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4.7 from 123 votes

Italian S Cookies / Esse Biscotti

A fast and easy to make Italian S Cookie.  These simple Biscuits go perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.  Have them for Breakfast or Snack.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
chilling time
1 hr
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 110 kcal
Course: Dessert , Breakfast , Snacks
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 3 large egg yolks (room temperature)
  • 1 large whole egg (room temperature)
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (at least 11% protein)
  • 1 pinch salt*
  • ¾ cup + 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (188 grams total, if you double the recipe then double this amount)
  • ½ cup + 2½ tablespoons butter (softened) (148 grams total, if you double the recipe then double this amount)
For room temperature ingredients remove from the fridge 45-60 minutes before using.
*If using unsalted butter then add ¼ teaspoon of salt.

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a small bowl lightly beat the egg yolks, whole egg, zest and vanilla.
  2. In a large bowl add the flour, make a well in the middle and add the butter, sugar, salt and egg mixture.  With a fork mix until almost combined, then move to a lightly floured flat surface.  Knead gently to combine (don't over knead).  Dough will be soft.  Wrap in plastic and refrigerate one hour.
  3. Pre-heat oven to 400 F (200 C).  Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  4. Remove dough from the fridge and break off small pieces of dough, soften the dough slightly between your finger and roll into approximately 4-6 inches,  to form into an S shape.  Place on prepared cookie sheets and bake for 10 minutes, reduce heat to 320F (150C) and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool 5-10 minutes on the baking sheet then move to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy.

Notes

  • If you wish you can substitute vanilla extract with almond extract or anise extract or even lemon extract to give it a more lemony flavor. Italians also like to dip half of the cookie in melted chocolate, add some sprinkles and serve them as a Christmas Cookie.
  • The cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep for up to 3-5 days. Storing in the refrigerator could dry them out.
  • The cookies should be completely cooled then placed in a freezer safe container or bag. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Nutrition Information

Calories 110kcal (6%) Carbohydrates 15g (5%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 4g (6%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Cholesterol 41mg (14%) Sodium 37mg (2%) Potassium 17mg (0%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 160IU (3%) Vitamin C 0.1mg (0%) Calcium 7mg (1%) Iron 0.6mg (3%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 24cookies

Amount Per Serving

Calories 110

% Daily Value*

Calories 110kcal 6%
Carbohydrates 15g 5%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 4g 6%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 41mg 14%
Sodium 37mg 2%
Potassium 17mg 0%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 160IU 3%
Vitamin C 0.1mg 0%
Calcium 7mg 1%
Iron 0.6mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.