WINE RING BISCUITS

A Rustic, Vegan Treat for Any Occasion

Ciambelline al Vino, or Italian Wine Ring Biscuits, are a classic rustic biscuit from central Italy, particularly Lazio. These crunchy, vegan and dairy-free treats are made with simple pantry ingredients—flour, sugar, oil, and wine—making them a go-to recipe for Italian grandmothers for generations.

The biscuits are lightly sweet with a hint of wine aroma, giving them a unique and delicate flavor. Traditionally, they are enjoyed as a snack, with coffee, or dipped in dessert wine like Vin Santo or Passito. But they’re also perfect for family gatherings, house parties, and as a comforting nightcap treat.

Their ring shape makes them both beautiful and functional—designed for easy dipping without crumbling. You can adjust the flavor by using red or white wine, adding anise seeds, cinnamon, or lemon zest for extra character.  

Since these biscuits are made without eggs, butter, or milk, they are a lighter, vegan-friendly alternative to traditional cookies. Also, wine and sugar caramelize during baking, creating a satisfying crunch without the need for additional fats.  

For a healthier twist, you can use whole wheat flour for added fiber or reduce the sugar slightly to make them even lighter. Their long shelf life makes them an excellent homemade snack to have on hand and a beloved homemade gift for friends and family.   Another great and similar option are our Roma Biscotti - Tozzetti.

A little history

Wine biscuits have been a staple of Italian peasant cuisine for centuries. Farmers and bakers created these simple, dry cookies as a way to use leftover wine and basic ingredients, resulting in a long-lasting and flavorful snack. In Lazio, they became a traditional "merenda" (afternoon snack) and an essential treat in holiday celebrations and local festivities.  

Over time, ciambelline al vino spread beyond Lazio, becoming popular across Italy. Though once considered humble fare, today they are a beloved artisanal delicacy, often found in bakeries and gourmet food markets.

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INGREDIENTS👇🏻

• 70ml | 2.46fl oz white wine

• 250g | 08.8oz plain flour

• 75g | 2.6 oz sugar

• 4g | 0.1oz baking powder

• 1 tsp aniseed

• 65ml | 2.29fl oz vegetable oil

• A pinch of sea saltcaster sugar for decoration

The recipe step by step

1. Infuse a teaspoon of aniseed in the white wine and leave it soaking

   
   

2. In a bowl, add the baking powder, the sugar and a pinch of salt to the plain flour

   
   

3. Mix them thoroughly with a spoon before adding the wine and aniseed to the mix

   
   

4. Slowly fold it with a spoon first, then by hand, until you get a rough dough

   
   

5. Move the dough from the bowl to the counter, and kneed until the texture becomes smooth

   
   

6. Line an oven tray with parchment paper

   
   

7. Divide the dough in 24 small part approximately

   
   

8. Roll each part in a small rope, join the ends in a ring shape and press the ring gently into caster sugar, one side only

   
   

9. Lay the rings on the parchment paper sugar-side up and bake for 25 minutes at 180 °C | 356 °F with the fan onLet the biscuits cool down thoroughly, pour yourself a generous glass of wine…then enjoy! 😋