Italian Cookie Recipes

It's almost impossible to think of Italian cookie recipes without simultaneously thinking of biscotti. In fact the word biscotti has become a generic term in Italy that refers to all cookies.

All cookies are not biscotti however. At least not in the U.S. But cookie lovers worldwide are sure to be familiar with what biscotti are.

The word biscotto in Italian means twice baked and refers to the method of cooking. The dough is first baked in a log and then sliced and baked a second time to give them their characteristic dryness.

The method was initially developed hundreds of years ago as a means of food preservation. The shelf life of biscotti is three to four months without preservatives or additives.

This made them the perfect food for early sailors who were at sea for months at a time on long ocean voyages. It is believed that Columbus carried them on his voyages in the 15th century.

With modern conveniences and food preservation methods biscotti are no longer a necessity. So why are they still around? Simply because they are so darned good!

Italian cookie recipes have certainly come a long way since Columbus time. To bad he's not around to sample some of them. I think he would be delighted.

Basic Italian Cookie Recipe (Biscotti)

1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 TBSP butter
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil or spray with nonstick vegetable oil spray.

Cream together sugar and butter. Beat in eggs. Add vanilla and then the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Form the dough into a 14x3x1" log. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Allow to cool before cutting. With a sharp knife cut biscotti into 1/2" slices and place cut-side down on baking sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes on one side and then allow to cool. Flip biscotti over and bake again for 8 to 10 minutes. Do not allow to over-brown.

More Italian Cookie Recipes:

Italian Cookie Recipes | Italian Amaretti Cookie Recipe | Chocolate Cherry Biscotti | Cinnamon Hazelnut Biscotti | Italian Almond Macaroons | Dried Fruit Biscotti| Pine Nut Cookie| Pignoli Cookies

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