Biscotti Cookie – The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) (2024)

Biscotti Cookie – The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) (1)yes, You’ve probably had a biscotti cookie before. But do you really know what it is? Let’s take a closer look at this crunchy, twice-baked cookie that seems to be popular these days.

What Are Biscotti Cookies?

Biscotti are thought to have originated in the Tuscan city of Prato region of central Italy, sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. The word “biscotti” comes from the Latin “bis-coctus,” which means “twice baked.” And that’s precisely what biscotti are: twice-baked cookies, resulting in a crispy, crunchy texture.

Biscotti Cookie – The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) (2)The original biscotti recipe called for just a few simple ingredients: flour, sugar, eggs, almonds, and anise seeds. Anise is a type of licorice-flavored herb that is popular in many Italian desserts. These days, you’ll find all sorts of variations on the classic biscotti recipe, with different flavors and ingredients to give the biscotti cookies their unique taste.

The Fall from Grace

Despite its humble beginnings, biscotti became quite popular in Italy and beyond. But by the mid-20th century, its popularity had begun to wane. One reason for this was the rise of mass-produced cookies—including chocolate chip cookies—that were easy to make and more accessible to eat than biscotti.

In addition, many people began associating biscotti with old-fashioned values and traditions. As a result, younger generations were not as interested in eating them as their parents and grandparents were. This trend continued throughout much of the latter half of the 20th century.

The Biscotti Cookie Comeback Kid

All hope was not lost for biscotti, however. In the early 1980s, a new generation of Italian bakers began experimenting with traditional recipes, coming up with new flavor combinations and adding chocolate and other ingredients to give the cookies a modern twist. These updated versions of biscotti caught on with young people in Italy and soon became popular in the United States in the 1990s and in other countries worldwide.

Biscotti Cookie – The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) (3)

Nowadays, you can find all sorts of different flavors and varieties of biscotti at your local coffee shop or grocery store. And while some purists may turn their noses up at these creative takes on a classic cookie, there’s no denying that biscotti is back—and here to stay!

So there you have it: the story of how biscotti went from being a beloved Italian treat to an outdated cookie and back again. The next time you enjoy a cup of coffee (or tea) and a delicious biscotti cookie, take a moment to appreciate its humble origins.

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FAQs

Is it biscotti or cantucci? ›

The main difference between Cantucci and Biscotti is their origin, Cantucci is from Tuscany, and Biscotti is from the region of Emilia-Romagna. Cantucci is typically made with almonds, while Biscotti are made with all-purpose flour and a variety of nuts and chocolate or nothing.

What is the secret to making biscotti? ›

12 Tips For Making The Absolute Best Biscotti
  1. Use room-temperature ingredients. ...
  2. Boost the flavor with spices, extracts, and zest. ...
  3. Toss in some add-ins for flavor and texture. ...
  4. Let the dough chill before shaping. ...
  5. Use floured or greased hands to shape the dough. ...
  6. Shape the dough into a smaller loaf than you want.
May 29, 2023

How to tell when biscotti are done? ›

If the biscotto feels soft, like a piece of cake, give it another 5 minutes in the oven. If it feels firm but still gives a bit when you poke it, take it out for rather soft-textured but still crunchy biscotti.

Which cookie is always twice baked? ›

Biscotti cookies are crispy, twice-baked Italian cookies known for their distinct oblong shape and crunchy texture.

What does biscotti literally mean? ›

The word biscotto, used in modern Italian to refer to a biscuit (or cookie) of any kind, originates from the Medieval Latin word biscoctus, meaning 'twice-cooked'. It characterised oven-baked goods that were baked twice, so they became very dry and could be stored for long periods of time.

Is biscotti an OG? ›

Biscotti strain is an indica-dominant hybrid that has gained popularity among cannabis enthusiasts for its potent effects and delightful flavor profile. It is believed to be a cross between Gelato #25 and South Florida OG strains, resulting in a unique combination of traits.

Is biscotti better with oil or butter? ›

Some purists will tell you that they should only be made with oil. But, step aside from tradition for a second and you might find it helpful to use a little bit of butter, which may be the difference between perfectly crunchy biscotti and ones that may be too hard to bite on.

Can I use baking soda instead of baking powder in biscotti? ›

If you can't find baking powder you can make you own.

Baking soda is a common leavener used in baking, cookies muffins and biscotti when certain ingredients are also included.

Is biscotti healthy? ›

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.

Should you refrigerate biscotti dough before baking? ›

How to make the dough for my mom's almond biscotti. First, let's start by making the cookie dough. It is important to note that this dough is required to be refrigerated overnight before baking.

How sticky should biscotti dough be? ›

Biscotti dough is inherently sticky. I recommend adequately flouring your hands before working the dough, and if it's still too sticky to handle, add a little flour at a time but just enough so you can work with it. Chocolate.

Why do my biscotti crumble when I slice it? ›

A: Overbaking the logs of dough during the first baking can make the slices crumble as you are cutting them. Also, even if the logs of dough are perfectly baked, they will crumble if they are sliced while still warm, so be patient. The logs crumble when you use a dull knife, too.

What is the number one cookie in the world? ›

Oreo is the best-selling cookie in the world. It is now sold in over 100 countries. Oreo was first produced in 1912 by the National Biscuit Company, now known as Na-Bis-Co.

What is the golden rule in baking cookies? ›

Get Your Flour Power on

This is the most important tip when it comes to knowing how to bake cookies. You MUST measure the flour correctly. Adding too much flour will make your cookies tough and dry. In fact, you should reduce the flour by 1/4 cup!

What do Italians call biscotti? ›

Italians use the word biscotti when referring to products that Americans call cookies. The word cantucci is used by Italians when referring to the product Americans call biscotti.

What does cantucci mean in Italian? ›

Cantucci are the most famous Tuscan biscuits in the world. The name cantuccio comes from the Latin word cantellus which means piece or slice; this word describes how these biscuits are made: a small, fresh-out-of-the-oven loaf of dough is sliced diagonally.

How do you pronounce cantuccini? ›

  1. Phonetic spelling of cantuccini. can-tuc-ci-ni.
  2. Meanings for cantuccini.
  3. Translations of cantuccini. Russian : печенье

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