Biscotti Meaning: What the Word Really Means

The word biscotti comes from Latin: bis means “twice” and coctus means “cooked.”
True biscotti are baked twice — first as a loaf, then sliced and baked again.
This process creates their signature crisp snap and long shelf life,
making them perfect for dunking into coffee, tea, or dessert wine.

Biscotti History: From Ancient Rome to Today

Biscotti date back to ancient Rome, where soldiers carried sturdy, twice-baked bread made with flour, water, and sometimes nuts or honey.
In medieval Tuscany, bakers in the town of Prato perfected cantuccini — almond biscotti often served with vin santo, a sweet dessert wine.
Over the centuries, flavors expanded to include chocolate, pistachios, spices, and dried fruit — just like the variety you see today.

Biscotti Variations: Mandelbrot and Cantuccini

In the 19th century, Jewish bakers developed mandelbrot (from Yiddish for “almond bread”).
Slightly softer than Italian biscotti, it’s still baked twice and often served on Shabbat.
Different traditions, same twice-baked spirit.

Modern Biscotti Meaning in Today’s Baking

By the 20th century, biscotti became a café favorite in the United States.
Today you’ll find almond flour, gluten-free, and lower-sugar recipes — but all keep the classic crunch and dunkable texture that make biscotti unique.

Biscotti Flavors: Almond, Chocolate & More

From classic almond and anise to cranberry pistachio biscotti,
there’s a biscotti for every taste.
At The Biscotti Company, we bake with premium ingredients to honor tradition while keeping flavors bold and fresh.

Customer favorite: our Double Chocolate Biscotti.
Made with black cocoa, Belgian chocolate chunks, and a light sprinkle of sea salt — it’s like a fudge brownie in crunchy biscotti form.

How to Enjoy Biscotti

Biscotti are made for dunking.
Espresso and cappuccino bring out chocolate and nut notes, while black tea highlights citrus and spice.
Many also enjoy biscotti with dessert wines and cordials.

• Coffee & Biscotti Pairings
• Biscotti & Liquor Pairings

Our Biscotti Tradition

We bake in small batches using time-honored methods passed down through generations.
If you’re new to biscotti, start with a classic almond,
then explore bold flavors like our Double Chocolate Biscotti.

FAQ: Biscotti Meaning & How to Eat Them

What does biscotti mean?

It means “twice-cooked” in Italian, referring to the two-stage bake that creates their signature crunch.

What are biscotti made of?

Flour, sugar, eggs, and flavorings like almonds, chocolate, citrus, or spices.
Many modern recipes use almond flour or gluten-free blends.

Why bake biscotti twice?

The second bake removes extra moisture, keeping biscotti fresh and crisp for weeks.

How do you eat biscotti?

Dunk them in coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or dessert wine — or enjoy plain for a satisfying crunch.