Cookies were originally test "little cakes" that the Dutch used to test oven temperatures. These cookies were called "koekje" in Dutch, with its history said to have actually come from Persia as far back as the 7th Century.

Today, cookies, or biscuits (as termed in England and Australia), have evolved and developed throughout the world.

Since the introduction of chocolates in desserts, there has been numerous of recipe testing and inventing worldwide.

Part 1 - "Favorite Chocolate Cookie Recipes" from Italy and Vienna...

Many great biscuit or cookie recipes originate in Italy and Vienna and has influenced the French and European chefs in last few hundreds of years. Here are two simple and all-time classic recipes...

WORLD CHOCOLATE COOKIE RECIPE - Italy "Chocolate Biscotti"

Biscotti is the term for cookie in Italy.

Makes: about 40 biscotti

1 1/2 cups plain flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 cup whole almonds
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Method:
1. Toast whole almonds and chop coarsely.
2. Preheat oven to 180