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 biscotti 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.

(If not planning to bake right away dough may be chilled.) 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

Chocolate Cherry Biscotti

Chocolate and cherries are a nice combination. This Chocolate Cherry Biscotti recipe uses that combination along with almonds for additional taste and extra texture contrast.

Cinnamon Hazelnut Biscotti

Hazelnuts are a favorite of mine and are extremely popular in Italy where biscotti originated. This Cinnamon Hazelnut Biscotti Recipe has a generous amount of hazelnuts with a cinnamon accent.

Dried Fruit Biscotti

This Dried Fruit Biscotti Recipe makes crispy cookies that are chock full of dried fruits and nuts, making them a perfect accompaniment for a glass of milk or cup of coffee. Delicious!

Italian Almond Macaroons

Here are two recipes for Italian Almond Macaroons. They both use almond paste along with almond toppers. These recipes are quick and easy and they are also delicious.

Italian Amaretti Cookie Recipe

Pignoli Cookies

Pignoli is the Italian word for pine nut. These Pignoli Cookies are an Italian favorite, especially in southern Italy.

Italian Pine Nut Cookie

Pine nuts are the edible seeds of pine trees and are extremely popular in Italy. They are used not only in cookies such as this Italian Pine Nut Cookie Recipe but also in savory dishes.

Pumpkin Pie Biscotti

Pumpkin Pie Biscotti is delicious and a great treat for Halloween or Thanksgiving. The addition of the macadamia nuts adds even more flavor and texture.

Almond Biscotti Recipe

This Almond Biscotti Recipe makes a tasty batch of crispy dunking cookies.

Biscotti Cookie Recipe

This is a simple, no frills Biscotti Cookie Recipe.