Spotlight Series: All About Biscotti

What Are Biscotti?

Biscotti cookies are traditional Italian cookies with an oblong shape, a toasty buttery flavor and a lovable crunch. The word “biscotto” comes from the Latin word bis, which means “twice,” while cotto means “cooked” or “baked.” This is because biscotti dough is baked twice to achieve its distinctive hard, crunchy texture. Not too sweet and not too rich, biscotti cookies are the ideal treat—not just a dessert—and come in many variations to include ingredients like chocolate chips, citrus, almond extract, cocoa powder, dried fruits and more. Their crispy, dry texture makes them perfect for pairing with hot beverages, sweet dessert wines and even milk.

The Origin of Biscotti and Its Brief History

Talk about a timeless dessert! Many think of biscotti as a Tuscan cookie, but the crunchy treat got its start long before modern times. Biscotti cookies can be traced back to The Roman Empire, where they were enjoyed mostly for their convenience by soldiers and other travellers as a hardtack type of food. The first biscotti were made quite simply with a base of flour and water, and then cooked twice to create a dry, non-perishable food that could be easily stored for transport.

Biscotti had all but disappeared until they reemerged many years later during the Renaissance. Legend has it that a Tuscan baker restored their popularity as a treat to serve with sweet dessert wine. Flavored with almonds, amaretto, Tuscan Biscotti were referred to as Cantucci di Prato, a name that pays homage to the almond groves of Prato. These almond biscuits are known as cantucci, in Italy, where they can be found in every Tuscan bakery. Cantucci are what Americans known as “biscotti” in the U.S.

While it is said that Christopher Columbus brought biscotti to the Americas, these lovable Italian cookies have come a long way since then. As with many Italian foods, Americans have celebrated these crunchy cookies and have even created their own take on the tradition. In the U.S., biscotti recipes include ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruits, nuts, cocoa powder, cinnamon and more.

How Are Biscotti Made and What Are They Made Of?

Biscotti, also known as cantucci or cantuccini in Italy, are named for how they are made—famously twice-baked cookies that achieve a dry, hard and crunchy texture. Biscotti dough is baked once in an oblong loaf, then cut, and baked again as single cookies. There are many biscotti recipes, but most are made with a simple base of flour, eggs, sugar, baking powder and almonds. Though the traditional Tuscan recipe does not include butter or olive oil, some American variations include them for a softer bite. Biscotti cookies come in many flavors these days with ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruits, hazelnuts, cocoa powder, citrus, cinnamon, etc.

The Best Biscotti – The DeLallo Difference

We take pride in our Biscotti! DeLallo Biscotti are artisan-made Italian cookies, produced in small batches with only the finest ingredients. Each batch is shaped, cut and packed by-hand—carefully crafted for an authentic experience. True to tradition, our Italian biscotti recipe and artisanal baking methods ensure a delicate sweetness and the toasty, buttery crunch you love.

Biscotti Recipes and Usage Ideas

Biscotti cookies are delicately sweet and super crunchy—the perfect treat to enjoy with hot beverages like coffee, tea and espresso. Some enjoy them simply with an ice-cold glass of milk and even a sweet dessert wine (harkening back to their Tuscan roots.) Their dry, hard texture makes them a famously excellent dunking cookie, but that is up to you! Because they aren’t super sweet and decadent, biscotti cookies can be enjoyed as a breakfast treat, a midday snack and an after-dinner dessert.

If you’re feeling creative, biscotti cookies can be crumbled to create a crunchy topping for ice cream, Greek yogurt, gelato and pudding. Crushed biscotti can be used in the same way that you use graham crackers as a tasty crust for fruit pies, cheesecakes and sheet pan (bar) cookies.

Recipe: Almond Caramel Ice Cream Pie

Recipe: Cherry Cheesecake Dip

Recipe: Italian Cheesecake