What Are Biscuits Called in Italy? | Italian Biscotti & Cookies Explained

What Are Biscuits Called in Italy?

In Italy, the word for biscuit is “biscotto” (plural: biscotti). The term comes from the Latin bis coctus, meaning “twice baked,” referring to the traditional method of baking these treats twice for extra crunch. While English speakers may think of biscuits as soft or savory, in Italy biscotti usually refers to crisp cookies enjoyed with coffee, milk, or wine.

Biscotti vs. Biscuits in English

It’s important to note the cultural difference:

  • In British English, a “biscuit” means a cookie.

  • In American English, a “biscuit” is a soft bread roll, which does not exist in Italian cuisine.

  • In Italian, biscotti are crunchy cookies, often almond-based.

  • Discover: Italian biscotti cookies, biscotti vs biscuits, buy Italian biscotti online.

Types of Italian Biscuits

Italy offers a wide variety of biscotti, each with unique flavors and textures:

  • Cantucci (Tuscan biscotti): Twice-baked almond cookies, traditionally dipped in sweet wine (Vin Santo).

  • Amaretti: Almond-flavored cookies, soft or crunchy.

  • Savoiardi (Ladyfingers): Sponge biscuits used in tiramisu.

  • Fette biscottate: Dry toast-like biscuits, eaten at breakfast with butter and jam.

  • Mulino Bianco & Loacker cookies: Popular packaged Italian biscuit brands.

  • Explore buy cantucci online, amaretti cookies Italy, Mulino Bianco biscuits.

Biscuits in Italian Breakfast Culture

In Italy, biscuits are a common breakfast food, especially for children. A typical Italian breakfast at home may include:

  • Fette biscottate with jam or Nutella.

  • Packaged cookies (Mulino Bianco is a household name).

  • Biscuits with milk or coffee.

Unlike Anglo-American countries, savory breakfast items are rare; sweet biscuits dominate the morning table.

  • Find: Italian breakfast biscuits, traditional Italian breakfast foods.

Biscuits Beyond Breakfast

While biscuits are everyday items, they also appear in desserts:

  • Savoiardi in tiramisu.

  • Cantucci paired with dessert wines.

  • Amaretti crushed in cakes or eaten with coffee.

This shows how versatile Italian biscuits are in both casual snacks and gourmet recipes.

Final Verdict: Biscuits in Italy

Biscuits in Italy are called biscotti. They range from classic almond cantucci to soft amaretti and sponge-like savoiardi. For daily life, Italians often enjoy fette biscottate or packaged cookies from brands like Mulino Bianco.

So, when asking “what are biscuits called in Italy?” remember: they’re biscotti, and they’re as much a part of Italian culture as pasta and espresso.

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