🍪 Baci di Dama – The Quintessential Italian Hazelnut Cookies

Baci di Dama (“Lady’s Kisses”) are one of Italy’s most elegant bite-sized cookies, originating from the Piedmont region. These delicate sandwich cookies feature two buttery hazelnut biscuits joined by a layer of rich dark chocolate – a perfect harmony of texture and flavor. In this professional recipe, you’ll learn how to make authentic Baci di Dama with bakery-level precision.

🌟 Why This Recipe Works

• Authentic Ingredients – Uses roasted Piedmont hazelnuts for true flavor.
• Perfect Texture – Delicate crumble without being dry.
• Professional Finish – Smooth, glossy chocolate layer and uniform cookie size.

📋 Ingredients (Makes ~30 Cookies)

For the Cookies:

• 150 g (1 cup) roasted hazelnuts
• 150 g (1 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 100 g (1/2 cup) caster sugar
• 100 g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, cold & cubed
• Pinch of fine sea salt

For the Filling:

• 100 g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Method

1️⃣ Roast & Grind Hazelnuts

Roast hazelnuts at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes until fragrant. Rub off skins with a towel, then grind into a fine meal (avoid turning into paste).

2️⃣ Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine hazelnut meal, flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and rub in until the mixture forms a soft dough. Wrap in cling film and refrigerate for 1 hour.

3️⃣ Shape & Bake

Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F). Roll dough into 1.5 cm (0.6 in) balls and arrange on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.

4️⃣ Fill with Chocolate

Melt dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Spread a small amount on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with another. Let set before serving.

💡 Professional Tips

• Use kitchen scales for precise measurements.
• Refrigerating dough prevents cookies from spreading.
• Pair cookies by size for a neat finish.

🍷 Serving & Storage

Serve Baci di Dama with espresso, dessert wine, or afternoon tea. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature.

📌 Nutritional Info (per cookie)

Calories: 85 kcal | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 8 g | Protein: 1 g

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