Biscotti, What are they? Hi, I’m Bruno, the owner and founder of The Biscotti Company, a wholesale bakery. Today, I want to share a little bit about Italian cookies called Biscotti. Biscotti, also known as cantuccini or mandelbrot (Mandel bread), are traditional Italian cookies with a long history and rich cultural significance.
Biscotti Meaning
The word “biscotti” is derived from the Latin word “bis,” meaning “twice,” and “coctus,” meaning “cooked,” referring to the fact that the dough is baked twice to create a hard, dry texture.
Biscotti History
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.
As the Roman Empire spread, the recipe for biscotti traveled to different parts of Europe and was adapted by local bakers. In medieval Italy, a variation of biscotti known as cantuccini was created in the Tuscan town of Prato. This version of biscotti was made with almonds and was typically enjoyed with a sweet dessert wine like vin santo.
Over time, Biscotti has evolved, and various recipes and variations have been created by adding different flavors, such as chocolate, hazelnuts, pistachios, and dried fruits.
As time went on, Biscotti continued to evolve and diversify. For example, in the 19th century, the creation of mandelbrot by Jewish bakers in Italy. They put a spin on the traditional recipe by incorporating ingredients such as oil and eggs, making the dough more moist and pliable and could be served as part of the Shabbat dinner. It’s fascinating how a simple cookie recipe can have so much cultural and historical significance.
Mandel Bread
The name Mandelbrot has its roots in Yiddish, specifically in the word “mandlbroyt” which translates to “almond bread.” It’s a fitting name, as the cookie commonly includes almonds as the main ingredient.
As the 20th century progressed, Biscotti started to become increasingly popular in the United States. It was frequently served as an accompaniment for coffee and tea in cafes and coffee shops. Now, this traditional Italian cookie is enjoyed globally and often paired with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Biscotti Flavors
Through the years, creative bakers have put their spin on the original recipe by incorporating various flavors and ingredients, from chocolate chips and dried fruit to nuts. Today, Biscotti offers a wide array of tasty options for all palates and health restrictions.
In recent years, Biscotti has seen renewed interest not only for its unique flavor profile but also for its nutritional value. Biscotti are now created with almond flour, less sugar, and gluten-free flour. These ingredients make Biscotti a healthier option for those who are conscious about their diet and looking for a satisfying snack that is not too heavy on sugar.
Biscotti and its crunchy cousins
At The Biscotti Company, we continue to evolve and diversify Biscotti, using a traditional 200-year-old recipe and incorporating a wide variety of flavors and ingredients, such as dark chocolate, lemon, dried fruit, and nuts.
As the owner of The Biscotti Company, I am proud to offer traditional Italian biscotti cookies with rich history and cultural significance. With its origins dating back to ancient Rome, it has evolved to include various flavors and ingredients.
Today, biscotti is paired with many beverages, including liquor, and offers a healthier alternative to regular cookies.
Biscotti
Chocolate Almond Biscotti
Rated 5.00 out of 5
$10.99
Rated 4.55 out of 5
$10.99
Rated 5.00 out of 5
$11.99
Biscotti
Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
Rated 5.00 out of 5
$12.99
Biscotti
Chocolate Almond Biscotti – 3 Pack
Rated 5.00 out of 5
$31.97
Biscotti
Double Chocolate Biscotti
Rated 4.88 out of 5
$11.99
Rated 4.83 out of 5
$12.99
Biscotti
Cherry Chocolate Biscotti
Rated 5.00 out of 5
$11.99
Biscotti
Biscotti – Variety Pack
Rated 5.00 out of 5
$32.97
Gluten Free Biscotti
Gluten Free Chocolate Almond Biscotti
Rated 5.00 out of 5
$13.99
FAQs
Biscotti is a twice-baked cookie with roots that go all the way back to ancient Rome. Initially, these incredibly crunchy cookies were made to sustain the Roman soldiers while they were away for extended periods of time. Since the cookies were already hard and crunchy, there was no risk of them spoiling.
What is the history of biscotti in Italy? ›
Biscotti History
As the Roman Empire spread, the recipe for biscotti traveled to different parts of Europe and was adapted by local bakers. In medieval Italy, a variation of biscotti known as cantuccini was created in the Tuscan town of Prato.
What is special about biscotti? ›
Travelers used this cookie as a long-lasting source of nourishment during long journeys. Biscotti was baked first to simply cook the ingredients and then a second time to dry them out completely, making them more durable and less-perishable for the long journey.
What are biscotti called in Italy? ›
Although commonly used to indicate the biscuits of Prato, biscotti di Prato, in modern Italy they are also known widely by the name cantuccini. These names actually suggest other similar regional products of Italy.
What do biscotti mean in Italian? ›
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 do you dip biscotti in in Italy? ›
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. It's usually made with trebbiano and malvasia grapes, and the slightly syrupy, amber-hued wine can have flavors of honey, hazelnut, and dried apricot.
Why are biscotti baked twice? ›
The first biscotti, often referred to as Biscotti di Prato, were created in 14th-century Tuscany in the city of Prato and were made from almonds, which were abundant in the region. Because the second baking drew moisture out of the biscuit, it rendered the biscotti hard, sturdy and, importantly, resistant to mold.
Are biscotti healthier than cookies? ›
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.
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.
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.
In the US, we typically enjoy our biscotti dipped into espresso, but in Italy, it's also traditional to dip them into a glass of good Vin Santo after a meal.
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.
What is a fun 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 is the cultural significance of biscotti? ›
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'.
What is a single biscotti called? ›
First of all, the strict answer to the question “When is a biscotti not a biscotti?” is “never”, because in Italian “biscotti” is a plural word, meaning biscuits, while the singular is “biscotto”.
What is the difference between Italian and American 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 is the original biscotti flavor? ›
Almond biscotti: The most traditional type of biscotti is made with almonds and almond extract. Anise biscotti is a classic Italian flavor made with anise seed and extract.
How do you eat biscotti in Italy? ›
The Best Way To Eat Biscotti
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.
