Veniero's Regina Biscotti: A Sweet Bite of History and a Sinatra Favorite

At Veniero’s, every cookie tells a story. Few carry the same mix of history, tradition, and personality as the Regina Biscotti, the sesame-studded                                                                                            classic that has delighted Sicilian families for generations and won the heart of one of New York’s greatest icons, Frank Sinatra.

The Origin of Biscotti Regina

The name “Regina” means “queen,” and these cookies are sometimes called “Queen’s Cookies.” Tradition holds that they were named in honor of
Queen Margherita of Savoy, the beloved queen consort of Italy in the late 19th century. Known for her sweet tooth, Queen Margherita often
visited local pastry shops with her ladies-in-waiting. When she especially enjoyed a baker’s cookies, she would bestow the honorary title of cavaliere,
knight, on the shop owner. Legend has it that the sesame-covered cookies that became known as Biscotti Regina were among her favorites, which
earned them their royal name.

A Cookie with Character

Unlike the classic hard, twice-baked biscotti, Biscotti Regina are baked only once, giving them a unique texture and flavor. Inside, they are tender
and buttery; outside, they are rolled in toasted sesame seeds that add a rich, nutty, slightly savory crunch. This balance of sweet and savory makes
them distinctive.

They are also wonderfully versatile:

• A dipping cookie: Perfect with sweet dessert wines like Marsala or Vin Santo, though just as at home with espresso, tea, or even milk.
• A daily treat: Enjoyed during holidays and family gatherings, but simple enough to be part of everyday life.

From Sicily to New York

When Italian immigrants brought their traditions to New York, Biscotti Regina found a permanent place in Italian-American bakeries. At Veniero’s,
which has been serving the East Village since 1894, Regina Biscotti have been a favorite for generations. Their humble charm connects customers
not only to Sicily, but also to the warmth of family kitchens and the memory of Sunday visits to the bakery.

Sinatra’s Favorite

Over the decades, Veniero’s has welcomed everyone from neighborhood families to world-famous stars. One of our favorite stories involves
Frank Sinatra, who loved Regina Biscotti “a little on the burnt side.” The extra toasty crunch deepened the sesame’s nutty flavor, creating a taste
as bold and unique as Ol’ Blue Eyes himself.

A Timeless Classic

More than 130 years later, Regina Biscotti remain one of Veniero’s most beloved offerings. Whether dipped in wine as Queen Margherita might
have enjoyed them, toasted as Sinatra preferred, or savored with a morning coffee, these cookies continue to carry their royal heritage and timeless charm.

So the next time you visit Veniero’s, take home a box of Regina Biscotti. With every bite, you’ll taste history, tradition, and maybe even a little touch of royalty.