Biscotti: One Word, Two Meanings
When Italians and Americans use the word "biscotti," they may think they’re referring to the same thing. Yet, the word carries distinct meanings depending on which side of the Atlantic you’re on. This divergence stems from cultural traditions, culinary practices, and even the influence of major brands like Starbucks. Let’s explore how “biscotti” evolved to have two meanings.
Biscotti in Italy: A Catch-All Term
In Italy, the word "biscotti" simply means "cookies." It originates from the Latin word bis (twice) and coctus (cooked), referring to the traditional method of baking dough twice to achieve a crunchy texture. However, Italians use "biscotti" as a generic term for a wide variety of cookies, not just the iconic twice-baked, oblong treats familiar to many Americans.
What Americans typically think of as biscotti are known in Italy as "cantucci" or "cantuccini," a Tuscan specialty traditionally made with almonds. These crunchy cookies are often served with a glass of Vin Santo, a sweet wine, for dipping. While cantucci are popular in Italy, they are just one type among many other types of cookie such as those you’ll find on the Mani Manuzzi menu.
Biscotti in America: The Coffee Companion
In America, "biscotti" has come to refer almost exclusively to a twice-baked, crunchy cookie. This popular meaning in the US has a lot to do with the coffee culture boom led by chains like Starbucks. For many Americans, biscotti conjures images of a neatly packaged, often chocolate-dipped treat, perfectly paired with a steaming cup of coffee.
Starbucks played a significant role in popularizing this version of biscotti. In the 1990s, as the chain expanded rapidly across the U.S., it began introducing Italian-inspired menu items to complement its American take on espresso drinks. The biscotti—often with Americanized twists like chocolate chips, cranberries, or drizzle—became a staple offering. Unlike their Tuscan counterparts, which are intended to be dipped in wine, these biscotti were marketed as an accompaniment to lattes, cappuccinos, and other coffee beverages.
The American biscotti, while inspired by cantucci, has taken on a life of its own. Its sweeter, more dessert-like flavor profile reflects American tastes. The addition of chocolate, dried fruits, or even frosting makes them a distinctly modern treat. Our double chocolate biscotti are of this style - crunchy, chocolatey, great with coffee or tea or even crumbled over ice cream.
The Cultural Crossroads
The divergence between Italian and American interpretations of "biscotti" highlights how culinary traditions evolve as they cross borders. What began as a generic term for cookies in Italy has become a niche product in the United States, tailored to fit American tastes.
Whether you prefer the rustic cantucci of Tuscany or the chocolate-dipped creations from your local coffee shop, biscotti exemplify the adaptability of food to cultural contexts. And next time you reach for one, take a moment to savor the layers of history baked into every crunchy bite.