Biscotti della monaca

Biscotti della monaca are traditional Sicilian cookies originating from Catania. These S-shaped cookies were originally invented by the nuns of the Convent of Santa Chiara, who’d made them according to a secret recipe. The cookies are nowadays usually made with a combination of flour, sugar, margarine, ammonia, milk, anise, and salt.

The ingredients are kneaded into a dough that’s formed into balls, wrapped, and left to rest in the fridge. It is then rolled out and cut into strips that are formed into S-shapes. The cookies are baked in the oven, first once for ten minutes, and then once more for about twenty minutes.

These dry and crunchy cookies are typically enjoyed for breakfast, and they’re often dipped in milk or coffee.