

Autumn is officially here and today, together with Cesarina Filomena from Montescaglioso, we’ll discover how to prepare white wine biscuits, a classic treat from Italian baking tradition.
Making these biscuits is a wonderful way to share special moments with family. It's the perfect occasion to get the little ones involved—an experience full of joy for them, just as it was for Filomena when she was a child.
“I still remember how the warmth and indescribable aroma would surround us as we gathered around the kitchen table. What started as a simple game turned into an unforgettable experience.”
White wine biscuits are more than just a recipe—they're a symbol of tradition, bringing together family, simple flavors, and the joy of spending time together.
The recipe can vary depending on personal tastes, and many versions include lemon zest or other flavorings to add a fresh, aromatic twist that makes them even more irresistible. These biscuits are a perfect example of Italy’s cucina povera, where humble ingredients like flour, sugar, oil, and wine are transformed into delicious treats to enjoy any time of day.

White wine cookies
Crisp, fragrant, and easy to make: wine cookies are a comforting treat of Italian home baking
Ingredients
- 1 kg of all-purpose flour
300 g of sugar
150 g of olive oil
150 g of lard
2 eggs
1 packet of baking powder - Grated lemon zest
- 700 ml (approximately) of white wine
Brown sugar, as needed
Method
- On a cutting board, create a well with the sifted flour, baking powder, sugar, and grated lemon zest.
- Make a well in the center and add the eggs, melted lard, olive oil, and white wine.
- Knead the ingredients with your hands until you obtain a smooth dough.
- Once the dough is ready, cut small pieces and roll them into ropes about 1 cm in diameter.
- Cut the ropes into 10 cm pieces and join the ends to form a ring.
- Roll the rings in brown sugar, gently pressing to ensure it sticks well.
- Place the rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart.
- Bake at 170°C (340°F) in a static oven for about 15 minutes, or until they are golden and crisp.