The Easiest Italian Holiday Cookie To Make (And How To Prevent It From Falling Apart)

Biscotti is an authentic Italian classic with a storied history that traces back to the 19th century. Its straightforward prepa ration and countless avenues for personalization have made it a go-to treat for novice and pro bakers alike. Hetal Vasavada, renowned content creator, Season 6 "MasterChef" contestant, and cookbook author of "Milk and Cardamom" and "Desi Bakes," encourages everyone to dive into the world of biscotti. "It's surprisingly easy to make and requires just a few ingredients. Plus, you can get creative with the flavors and inclusions!" she tells Mashed.

Crafting a delightful homemade biscotti recipe starts with a simple dough that is mixed, shaped into logs, and baked twice — a process reflected in the name itself, as "biscotti" translates to "twice-baked" in Italian. After the first bake, the loaf is cooled and then sliced into individual pieces before returning to the oven for a second bake. This step gives biscotti its signature brittle texture.

Vasavada emphasizes the importance of the slicing technique in achieving flawless results. "My best tip for making biscotti is to use a serrated knife when slicing the loaf. This prevents the biscotti from crumbling or falling apart before the second bake," she advises. A serrated bread knife's saw-like teeth allow clean, precise cuts through the slightly firm loaf without applying excessive pressure. This ensures uniform cookies that hold their shape beautifully during the second bake.

Biscotti is one of many desserts that will transport you straight to Italy, in addition to cannoli, tiramisu, gelato, and affogato. The charm of biscotti lies in its versatility. Lots of recipes highlight almonds or anise for an old-world flavor. However, modern twists have elevated biscotti into a canvas for creativity. For instance, pistachios, dried cranberries, and chunks of dark chocolate have become also favorites. Warm, aromatic spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can be folded into the dough, while a pinch of ground ginger or cloves offer a festive twist. Brightening agents like orange and lemon zest lend a refreshing vibrancy, and vanilla extract or a shake of espresso powder bring a sophisticated edge.

Biscotti's crisp, sturdy texture is ideal for dunking into warm beverages, especially coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Consider pairing different variations with specific drinks: citrus-zested biscotti with Earl Grey tea, chocolate chip biscotti with a robust espresso, or cinnamon-infused biscotti with a creamy chai latte.

This holiday season, you can turn your biscotti baking into an opportunity to make an impact. As part of the Challenge for a Cure campaign, Challenge Butter has partnered with Cookies for Kids' Cancer to support pediatric cancer. Hetal Vasavada is sharing baking traditions and tips for hosting a bake sale. Whether you're baking for a cause, a cozy afternoon, or a holiday gathering with friends and family, this timeless Italian cookie is a crowd-pleaser that invites your imagination to shine.