Biscotti is an Italian cookie that dates back to Roman times. The word biscotti is derived from the Latin word biscotus, meaning twice baked or cooked.
Traditionally, biscotti is made by combining flour, sugar, eggs, and almonds and shaping the dough into a thin loaf. The loaf is baked. Then it’s taken out of the oven, cut into slices and placed back into the oven to bake again. Hence, twice baked.
Biscotti was made this way because the longer cooking process meant the moisture would be drawn out of the cookie and they became very hard. This meant they would last a long time on a journey.
Since then, biscotti have become a staple of Italian desserts. Since they are so dry, a typical Italian meal ends with a biscotti served with a cappuccino or coffee for dipping.
A classic biscotti has almonds and is flavored with anise (a licorice flavor). But, the only limitation on flavor combinations is the imagination.
They may sound difficult to make but are actually simple. Give one of these biscotti recipes a try the next time you’re looking for “a little something.” Come the holidays, they’re great to include in a cookie swap or to give as a small hostess gift.
“A recent conversation with a colleague of mine reminded me that I have a wonderful biscotti recipe with no nuts. That’s right, no nuts! The perfect recipe for anyone with nut allergies.” – Maria
“Baked until lightly crisped and golden, these toasted almond biscotti are the ideal cookie for dunking in your mid-morning coffee or serving up alongside a bowl of espresso ice cream.” – Laura
“We have great debates about chewy versus crunchy cookies at our house but I assure you we all agree that these Chocolate Chip Biscotti are one of our favorites. I have added them to my holiday cookie baskets for quite a few years and they are always the first to disappear.” – Milisa
“If Aristotle was referring to Chocolate-Peanut Butter Marbled Biscotti when he said, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” he was right. Peanut butter and chocolate are tasty flavors on their own, but rise to a higher level of deliciousness when swirled together into one crunchy biscotti, perfect for dipping or munching.” – Wendy
“This recipe turned me into a biscotti lover. Sweetened with brown sugar, flavored with toasted almonds, and dipped in chocolate puts this crunchy biscotti at the top of my coffee pairing list!” – Sally
“This simple biscotti recipe is sweet and a little tart with hints of fresh citrus throughout! Fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a touch of cinnamon make this Cranberry Orange Biscotti worth eating more than one!”- Cathy
“Soooo goood. Crunchy like biscotti, but full of rich chocolate flavor, and it’s absolutely amazing dipped in a hot cup of coffee.” – Jenn
“This simple recipe for homemade Cherry Almond Biscotti is like a little piece of heaven. If you’ve never made biscotti at home, you are in for a real treat. This recipe yields crisp, tender cookies that won’t break your teeth.” – Jen
“Foolproof, easy biscotti recipe with pistachios and cardamom. Just as they should be, these are perfectly dense, crunchy Italian biscotti!” – Suzy
“This biscotti has a wonderful pumpkin spice flavor with a little kick.” – Leigh
