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What is Biscotti?

S. Mithra
S. Mithra

Biscotti are oblong, thick, brittle cookies designed to be dipped in coffee, cocoa, or dessert wine. Originally from Italy, the term "biscotti" comes from the Latin for "twice baked" because the cookies must be baked twice to make them dry and crunchy. Although these cookies were traditionally almond flavored, modern versions come in a wide variety of flavors. In Italy, these cookies are called "cantucci" or "cantuccini", while the term "biscotti" is used to refer to many different types of crunchy cookies.

The first biscotti were made as a portable and durable food for Roman soldiers and travelers. They started to be made with the traditional almond flavor during the Renaissance, when it also became popular to dip them in a traditional Italian dessert wine called Vin Santo, a practice that remains common in Italy today. Many people outside of Italy prefer to dip biscotti in coffee or hot chocolate to soften them before eating them. The range of flavors that these cookies come in has also expanded hugely since their creation, and includes ingredients as diverse as walnuts, carob chips, orange zest, and anise. Some types are coated with icing or glazed with chocolate, but the most traditional ones do not have a frosting or coating.

Coffee, which is traditionally served with biscotti.
Coffee, which is traditionally served with biscotti.

It's relatively easy to bake these cookies. A basic recipe includes flour, sugar, eggs, and sometimes butter, along with any nuts, spices, or fruits. The dough is formed into one square loaf about an inch thick, which is baked similarly to a scone. When it has baked to a normal cookie consistency, the loaf is removed from the oven and cut diagonally. The slices are then arranged flat on a cookie sheet and baked again to make them crisp.

Most coffee shops and bakeries offer biscotti.
Most coffee shops and bakeries offer biscotti.

Biscotti can be bought singly or in batches at specialty coffee shops and bakeries, and are often used as gifts. They are sometimes even wrapped and decorated for use as party favors, since they are easy to customize. For instance, a person might make a batch of pistachio biscotti speckled with green sprinkles for St. Patrick's Day, or a batch of raspberry biscotti coated in cherry frosting for Valentine's Day.

Discussion Comments

Jewellian
Biscotti is supposed to be hard, as the article describes. I can see how they would have been a good cookie for Roman soldiers and travelers. Biscotti is still a good durable cookie to pack in a care package. Besides, the harder the cookie, the better the coffee or milk dunk.
SpecialBug

Biscotti is not what I would call a "decadent dessert", but it is a very good and tasty cookie. The first time I had a biscotti, I was taken back by how hard it was. I got over it (smile).

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    • Coffee, which is traditionally served with biscotti.
      By: devulderj
      Coffee, which is traditionally served with biscotti.
    • Most coffee shops and bakeries offer biscotti.
      By: Eléonore H
      Most coffee shops and bakeries offer biscotti.
    • A biscotti may be glazed with melted chocolate.
      By: Natika
      A biscotti may be glazed with melted chocolate.
    • Biscotti are sometimes made with chopped almonds or other nuts.
      By: JJAVA
      Biscotti are sometimes made with chopped almonds or other nuts.
    • Many people enjoy biscotti with their coffee.
      By: michaeljung
      Many people enjoy biscotti with their coffee.
    • Biscotti might incorporate both dried fruit and nuts.
      By: matka_Wariatka
      Biscotti might incorporate both dried fruit and nuts.