🇮🇹 Italian · Dessert
🍪 Baci di Dama
Baci di Dama
Delicate Piedmontese hazelnut cookies, two small domes sandwiched together with dark chocolate — 'lady's kisses,' named for their gentle, paired shape.
75 minTotal time
30 minPrep
15 minCook
20Servings
140Calories
MediumDifficulty
Baci di dama demand a light hand and finely ground hazelnuts to achieve their characteristic delicate crumble, with just a thin layer of melted chocolate holding the two halves together in the shape their name evokes.
Ingredients
Equipment: Food processor, Mixing bowl, Baking sheet
- 150 g (1 cup) hazelnuts, toasted and finely ground
- 150 g (⅔ cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 150 g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
- 150 g (1¼ cups) 00 flour
- Pinch of salt
- 120 g (4.2 oz) dark chocolate, melted
Method
- Grind the toasted hazelnuts as finely as possible in a food processor, being careful not to over-process into paste.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light.
- Add the ground hazelnuts, flour, and salt, mixing just until a smooth dough forms.
- Rest the dough, wrapped, for 30 minutes.
- Roll small portions of dough into balls, about 2cm across, using consistent sizing so pairs match evenly.
- Arrange on a lined baking sheet and bake at 160°C (325°F) for 12–15 minutes until just set but not browned.
- Cool completely on the tray, as the cookies are very delicate while warm.
- Spread a small amount of melted chocolate on the flat side of one cookie and press a matching cookie on top to sandwich.
- Let the chocolate set completely before serving.
Chef Tips
- Grind the hazelnuts as finely as possible, as any large pieces will affect the cookies' delicate texture.
- Keep the cookies small and uniform in size so they pair up neatly once sandwiched.
- Let the baked cookies cool completely before handling — they are quite fragile while still warm.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-processing the hazelnuts into a paste, which changes the dough's texture.
- Handling the warm cookies too soon, causing them to crumble.
- Using too much chocolate filling, which can make the delicate cookies fall apart when bitten.
Nutrition (per serving)
140Calories
2gProtein
12gCarbs
10gFat
1gFiber
10mgSodium
Health Benefits
- Hazelnuts provide healthy fats, vitamin E, and some fiber.
Cultural Note
Baci di dama are a beloved specialty of Piedmont, particularly the Alba and Tortona areas, prized for their delicate texture and the region's excellent local hazelnuts.
Storage & Serving
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating: Not applicable.
Serve with: Espresso