A Sweet Tradition: The Story Behind Carluccio's Italian Biscuits
At Carluccio's, we believe that food is not just about sustenance; it's about story, heritage, and the simple joy of sharing. This is especially true for our collection of Italian biscuits, each one a testament to centuries of tradition, passed down through generations of bakers. They are more than just a sweet treat; they are a taste of Italy's rich and delightful past.
The very word "biscotti" comes from the Latin bis coctus, meaning "twice-cooked." This ancient Roman technique was used to create a hard, dry bread that could be stored for long periods, providing sustenance to soldiers on their campaigns. While the original Roman biscuits were savoury and functional, the concept of a twice-baked treat evolved into the sweet, almond-studded delights we know and love today.
The Best Italian Biscuits In the UK!
Our biscuit collection is a celebration of this heritage, featuring regional specialties that each have a unique history.
Cantucci The most famous of all Italian biscuits, Cantucci, or biscotti di Prato, are a symbol of Tuscan tradition. Originating in the city of Prato, the modern recipe was perfected in the 19th century. These twice-baked, crunchy biscuits are traditionally made with almonds and are a perfect example of dolci da forno (baked sweets). They are famously served alongside a glass of Vin Santo, a sweet Tuscan dessert wine, for dipping. This ritual, which softens the biscuit and infuses it with a delightful flavour, is a cherished part of Italian hospitality.
Amaretti Amaretti biscuits are a classic Italian delicacy with a history that is a blend of legend and fact. While their exact origin is debated, one popular theory suggests they were invented in the 18th century in the town of Saronno. Made with a blend of sweet and bitter almonds, egg whites, and sugar, they are a simple yet sophisticated biscuit. Their name comes from amaro, the Italian word for "bitter," a nod to the bitter almonds that give them their distinctive flavour. The result is a light, airy, and chewy biscuit with a delightful almond aroma.
Baci di Dama Meaning "lady's kisses," these romantic biscuits hail from the Piedmont region in the north of Italy. The story goes that they were created in the mid-19th century for King Victor Emmanuel II. The two small, round hazelnut or almond biscuits are joined together with a dollop of rich dark chocolate, resembling a pair of lips about to kiss. This delicate and buttery treat is a celebration of simple ingredients and elegant presentation, a true representation of the refined nature of Piedmontese confectionery.
Lingue di Gatto These delicate, paper-thin butter biscuits, whose name translates to "cat's tongues," are also a classic of the Piedmontese patisserie. Their elongated shape, which gives them their name, is instantly recognisable. Made with a simple yet precise recipe of butter, flour, sugar, and egg whites, they are incredibly light, crisp, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Often served with a cup of tea or coffee, or as a garnish for gelato or a creamy dessert, Lingue di Gatto are the epitome of simple elegance.
At Carluccio's, we honour these traditions by sourcing our biscuits from artisan producers across Italy, ensuring each one is made with the care and authenticity that has been passed down for centuries. So, when you enjoy a biscuit from our collection, you're not just tasting a treat; you're savoring a piece of Italian history, a story of craftsmanship and a passion for good food.
