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Tuscan Cantucci Recipe | How to Make Italian Biscotti

  • Writer: Pasta Grammar
    Pasta Grammar
  • Jul 17, 2022
  • 3 min read

Updated: May 4, 2023

The term "biscotti" literally means "twice-cooked," and Tuscan cantucci cookies definitely fall in that category. These delicious cookies are perhaps the most famous and recognizable Italian biscotti, yet they’re rarely made correctly. If you’ve always thought these are meant to break a tooth, you need to try the real thing!


cantucci-italian-biscotti-cookie-recipe-fig-almond-pistacchio-pistachio-nut-tuscan-tuscany-traditional-authentic-how-to-make
Tuscan Cantucci | Italian Biscotti Recipe


What To Put Inside Cantucci?


Traditionally, cantucci are made just with almonds—nothing else. However, one can add just about any kind(s) of nut, and even dried fruit! We really like using figs, which we’ve included below in the recipe. They make a more moist cookie and add some delicious, natural sweetness. You can skip the figs, but if you do just use some more nuts to compensate.


Rose water and cinnamon can add some great flavor, but they’re optional.


What’s the Secret to Real Cantucci?


In short, lard! If you’ve ever eaten a biscotto that was dry and rock hard, you encountered one where the cook tried to make a health-conscious shortcut. We understand the urge but if you want to see what these biscotti are all about, there’s no getting around the lard.


How to Serve Cantucci Like a Tuscan


Obviously, you can eat them by themselves, just like any other cookie. But for a really traditional touch, try dipping them in a sweet wine like Vin Santo!



Watch the Pasta Grammar video where we make cantucci here:




CANTUCCI BISCOTTI RECIPE


Makes: 25 cookies

Cook Time: 2 hours


For this recipe, you will need:

  • 5 dried figs (optional, add some more nuts if you skip the figs)

  • 1 large egg

  • 1/2 cup (125g) sugar

  • 6 tbsp (75g) lard

  • 1/2 tsp rose water (optional)

  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

  • 4.5 oz. (125g) chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, pistachio, anything you want!)

  • Small bowl

  • Large mixing bowl

  • A hand (or stand) mixer

  • Large baking sheet

  • Parchment paper

  • Knife


Begin by placing the figs in a bowl and submerge them in warm water. Allow them to soak for 20-30 minutes, then roughly chop them. Preheat an oven to 355 degrees F (180 C).


Take a large bowl and combine the eggs and sugar in it. Whisk the mixture with a hand mixer until it turns white and creamy. Add the lard to the bowl and continue to whisk until it is completely blended. After that, use a spatula to stir in the rose water and cinnamon (if you decide to use them).


In a separate bowl, mix the baking powder and flour together thoroughly. Gradually add this mixture into the eggs and sugar, using a spatula to fold it in. As you continue adding the mixture, the batter will thicken to the point where you can start kneading it by hand.



Once all the flour is fully incorporated, transfer the dough to a clean work surface. Press it down into a flat pancake shape, and sprinkle a handful of chopped nuts and figs over the top. Fold the dough over and knead it until the nuts and figs are evenly distributed. Repeat this process until all of the nuts and figs are mixed in well.


Divide the dough into two equal portions and roll each one into a sausage shape, approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter. Make sure to keep the width uniform, without any large gaps or cracks in the dough. Place the sausages onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and gently flatten them a little by pressing down on them.


Bake until the tops of the dough portions are lightly browned, for around 20-25 minutes. Take the baking sheet out of the oven and allow the half-baked dough to cool for 10 minutes before carefully transferring it onto a cutting board.


cantucci-italian-biscotti-cookie-recipe-fig-almond-pistacchio-pistachio-nut-tuscan-tuscany-traditional-authentic-how-to-make

Cut each portion of the dough into straight, thumb-width segments. Arrange the biscotti slices sideways on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. It's acceptable to place them close together if needed, as they will not expand. Bake for an additional 10 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving. Store in a plastic bag or a sealed container for up to two weeks.


Buon appetito!



Want to pair this with a Tuscan dinner? Check out our Tuscan pepper beef stew recipe! Looking for more Italian cookies? Here are our favorite, simple almond cookies!

51 Comments


Haram Ali
Haram Ali
a day ago

Honestly, one of the most memorable things I tried while studying in Tuscany was Cantucci, the authentic Tuscan biscotti. The real ones aren’t rock-hard like people think — they’re twice-baked but super flavorful and perfect with coffee or sweet wine.

I found this great Tuscan Cantucci recipe that shows how it’s actually made. Worth a try if you love baking!

Also, if anyone here is applying for scholarships to study abroad, especially from Mexico, make sure to check the estatus beca Benito Juárez 2025 for payment status and updates. I had to check mine regularly while prepping for my semester.

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ismail rajpoot
ismail rajpoot
5 days ago

Disfrutar de unos auténticos cantuccini al estilo italiano es un verdadero placer; y así como esta receta cuida cada ingrediente, mantener tus documentos vehiculares actualizados también requiere atención al detalle. Si deseas comprobar tu matrícula vehicular de manera fácil, puedes hacerlo en este portal práctico. Es simple, fiable y te ayuda a evitar demoras innecesarias.

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Jack Robinson
Jack Robinson
6 days ago

Love this cantucci recipe — brings back memories of my trip to Italy! For anyone planning to move or work abroad from Nepal, it’s worth noting that you might need a police report. Here’s a helpful guide on how to get your <a href="https://policeclearances.org/np/">Nepal Police Clearance Certificate</a> if you're unsure where to start.

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mbeen2608
Jun 07

This recipe is beautifully detailed—just like how precision matters when creating tools for different types of users online. Whether it's crafting a perfect biscotti or developing tools for gamers, attention to detail makes all the difference. For example, users looking for reliable script execution in Roblox often rely on highly-optimized solutions tailored to their needs.

Edited
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Phool Shah
Phool Shah
May 24

This blog shares a classic Italian biscotti recipe called Cantucci. It explains each step clearly and gives helpful tips for perfect results. The pictures and simple directions make it easy for anyone to bake these delicious cookies at home, even beginners.

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