How many times have you enjoyed some crunchy biscotti with your cup of coffee? Too many to count? We don’t blame you. This crisp golden treat studded with whole almonds is simply irresistible. And yes, while this Italian offering is now enjoyed across the country (and even the world) — this popular biscuit actually came from very humble beginnings.
The Beginnings Of Biscotti
A lot of people believe that biscotti was born in Tuscany. However, it was actually created in Rome, many years ago. Twice baked to make them easy to store, the Romans created the biscotti as a food with a long shelf-life, to be consumed on long, weary journeys or in the middle of battles.
Years later, following the Renaissance, biscotti popped up again — this time, in Tuscany. Down there, they’re actually called ‘cantucci’. From here, they began spreading across the country like wildfire! So, if you enjoy this moreish biscuit, you may credit it to a Tuscan baker named Antonio Mattei. In fact, it was his original recipe that led to the rise of Italy’s tryst with biscotti. It’s now a popular Italian snack, served at home in the afternoon and even at Italian cafés.
Today, the classic biscotti has received spiffy makeovers across the globe. Even so, there’s just something about the Italian biscotti that boasts a rather universal appeal. Here’s a quick low-down on this dearly beloved breakfast and teatime treat.
The Best Way To Eat Biscotti
With Vin Santo
To eat like the Italians, serve biscotti with a glass of Vin Santo — a sweet dessert wine made in the Tuscan region. For centuries, true-blue Italians have enjoyed ending their meals with some biscotti and Vin Santo.
With Coffee
An Italian would frown upon this pairing. But, outside of Italy, biscotti is widely served with everything from cappuccinos and lattes to espressos and black tea. If all you’re looking for is to soften up the biscotti and enjoy its flavour, this pairing will do the job.
With Milk
For a simple but delicious experience, dunk your biscotto in a glass of warm milk. This will allow the flavours of the biscuit to pop through and tease your tastebuds.
Biscotti With A Twist
Experimenting with biscotti is a whole lot of fun. Every baker adds their unique stamp to this classic. And, so it is that from lemon-flavoured dough to the incorporation of other different ingredients, the biscotti universe is exhaustive. Here are some of our favourites.
The Classic Biscotti
This authentic offering is the most popular one, made using flour, sugar, eggs and whole almonds.
Lemon Biscotti
These fresh bites of joy are made with the same basic ingredients, with the addition of lemon and sometimes, vanilla extract and poppy seeds.
Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
Popularly made around Christmas-time, these biscuits come with the additional goodness of dried cranberries and lovely pistachios.
Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti
Who doesn’t love chocolate? Chocolate hazelnut biscotti are all the rage today, across the world. Packed with chocolate and toasty hazelnuts, these crunchy delights make for a great teatime snack.
Savoury Biscotti
Biscotti an be savoury too! Use some of Italy’s finest ingredients, savoury biscotti features on a grazing board. Here’s some inspiration for your next party.
• Savoury biscotti with parmesan cheese and olives
• Savoury grana padano cheese biscotti
• Sun-dried tomato and parmesan cheese biscotti
You can check out our Tutti Frutti Biscotti or Choco Chunks Biscotti.
Grab our Sicilian Spiced Nuts or Truffle Lacquered Nuts. You can also shop for Cacio e Pepe Crackers or Herbed Crostini. And, to stay updated about all our new products and how to best cook Italian food, follow us on Instagram @sorrentina_honestlyitalian.
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FAQs
What does Biscotti mean in Italian? Directly translated, Biscotti (or biscotto) simply means cookie in modern day Italian. However, the word originates from the Latin word biscoctus, meaning “twice-cooked,” referring to the method used to make traditional Biscotti.
What are some fun facts about biscotti? ›
The History of Biscotti – Biscotti comes from the Latin word biscoctus, which means twice-baked. While Italians use biscotti as an umbrella term, of sorts, to designate many different varietals of cookies, Americans use it as the name for this delicious long, crisp, twice-baked Italian cookie.
What's the difference between a biscuit and a biscotti? ›
🇮🇹 biscotti vs 🇬🇧 biscuit vs 🇺🇸 biscuit The Italian word "biscotti" refers to a specific type of cookie or biscuit that is baked twice and are typically dry, crunchy, and often flavoured with almonds or other ingredients.
What is the famous biscuit in Italy? ›
Biscotti (/bɪˈskɒti/, Italian: [biˈskɔtti]; lit. 'biscuits') or cantucci ( Italian: [kanˈtuttʃi]) are Italian almond biscuits that originated in the Tuscan city of Prato. They are twice-baked, oblong-shaped, dry, crunchy, and may be dipped in a drink, traditionally Vin Santo.
What is the difference between American and Italian biscotti? ›
Here it is, a biscotti recipe everyone can enjoy — unlike classic Italian biscotti, which are quite hard, these are light and crunchy. Biscotti bake twice rather than once, and thus take a bit longer start-to-finish than normal drop cookies.
What do Italians drink with biscotti? ›
That's why in Italy, the crunchy are almost always dipped in a sweet wine called vin santo. Like cantucci, vin santo has its origins in Tuscany.
Is biscotti healthy? ›
Unlike many traditional cookies, biscotti are often lower in fat and sugar. Add some heart healthy nuts and you have a satisfying and relatively light treat! This delicious cookie can easily be made vegan & vegetarian friendly.
How do Italians eat biscotti? ›
With Vin Santo
To eat like the Italians, serve biscotti with a glass of Vin Santo — a sweet dessert wine made in the Tuscan region. For centuries, true-blue Italians have enjoyed ending their meals with some biscotti and Vin Santo.
What is the nickname for biscotti? ›
Biscotti, also known as cantucci, are twice-baked Italian cookies made of almonds and originated in Prato, Tuscany, in the 14th-century, where almonds were abundant.
Why do people love biscotti? ›
Biscotti cookies, also known as cantucci, are traditional Italian cookies. They are known for their long shelf life and crisp texture. They can be enjoyed with coffee or tea, dipped in wine, or used as a dessert topping.
Despite their centuries-old heritage, there is no one perfect way to make biscotti. Some recipes call for eggs only, which is the traditional method, while others swear by butter or oil. The choice is yours; just keep in mind that those made with butter or oil will have both a softer texture and a shorter shelf life.
What is a single biscotti called? ›
In a world where every single cookie is called a biscotto (the singular form of the word) there needs to be a word for what we know to be biscotti. That word is - yes, you guessed it - cantucci!
Does biscotti go with tea or coffee? ›
So, while I prefer coffee, biscotti and tea are a classic combination that can be enjoyed at any time of day. You can create a delicious and satisfying experience by preparing and pairing biscotti with tea. I encourage you to try different biscotti and tea combinations and find your perfect match.
What is the number 1 biscuit in the world? ›
As the world's leading biscuit brand, Parle-G has become more than just a product; it represents cherished memories and a taste that transcends generations. With monthly production enough to cover the distance to the moon and back, Parle-G continues to hold a special place in the hearts and homes of millions.
What is an interesting fact about biscotti? ›
Since they are very dry, biscotti traditionally are served with a drink, into which they may be dunked. In Italy they are typically served as an after-dinner dessert with a Tuscan fortified wine called vin santo. Outside of Italy, they more frequently accompany coffee, including cappuccinos and lattes, or black tea.
What do Italians call biscotti? ›
Italians use the word biscotti when referring to products that Americans call cookies. The word cantucci is used by Italians when referring to the product Americans call biscotti.
What region of Italy is biscotti from? ›
What is the cultural significance of biscotti? ›
Biscotti has its origins in ancient Rome, where soldiers enjoyed them as a hardtack-like food that could be easily transported and stored. The cookies were made with a simple mixture of flour, water, and sometimes nuts or honey.
What does it mean to smoke biscotti? ›
Biscotti is a potent indica-dominant hybrid marijuana strain reportedly made by crossing Gelato 25 with Sour Florida OG. Others report that Biscotti is Motorbreath x G41. This strain produces a cerebral high that leave consumers feeling relaxed, creative, and buzzy from head-to-toe.
How did biscotti get its name? ›
The word biscotti is derived from the Latin biscoctus, meaning twice baked or cooked: The dough is formed into logs, baked, cooled and baked again. Whereas Italians use the word "biscotti" to refer to various cookies, Americans use the term to refer to the singular long, crisp, twice-baked Italian cookie.
