Biscotti della Buonanotte: Italian Good Night Cookies
These tender Italian cookies infused with lavender and honey come from a beloved Tuscan family recipe. Designed to calm the senses, they are perfect for a restful evening, gently sweetened and made with traditional ingredients like tipo 00 flour and orange zest.
Equipment
- Electric Mixer
- Mixing Bowls
- Baking Sheets
- Parchment Paper
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
Main Cookie Base
- 2 cups tipo 00 flour or substitute all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup honey preferably Italian wildflower honey
- 3 large eggs separated
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
Calming Aromatics
- 1 tbsp dried culinary lavender finely ground
- 1 orange zest of one large orange
- 1 tsp dried chamomile flowers optional
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional Finishing Touches
- 2 tbsp pearl sugar for sprinkling
- 1 egg white for brushing
- extra dried lavender buds for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Combine lavender, orange zest, cinnamon, and chamomile in a small bowl and set aside.
- Cream softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in honey, egg yolks one at a time, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the aromatic blend. Gradually fold dry mix into wet ingredients just until combined.
- Whip egg whites to soft peaks. Fold one-third into the dough to lighten, then gently fold in the rest in two additions. Dough will be slightly marbled.
- Drop rounded spoonfuls onto baking sheets. Brush with egg white, sprinkle with pearl sugar and lavender. Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are just golden.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Store in airtight container for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.
Notes
These cookies are ideal before bed with chamomile tea. They promote sleep and relaxation thanks to natural herbs and honey. Substitutions like chamomile for lavender or all-purpose flour for tipo 00 are totally acceptable. Be sure not to overmix or overbake to maintain their tender texture.