Italian S Cookies / Biscotti Esse Recipe - An Italian in my Kitchen (2024)

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ByRosemary

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Italian S Cookies also known as Biscotti Esse, they are a tasty, quick and easy cookie recipe. These simple Biscuits go perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. Have them for Breakfast or as a Snack!

Italian S Cookies / Biscotti Esse Recipe - An Italian in my Kitchen (1)

A few months ago I was sent a copy of Elizabeth Mincilli’s Book “Eating My Way Through Italy“. This is a beautiful book that describes the amazing culinary treasure trove that is Italy.

Elizabeth takes us from the South to the North of Italy, describing the different Regions of Italy. From truffles in Umbria to Pizza in Naples to these tasty S Cookies from Venice.

She not only shares recipes but also stories, and different places to dine and stay in Italy. An interesting and must read travel / cookbook.

Italian S Cookies / Biscotti Esse Recipe - An Italian in my Kitchen (2)

Table of Contents

Recipe Ingredients

  • Egg yolks -large yolks
  • Egg – large whole egg
  • Zest – teaspoon of lemon zest you can also substitute with orange zest
  • Vanilla – vanilla extract
  • Flour – all purpose flour at least 11% protein
  • Butter – softened
  • Sugar – granulated sugar
  • Salt – if you use unsalted butter then add a bit more salt

How to keep cookies from spreading

To keep cookies from spreading it helps to chill the dough before baking, even if the recipe doesn’t call for it, it doesn’t hurt and can help. Also the percentage of protein in the flour is a major culprit of flat cookies. I would advise that your flour has a percentage of at least 11% or even higher if possible.

What is an S Cookie?

S Cookies also known as Esse Biscotti in Italian. They are a simple Italian Cookie that is very popular as a Breakfast cookie eaten and or dunked in your morning Cafe Latte. The origin of this cookie is in Carnia (Northern Friuli), simple biscuit made in the characteristic S shape.

Italian S Cookies / Biscotti Esse Recipe - An Italian in my Kitchen (3)

How to Make Italian S Cookies

  • In a small bowl beat together with a whisk or fork the egg, egg yolks, lemon zest and vanilla.
  • In a large bowl whisk the flour, sugar and salt make a well in the middle and add the wet ingredients.
  • Mix together with a fork until almost combined.
  • Move to a lightly floured flat surface and gently knead just until combined.
  • Wrap the cookie dough in plastic and refrigerate for about one hour.
  • Break off small pieces of dough and form into an S shape.
  • Bake for approximately 20 minutes. Let cool for about 5-10 minutes on the baking sheet then move to wire rack until completely cooled. If you like you can even dust them with powdered sugar before serving.

Italians love a simple cookie not just for Breakfast, but also in the afternoon with tea or an espresso, or even better as a dessert with a glass of wine.

Different Variations of the cookie

If you wish you can substitute vanilla extract with almond extract or anise extract or even lemon extract to give it a more lemony flavor. Italians also like to dip half of the cookie in melted chocolate, add some sprinkles and serve them as a Christmas Cookie.

How to store S cookies

The cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep for up to 3-5 days. Storing in the refrigerator could dry them out.

How to freeze the cookies

The cookies should be completely cooled then placed in a freezer safe container or bag. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

These cookies are a delicate, slightly crunchy cookie. Made with butter and of course a touch of lemon. I hope you enjoy these cookies no matter when you decide to eat them!

Italian S Cookies / Biscotti Esse Recipe - An Italian in my Kitchen (5)

More Italian Cookie Recipes

  • Pizzicati Italian Cookies
  • Traditional Italian Breakfast Cookies
  • Canestrelli Cookies
  • Wine Cookies
  • Italian Twist Cookies

Italian S Cookies / Biscotti Esse Recipe - An Italian in my Kitchen (6)

Italian S Cookies / Esse Biscotti

Rosemary Molloy

A fast and easy to make Italian S Cookie. These simple Biscuits go perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. Have them for Breakfast or Snack.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

chilling time 1 hour hr

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Italian

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 110 kcal

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Ingredients

  • 3 large egg yolks (room temperature)
  • 1 large whole egg (room temperature)
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (at least 11% protein)
  • 1 pinch salt*
  • 3/4 cup + 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup + 2 1/2 tablespoons butter (softened) (softened)

For room temperature ingredients remove from the fridge 45-60 minutes before using.

    *If using unsalted butter then add ¼ teaspoon of salt.

      Instructions

      • In a small bowl lightly beat the egg yolks, whole egg, zest and vanilla.

      • In a large bowl add the flour, make a well in the middle and add the butter, sugar, salt and egg mixture. With a fork mix until almost combined, then move to a lightly floured flat surface. Knead gently to combine (don't over knead). Dough will be soft. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate one hour.

      • Pre-heat oven to 400 F (200 C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

      • Remove dough from the fridge and break off small pieces of dough, soften the dough slightly between your finger and roll into approximately 4-6 inches, to form into an S shape. Place on prepared cookie sheets and bake for 10 minutes, reduce heat to 320F (150C) and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until lightly golden.Let cool 5-10 minutes on the baking sheet then move to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy.

      Notes

      If you wish you can substitute vanilla extract with almond extract or anise extract or even lemon extract to give it a more lemony flavor. Italians also like to dip half of the cookie in melted chocolate, add some sprinkles and serve them as a Christmas Cookie.

      The cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep for up to 3-5 days. Storing in the refrigerator could dry them out.

      The cookies should be completely cooled then placed in a freezer safe container or bag. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 37mg | Potassium: 17mg | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 160IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.6mg

      Did You Make This Recipe?Please leave a comment below or pin it to your Pinterest account!

      Updated September 16, 2018.

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      Italian S Cookies / Biscotti Esse Recipe - An Italian in my Kitchen (2024)

      FAQs

      What is the difference between American and Italian biscotti? ›

      Here it is, a biscotti recipe everyone can enjoy — unlike classic Italian biscotti, which are quite hard, these are light and crunchy. Biscotti bake twice rather than once, and thus take a bit longer start-to-finish than normal drop cookies.

      Is biscotti better with oil or butter? ›

      Despite their centuries-old heritage, there is no one perfect way to make biscotti. Some recipes call for eggs only, which is the traditional method, while others swear by butter or oil. The choice is yours; just keep in mind that those made with butter or oil will have both a softer texture and a shorter shelf life.

      What do Italians drink with biscotti? ›

      As they do in Tuscany, you can dip your biscotti into rich red wines, especially those on the sweeter side. Marsala wine and Vin Santo are the wines of choices for dipping. Most connoisseurs on either side of the pond agree that dipping biscotti into a sweet Italian wine is the perfect end to a hearty Italian meal.

      What is the number one dessert in Italy? ›

      Perhaps the most iconic Italian dessert, tiramisu appears on menus at restaurants not only throughout Italy but also all over the world.

      What is the number one selling cookie in the world? ›

      Oreo is the best-selling cookie in the world. It is now sold in over 100 countries. Oreo was first produced in 1912 by the National Biscuit Company, now known as Na-Bis-Co.

      What do Italians eat biscotti with? ›

      Since they are very dry, biscotti traditionally are served with a drink into which they may be dunked. In Italy, they are typically served as an after-dinner dessert with a Tuscan fortified wine called Vin Santo. Outside of Italy, they more frequently accompany coffee, including cappuccinos and lattes, or black tea.

      Are biscotti healthier than cookies? ›

      Unlike many traditional cookies, biscotti are often lower in fat and sugar. Add some heart healthy nuts and you have a satisfying and relatively light treat! This delicious cookie can easily be made vegan & vegetarian friendly.

      What do you dip biscotti in in Italy? ›

      An Italian Food Rule — Only Dip Biscotti in Vin Santo, Not in Coffee. There is nothing more satisfying for dessert at the end of a long Italian meal than a couple of almond -studded biscotti and a small glass of Vin Santo. The hard biscotti become sweetly moist after a few seconds dipped in the sweet late-harvest wine.

      What does baking soda do in biscotti? ›

      Baking soda – baking soda helps the biscotti rise and spread. Make sure that your baking soda isn't expired. Sugar- we used granulated sugar for this recipe. You can use caster sugar as well.

      What is the secret to making biscotti? ›

      12 Tips For Making The Absolute Best Biscotti
      1. Use room-temperature ingredients. ...
      2. Boost the flavor with spices, extracts, and zest. ...
      3. Toss in some add-ins for flavor and texture. ...
      4. Let the dough chill before shaping. ...
      5. Use floured or greased hands to shape the dough. ...
      6. Shape the dough into a smaller loaf than you want.
      May 29, 2023

      Should you refrigerate biscotti dough before baking? ›

      You guessed it, add the dry ingredients to the large bowl with the wet ingredients. Fold in the pistachios, cardamom, and vanilla extract. Because the dough can be sticky and hard to form, it's important to chill the batter for a good 30 minutes before baking the first time.

      What is an Italian after dinner drink called? ›

      Scratch the surface of the Digestivo: the after-dinner co*cktail tradition of Italy. We often talk about the Italian tradition of indulging in a co*cktail with snacks before dinner: the beloved aperitivo.

      What do Italians call American biscotti? ›

      Italians use the word biscotti when referring to products that Americans call cookies. The word cantucci is used by Italians when referring to the product Americans call biscotti.

      What do biscotti mean in Italian? ›

      What does Biscotti mean in Italian? Directly translated, Biscotti (or biscotto) simply means cookie in modern day Italian. However, the word originates from the Latin word biscoctus, meaning “twice-cooked,” referring to the method used to make traditional Biscotti.

      What cookie originated in Italy? ›

      The phrase "Italian cookie" often conjures the image of a delightful biscotti. This thick cookie gets its shape from being sliced off a dough log after it has been baked. Then, the pieces of biscotti are re-baked to ensure a crispy exterior that is almost bread-like. Biscotti can come in almost any flavor.

      What is Italy cookie choices? ›

      Italy Cookie Choices allows you to easily comply with the european cookie law (and Italian too), showing a notice to the user only the very first time he visits your website.

      Do they eat rainbow cookies in Italy? ›

      History of the Rainbow Cookie

      Some argue Rainbow Cookies are a traditional holiday dessert found in bakeries throughout Italy—certainly almond-based pastries are commonplace. However, even if this is the case, they never were as ubiquitous as they are in the States.

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