The Perfect Pair: The Best Italian Biscuits to Serve With Your Coffee

Enjoy Artisanal Italian Biscuits with your Mid-Morning Coffee (or indeed, any time of day!)

In Italy, coffee is more than just a caffeine fix; it’s a ritual. Whether it’s a quick standing espresso at the bar or a long, lingering caffè latte on a Sunday morning, there is one unspoken rule: it must be accompanied by something sweet.

The right biscuit doesn't just sit on the saucer; it elevates the flavour of the bean. At Carluccio’s, our deli shelves are lined with traditional bakes that have been perfected over generations. If you’re looking to master the Italian art of the merenda (afternoon snack), here are the best biscuits to pair with your brew.

Cantuccini: The Ultimate "Dunker"

Perhaps the most famous Italian biscuit, Cantuccini (or Biscotti di Prato) are the undisputed kings of the coffee break. Hailing from Tuscany, these are baked twice for a signature crunch and packed with whole almonds.

• The Pairing: Best served with a strong Espresso or Ristretto.

• The Ritual: Because they are baked twice, they are incredibly firm. The "correct" way to eat them is to submerge the biscuit into your coffee for exactly three seconds. The biscuit softens just enough to melt in your mouth while releasing a toasted almond aroma that cuts through the intensity of the coffee.

Amaretti: The Sweet & Bitter Balance

If you prefer your coffee with a side of sophisticated aromatics, look no further than the Amaretti. Made with apricot kernels and egg whites, these can be either croccanti (crunchy) or morbidi (soft and chewy).

• The Pairing: A Caffè Macchiato.

• The Flavour Profile: The slight acidity of the coffee balances the intense, marzipan-like sweetness of the biscuit. Our Carluccio’s Amaretti are wrapped in iconic colorful tissue paper—unwrapping them is half the joy of the experience!

Baci di Dama: "Lady’s Kisses"

For those who treat coffee time as a moment of pure indulgence, Baci di Dama are a Piedmontese treasure. They consist of two buttery, hazelnut-infused biscuits joined together by a rich dark chocolate ganache. They are named "Lady's Kisses" because the two halves resemble lips coming together.

• The Pairing: A Cappuccino or Flat White.

• The Texture: The creamy micro-foam of a milk-based coffee works beautifully with the buttery, melt-in-the-mouth texture of the hazelnut biscuit.

Lingue di Gatto: "Cat’s Tongues"

If you like something light that won’t overpower a delicate roast, these are the biscuits for you. Long, thin, and remarkably crisp, these golden biscuits are simple, elegant, and taste purely of high-quality butter and vanilla.

• The Pairing: A Caffè Lungo or a filter coffee.

• The Experience: They provide a gentle sweetness that allows the nuanced notes of the coffee to shine through without the heaviness of nuts or chocolate.

Tips for the Perfect Italian Coffee Moment

• Warm the Cup: Italians always use warm porcelain. It keeps the coffee—and your biscuit—at the right temperature.

• Quality Beans: A biscuit can only do so much! Ensure you're using a high-quality Arabica blend, like our Carluccio's Milano roast.

• The "Hidden" Treat: Try placing a small piece of dark chocolate on the saucer next to your biscuit. The heat from the cup will slightly soften the chocolate, creating a third dimension of flavour.

Browse our full collection of authentic Italian biscuits in our online shop today.