipped for more control. I usually drizzle in zigzags to keep it casual and charming. Let the glaze set before serving—they add a lovely sweet touch without overpowering the cinnamon and vanilla.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Vanilla Biscotti Recipe

Don’t Skip the Two-Stage Baking: This is key for getting that crispy yet tender texture—trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Watch the Dough Stickiness: If your dough feels too sticky to shape, just lightly dust your hands and surface with flour, but don’t overdo it or biscotti will become dry.
Use a Serrated Knife for Clean Slices: It helps you cut through the slightly crisp logs without squashing them.
Cool Before Glazing: Make sure biscotti are cool to avoid the glaze melting into the cookie surface.

How to Serve Cinnamon Vanilla Biscotti Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve these biscotti, I like to keep it simple—a light dusting of powdered sugar or an extra drizzle of glaze for elegance. Sometimes I toss on a few toasted almond slivers for a nutty accent that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon vanilla flavors.

Side Dishes

They’re perfect alongside a rich latte, cappuccino, or even a hot chai tea. For a cozy brunch, serve with fresh fruit or a soft ricotta spread with a drizzle of honey to complement the biscotti’s crispness.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve found these biscotti make a lovely gift or party favor when placed in cute boxes tied with twine or in glass jars layered with cinnamon sticks for an aromatic touch. For special occasions, arranging them on a cake stand or wrapped in parchment with a custom tag really impresses guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay delightfully crisp for up to two weeks. If you notice they’re softening, just pop them in the oven for a few minutes to refresh that crunch.

Freezing

Freezing biscotti works wonderfully! I wrap them tightly in parchment paper then place them in a resealable freezer bag. They keep well for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Reheating

If you want to revive the crispiness of refrigerated or thawed biscotti, just heat them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This quick warm-up freshens their crunch and aroma without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I make this Cinnamon Vanilla Biscotti Recipe without butter?

Yes, though butter adds richness and helps with the texture, you can substitute it with an equal amount of coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil. Keep in mind the flavor and texture might be slightly different, but your biscotti will still be wonderful and crisp.
How do I store biscotti to keep them crunchy?

Store biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature to retain their crunch. Avoid humid places, as moisture softens them. If they do lose crispiness, a quick reheat in the oven will restore their signature crunch.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios add a lovely texture, and mini chocolate chips bring extra sweetness. Just fold them in at the end with the cinnamon so they’re evenly distributed but don’t overwhelm the dough.
Is there a way to make this biscotti gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Since gluten-free dough can be more delicate, watch the consistency and add a tiny bit more flour or moisture as needed. The flavor will still be fantastic.
Why do I need to bake the biscotti twice?

Baking twice is essential for achieving the biscotti’s signature crunchy texture. The first bake cooks the dough through, while the second bake—after slicing—dries out the cookies so they become crisp and perfect for dipping.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Vanilla Biscotti Recipe has become a favorite when I want something a little special but still easy to whip up. It pairs effortlessly with my morning coffee and always earns compliments when I bring it to gatherings. I hope you give this a try soon—once you taste that spiced vanilla goodness and feel the satisfying crunch, you’ll understand why I keep making them again and again. Happy baking, friend!