Although biscotti were out of the picture for some period in Roman history, it is now one of the most popular snacks in Italy and even abroad. Many prefer something crispy and crunchy.

So, if you are also looking for a lip-smacking snack, Italian biscotti are worth it. However, in case it is your first time learning about this delicacy, let us tell you more –

So, what are biscotti?

Biscotti, also known as biscotti di Prato, are dry and crispy traditional Italian cookies with a long shelf life. They were first introduced in the Tuscan city of Prato. These cookies have a balanced sweetness mixed with a subtle nutty flavor and other chosen extracts. Italians have used this treat as the perfect snack for decades now.

However, this cookie is no longer limited to Italians. Different countries have tried other ingredients and flavors to create their sensations for biscotti. You can have these cookies with hot milk or coffee for snacks or use them as toppings for desserts.

Today, in this blog, we will learn more about the history of biscotti, different flavors and serving preferences. We will also provide you with one of the most popular biscotti recipes.

Italian Biscotti History

Italian biscotti history reveals that they originated in ancient Rome, where soldiers and travelers used them for convenience. The cookies were hardtack-like crackers that could be stored for a long time without refrigeration.

When the Roman Empire expanded, these cookies became popular in other parts of Europe, and local bakers adapted the recipe. In the 14th century, a variation of biscotti known as cantucci was created in the Tuscan city of Prato.

In the 1800s, a scholar named Amado Baldanzi was believed to have discovered the original Roman soldier recipe for biscotti. Then, a baker named Antonio Mattei developed his original recipe for almond biscotti and has been producing it since 1858.

Even in America, Christopher Columbus brought biscotti to the country for its long shelf life during the long sail to American shores.

Although the original version of biscotti dates to the ancient Roman Empire, the version we find today is mostly associated with the Tuscan city of Prato, Italy. It is made with almonds and other flavored extracts and is enjoyed with sweet dessert wines like Vin Santo.

Over time, biscotti have evolved and are now available in various recipes with different flavors and ingredients, such as the American version. For added sweetness and taste, dried fruits and extracted flavoring have been tried.

What Does Biscotti Mean in Italian?

In modern Italian terms, biscotti mean any type of cookie or biscuit. However, this word is used in different countries to describe cantucci (the traditional Italian almond biscotti from Prato).

As for the real meaning of biscotti, it came from the Latin word biscoctus. The word means twice baked. In this method, the cookies are baked twice.

First, cut them into long shapes while they are soft.
Second, to get the moisture out and give the cookies a dry and crunchy texture.

The twice-baked method gives the cookies a longer shelf life and helps make them crispy.

Today, you can find this cookie in various flavors and ingredients. However, remember that only Italian biscotti are hard and crunchy. Other variations, like the American one, are softer and eaten like cookies.

What is Biscotti and Cantucci? The Differences

Imagine you have gone to an Italian pasticceria to try out traditional biscotti. They have asked you whether you would like to have biscotti or cantucci. We bet you would be confused there because Cantucci is biscotti only, so what is the difference?

They are both traditional Italian cookies known for their crisp texture and long shelf life. However, they also have a few differences, such as –

Different Origins: They have different origins. As mentioned, Biscotti is from the region of Emilia-Romagna and the now-popular cantucci is from Tuscany, Prato.
Cookie Version: Biscotti are the first version that soldiers and travelers used to have in the Ancient Roman Empire. Cantucci came later when biscotti was discovered in the Tuscan city of Prato.
Various Ingredients: They use different ingredients. Biscotti are made with all-purpose flour and a variety of nuts. But cantucci uses almonds rather than nuts and is more hardtack-like.
Taste and Texture: In terms of texture, they are both crispy and dry. However, cantucci is sweeter and less buttery than biscotti and has a striking almond flavor.
Shape: Cantucci is generally shaped like a flattened cylinder, but traditional biscotti are long and thin.

Besides all these differences, cantucci and biscotti are both delicious, which you can enjoy as a snack with coffee, tea, and wine. You can also use them as dessert toppings.

Different Flavors of Biscotti

There are varieties of flavors for biscotti these days. When biscotti first came, it was made of all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, butter, oil, and nuts. Sometimes they used chocolate extracts or honey. Then, when cantucci came, the ingredient changed to almond and almond extract rather than nuts.

With all the advancements in recent times, different chefs and countries have tried creating their own sensations for biscotti with different flavors and ingredients. While the classic almond biscotti can be your all-time favorite, trying out different biscotti flavors can provide you with different experiences.

Here are some of the different flavors you can find –

Classic Almond Biscotti:

Almond Biscotti is the most classic flavor, made with almonds and almond extract. The almonds pair perfectly with the biscotti and create a balanced sweetness. This irresistible treat overflows with the richness of almonds, offering a mouthwatering bliss.

Biscotti with Almonds and Dark Belgian Chocolate:

Made with silvered almonds, this biscotti is topped with dark Belgian chocolate to give that extra sweetness. Its crunchy texture and understated sweetness make it a perfect companion to your cup of coffee.

Anise Flavored Biscotti:

Anise biscotti are another classic Italian flavor. Anise seeds and anise extract add a touch of licorice-like warmth to the biscotti.

Biscotti with a Citrus Taste:

These biscotti are made with orange zest and orange extract to bring a beautiful citrus flavor. Sometimes, bakers also use lemon zest and lemon extract rather than orange. It gives a refreshing and tangy taste.

Hazelnut Biscotti:

You cannot resist this nutty allure that embodies the essence of luxury and flavor. Hazelnut Biscotti has a beautiful temptation offering a symphony of flavors and aromas.

Chocolaty Almond Biscotti:

It is among the most popular and loved flavors today. These biscotti include cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and even chocolate drizzle to create a mouth-savoring chocolaty taste.

Fruits & Nuts Biscotti:

Dried fruits like cherries, cranberries, etc., add sweetness and a tangy flavor. Bakers also add hazelnuts, hazelnut paste, or pistachios to create a tasty, nutty flavor.

Biscotti with a Taste of Spices:

Cinnamon, Cinnamon extract, Ginger, etc., give the biscotti a warm and spicy flavor. They are a perfect complement to tea or coffee and can be ideal for winter.

Gluten Free Almond Biscotti:

Almond Biscotti without gluten is a delectable treat and an ode to pure indulgence. Try this flavorful, healthy twist to enjoy the amazing harmony of flavors and enter a world of culinary delight.

These are only some of the familiar biscotti flavors available in the market. With more creativity and the help of your taste buds, you can also explore different ingredients and see whether you can create unique flavor combinations.

Are Biscottis Healthier than Cookies?

Many people say biscotti is a better option than cookies. However, it depends on the different recipes and brands you get your biscotti from. Traditional biscotti recipes need flour, sugar, eggs, butter, oil, or shortening. Some recipes even include nuts or dried fruits.

So, if eaten in moderation, there are many benefits of gluten free biscotti, it can be part of a healthy diet meal plan with other food. How?

While the recipe for biscotti may be like that of other cookies, it uses less butter, which means less fat and sugar.
The use of flour also contributes to higher fiber content that promotes satiety and digestive health.

Thus, biscotti also have healthy fat, fiber, and nutrients along with exceptional calorie count. But remember, these are denser and can be easy to overeat. One biscotti can pack more calories than required if you are not mindful of portion control.

Biscotti and Beverage Pairing

Are you wondering whether to dunk your biscotti or not?

While dunking cookies in beverages may seem unusual and unconventional, biscotti are best when soaked in beverages. Italians still dunk their biscotti in different beverages to get the perfect experience.

Luckily, many beverages go well with biscotti, so you can choose something you prefer. Let's look at some preferred beverage pairings –

Coffee

Many people love to dunk it in their cappuccino or Americano coffee to feel the caffeinated goodness. The rich and bold flavors of coffee can also complement the sweetness of the biscotti and create a balanced flavor. With the rich taste of coffee, it can be a perfect dessert or breakfast.

Vin Santo

It is a traditional Italian dessert wine that has a sweet and nutty flavor profile. The Vin Santo wine perfectly complements the biscotti's texture and taste. Purists say wine is the only liquid to dunk your biscotti as the traditional Italian people did.

These wines are perfect for conventional almond biscotti (cantucci). You can pair your more decadent biscotti flavors, like chocolate or fruit variations, with sweet wines like Port or Marsala.

Milk

Dunking your biscotti in milk can feel unconventional for purists. However, if the dunk fits, go for it. If you have sweet teeth and love dunking your cookies in milk, then why not? It can offer you a nostalgic and satisfying experience.

Tea

A cup of herbal tea can also go well with biscotti. Try herbal tea with chamomile or lavender flavors. These can offer a lighter experience and a delightful contrast with the tea's floral notes.

Remember, the best pairing ultimately depends on your personal preferences. Do not be afraid to experiment with different options to discover what you like the most and dunk your biscotti.

Biscotti Pairings for Different Occasions

Imagine organizing a friendly gathering or a formal dinner at your home. You might wonder what exquisite delicacy you can bring to the table. We recommend biscotti to be the perfect accompaniment for these kinds of gatherings.

It brings nostalgic feelings and different experiences to the room. You can decorate your tables with varying platters of biscotti and matching beverages for various gatherings. It is a timeless treat that can surprise and impress your guests.

You can pair different biscotti flavors and beverages for your gatherings in many ways. Here are some of them –

Formal Events

Biscotti are the perfect accompaniment for formal events like a dinner party. Simply serve a selection of classic biscotti flavors, like almond or chocolate cherry, with Vin Santo or a bottle of sweet port wine.

You can also create a light and refreshing environment for a formal meeting by offering a platter of biscotti with some herbal tea.

Casual Events

When having a movie night with your bestie or enjoying a wonderful evening with your loved one, serving biscotti with mugs of hot chocolate or creamy lattes can create a cozy atmosphere.

You can also host a simple afternoon get-together with your friends and serve biscotti with glasses of iced coffee or iced tea. These are delightful options that can impress your friends and loved ones.

Holiday Brunch

Offering cranberry-pistachio biscotti with glasses of sparkling wine or champagne can add a festive touch to your holiday gatherings.

Maybe you can also surprise your guests at brunch with a platter of citrus-infused biscotti paired with various fruit juices or mimosas to add a bright and zesty touch.

We can suggest some biscotti gift ideas for holiday season. All pairings depend on the occasion as well. Thus, experiment more and match biscotti flavors with beverage pairings according to your preferences.

Almond Biscotti Recipe – The Famous Cantucci

While the original almond cantucci of Antonio Mattei is the favorite for many, the recipe is kept a secret.

However, different countries and people have tried creating recipes to bake biscotti that taste perfect even without the original recipe.

Here we have one of the popular recipes for a crispy and crunchy biscotti packed with lightly roasted almonds -

Servings: 24 biscotti | Calories: 106kcal

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
One teaspoon of baking powder
1 cup sugar
4 Tablespoons butter at room temperature
Two large eggs
zest of 1 large lemon (or you could use one teaspoon of finely grated orange zest)
1 Tablespoon almond extract
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole almonds toasted and coarsely chopped

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Position a rack in the center of the oven and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs one at a time. Add lemon zest and almond extract, and then stir in the vanilla extract for 2 to 3 minutes. Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients (toasted and chopped almonds) to the wet ingredients, mixing at a medium-low speed until combined. A dough will form, which may be slightly sticky.
Let the dough rest for a couple of minutes in the bowl.
Divide the dough and shape each half into a long log, approximately 10-12 inches long and 2-3 inches wide. Place the logs on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them for spreading.
Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool slightly on the baking sheets for 10 minutes. Make sure the dough is firm but slightly gives in when pressed.
Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C). Carefully transfer the biscotti logs to a cutting board. Then, cut diagonally into slices about 1 inch thick with a serrated knife.
Arrange the biscotti slices on the prepared baking sheets, keeping the cut side down. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch. Remember to flip them sometime in the middle.
Let the biscotti cool completely on the baking sheets before storing them in an airtight container.
After three days, you can store them in your refrigerator.

Please remember, this is just a classic almond biscotti recipe. Try the gluten free biscotti recipe as well. You can also add different flavored extracts, dry fruits, and other ingredients as desired.

The Science behind the Twice-Baked Biscotti

Well, you might ask why biscotti are twice baked. The primary reason is to make these cookies hard and crispy for a long shelf life. However, there's a scientific reason behind it.

In the first bake, the dough cooks through, but some moisture remains trapped within, making it easier to cut into shapes.

The second bake occurs at a lower temperature. This allows you to remove excess moisture from the biscotti, making it more complicated.

How? Here is the science behind it –

Heat excites water molecules and increases their kinetic energy, causing them to move faster. This allows water to escape from the dough as vapor.
The lower temperature prevents them from burning after the first bake but provides sustained evaporation.

The second baking process gives your biscotti a crunchy texture, lowers moisture content to reduce the risk of mold growth, and allows the biscotti to be stored for longer periods.

Explore Aldo's Coffee Company for All Your Biscotti Needs!

The irresistible biscotti treat is ready to take you on a journey of flavorful experience. Explore and taste these cookies to understand its texture and experience a visit to the amazing world of culinary delight.

If you do not know where to start, visit Aldo's Coffee Co. We bring you a collection of freshly baked biscotti cookies with different flavors. We also offer a wide range of affordable coffee and biscotti gift baskets.

Get ready to experience the crunchiness of this mouth-savoring treat!