On September 29 we celebrate National Biscotti Day. Biscotti is one of the oldest biscuits originating from Europe. This oblong cookie leaves you wanting more of its delicious crunchiness. Biscotti is enjoyed as a cookie, with a meal or a cup of coffee; dipped, dunked, or dry. The Italian cookie has evolved and now comes in several flavors: almond, cappuccino, pistachio, pine nuts, raisins, and so forth.
History of National Biscotti Day
You can get biscotti anywhere and enjoy it however you like. Biscotti is ideal for you if you’re a vegetarian or on a diet. The primitive form of biscotti was originally Roman. Re-emerging in Tuscany, Prato, biscotti is derived from the Latin word ‘biscoctus,’ which means ‘twice-baked.’ The double baking allows the biscuit to be dry and less perishable. Due to its durability, biscotti was stored to be eaten by travelers and warriors.
Due to Tuscany’s plethora of almond groves, the initial recipe of biscotti was tweaked to include unroasted almonds. Biscotti is also referred to as ‘Cantucci,’ however, this also refers to the various imitations of the original recipe in Tuscany.
Biscotti is also associated with Palm Sunday, as ‘currutacos’ (biscotti with almonds) are used as ornaments on the palm leaves given to the worshippers in the capital of the Spanish region, Garraf.
The people of Tuscany enjoyed the cookie dipped in a sweet wine called Vin Santo, the perfect match for the biscuit. This wine is considered the only perfect match for biscotti. It is also used as an ingredient in some Catalonian dishes, enjoyed in rice and sardines, and onion sauces. In one Spanish region, it is used as an ingredient in the sauce prepared for turnip-stuffed duck.
Biscotti found its way to America thanks to Christopher Columbus, who had used it as food during his voyage. Biscotti didn’t remain the same, as it was modified and enjoyed in different ways that we can appreciate now. We can eat the cookie with tea, coffee, cold chai, or in parfaits.
National Biscotti Day timeline
Biscotti re-emerges through the hands of a Tuscan baker, Antonio Mattei.
The first biscotti recipe is penned by Amadio Baldanzi.
Christopher Columbus brings biscotti to America.
Biscotti becomes an American favorite.
National Biscotti Day FAQs
How do I make my biscotti softer?
If you’re not a fan of crisp-and-crunch, you can bake the biscotti on low heat. This will reduce the dryness of your biscotti.
How long should I preserve my biscotti?
If properly preserved, your biscotti will do well in an airtight container for two weeks.
What flour is best for biscotti dough?
We’re no chefs, but it is advised that you use white wholewheat flour for healthier and longer-lasting biscotti.
How to celebrate National Biscotti Day
Eat that cookie
There's no better way to celebrate biscotti than by eating biscotti. Try the different flavors and methods of enjoying the biscuit.
Bake 'em crunchy
You can also bake your own biscotti. Make it more fun by tweaking the recipe as you like it.
Share a biscuit
Celebrate the day by sharing biscotti with friends and family.
5 Interesting Facts About Biscotti
Pliny the Elder predicted its fame
Gaius Plinius Secundus once boasted in one of his writings that biscotti would be eaten for centuries to come.
Document from Genoa
The first documented Biscotti recipe was called ‘Genovese.’
The Italian term for cookies
Biscotti is also the Italian general name for cookies.
The secret recipe
The original biscotti recipe by Antonio Mattei is kept as a secret by the Pandolfini family, the inheritors of the original bakery.
Ode to Mattei
To celebrate Mattei's art, a museum shop was opened on the 160th anniversary of Mattei's bakery.
Why we love National Biscotti Day
One cookie, many flavors
Biscotti comes in so many flavors, it's exciting to try them all.
We can create our own biscotti
We unleash the chef genius in us as we make our own biscotti the way we want.
An opportunity to bond
We can bond with our families when we get our hands floury and make this Italian cookie.
National Biscotti Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 29 | Sunday |
| 2025 | September 29 | Monday |
| 2026 | September 29 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 29 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | September 29 | Friday |
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