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Italy is a land of culinary wonders, where each region boasts its own specialties that tantalize taste buds and capture hearts. Among these delights are Baci di Dama, translated as lady’s kisses, which stand out as a symbol of elegance and decadence. Originating from the Piedmont region in Northern Italy, these petite cookies are a testament to Italian craftsmanship in the kitchen. With a rich history and a taste that leaves a lasting impression, let’s embark on a journey to uncover the secrets behind the traditional recipe of Baci di Dama.

But before we do so, and start blabbing about all those things we love to learn about our food, I wanted to share the main reason why we made these. And because we never really read each other’s posts, she will never find out. But Cristina absolutely adores anything flavoured with hazelnuts. Her favourite ice cream flavour? Bacio – which comes from this particular chocolate we tend to give on Valentine’s day, Baci Perugina: hazelnuts and chocolate, making it the perfect flavour for all chocolate lovers.

And because I love Cristina very much, but I am in no way rushing to buy an ice cream maker, the next best thing would be the baci di dama. I can’t say I did not enjoy them, because I would be lying. Even though I am not big on chocolate, I can say these are very much delicious, simple and delicious. Not too easy, quite a lengthy approach to this recipe so bear that in mind, but completely worth it if you ask me.

baci di dama being filled with melted chocolate before being put together

Table of Contents

The most delicious Italian hazelnut cookies, Baci di Dama

Baci di Dama have a history steeped in tradition and romance. Legend has it that these delightful treats were created in the late 19th century by pastry chefs in the Piedmontese region as a homage to the region’s hazelnut production. The two halves of the cookie, resembling the lips of a lady about to receive a kiss, are traditionally filled with a rich chocolate ganache, symbolizing the sweetness of love and affection.

The Origins and Significance of Baci di Dama

The history of Baci di Dama is as charming and romantic as the name itself. These delectable treats originated in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy, known for its rich culinary heritage and dedication to quality ingredients. While the exact origins of Baci di Dama are shrouded in legend, historical records suggest that they emerged in the late 19th century, making them a relatively recent addition to Italy’s vast repertoire of sweets.

Legend has it that Baci di Dama were first created by the skilled pastry chefs of the Piedmontese aristocracy as a token of affection and admiration. The name Baci di Dama translates to lady’s kisses in Italian, and the cookies are said to have earned this moniker due to their resemblance to a pair of lips about to receive a kiss. Indeed, the two halves of the cookie, delicately sandwiched together with a luscious filling, evoke the image of a tender embrace between lovers.

Beyond their romantic connotations, Baci di Dama also hold significance within the culinary traditions of Piedmont. The region is renowned for its production of hazelnuts, which play a starring role in the recipe for these delightful treats. The combination of ground hazelnuts, buttery dough, and rich chocolate speaks to the local ingredients and expertise that characterize Piedmontese cuisine.

Over the years, Baci di Dama have become synonymous with elegance and refinement, earning a place on dessert tables across Italy and beyond. They are often enjoyed on special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries and holidays, where their petite size and exquisite flavour make them the perfect indulgence for sharing with loved ones.

In addition to their traditional form, Baci di Dama have inspired countless variations and interpretations from pastry chefs and home bakers alike. Some may experiment with different types of nuts or fillings, while others may add a modern twist with the addition of spices or citrus zest. Yet, no matter how they are prepared, Baci di Dama remain a beloved symbol of Italian craftsmanship and culinary ingenuity.

baci di dama before being built on a tray with melted dark chocolate

What ingredients do I need to make baci di dama?

To recreate the magic of Baci di Dama in your own kitchen, it’s crucial to understand the role of each ingredient. The key components include:

Hazelnuts: Central to the flavour profile of Baci di Dama, hazelnuts lend a nutty richness that complements the sweetness of the cookie;
Butter: Provides richness and a buttery texture to the cookie dough;
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve the dough’s desired texture;
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the cookies and provides the necessary stability;
Dark Chocolate: Used for the filling, dark chocolate adds depth and complexity to the flavour profile.

Let’s delve into the details of each component:

Butter: Butter serves as the foundation of the cookie dough, imparting richness and a buttery flavour that forms the base of the cookies. It’s essential to use unsalted butter, as it allows for better control over the overall salt content of the recipe;
Sugar: White sugar is used to sweeten the cookie dough. Its texture ensures smooth incorporation into the butter, resulting in a tender crumb and delicate sweetness. The amount of sugar can be adjusted to suit personal preferences, but it’s important not to omit it entirely, as it contributes to the texture and structure of the cookies;
Flour: All purpose flour provides the structure and stability necessary for the cookie dough. It’s important to measure the flour accurately, as too much can lead to a dense and dry texture, while too little can result in cookies that spread too much during baking;
Hazelnut Flour: Hazelnut flour, made from finely ground hazelnuts, is the star ingredient that gives Baci di Dama their distinctive flavour and texture. Toasted hazelnuts are ground into a fine powder, resembling flour, and then incorporated into the dough. This imparts a nutty richness and depth of flavour that sets Baci di Dama apart from other cookies;
Egg White: Egg white is used sparingly in the recipe to help bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cookies. It also contributes to the smooth texture of the dough, helping it hold its shape during baking;
Salt: A pinch of salt is added to the cookie dough to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavour profile. While it may seem like a small amount, salt plays a crucial role in highlighting the other ingredients and bringing out their natural flavours.

How do I make the baci di dama?

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, it’s time to dive into the preparation process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own batch of Baci di Dama:

Toast the hazelnuts: Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until golden brown and fragrant. Allow them to cool before proceeding;
Grind the hazelnuts: Using a food processor or blender, grind the toasted hazelnuts until they reach a fine, sandy texture resembling hazelnut flour;
Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, salt and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the ground hazelnuts and sifted flour, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Lastly, add the egg white and combine, just enough so the dough comes together. Let the dough rest in the fridge overnight before shaping, and yes, you really need to do this so as not to have the baci di dama lose their shape while baking;
Shape the cookies: Pinch off small pieces of dough, weighing out every single one at 8g roughly, and roll them into small balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie. Let them rest in the fridge for an hour before baking. Make sure you line the baking sheets so that the baci di dama cookies don’t stick to them;
Bake the cookies: Preheat the oven to 160°C and bake the cookies for 20 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Let the cookies cool completely before filling.
Prepare the chocolate filling: In a small saucepan, add the chopped dark chocolate and let it melt until it is completely smooth. Move it into a piping bag and let it cool slightly;
Fill the cookies: Pipe a small dollop of melted chocolate onto the flat side of one cookie and wait a few minutes for the chocolate to settle before you sandwich it with another, pressing gently to adhere.

Serving Suggestions and Variations on Baci di Dama

Baci di Dama are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are a few serving suggestions and flavour variations to consider:

Serve with espresso or a glass of dessert wine for an authentic Italian experience;
Dust the cookies with powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance;
Experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, for a unique twist on the classic recipe;
Add a hint of citrus zest to the cookie dough for a refreshing burst of flavour;
If all you have on hand are dark chocolate chips, then go ahead and melt those – they work absolutely fine in place of dark chocolate;
These can easily be made gluten free, just replace the all purpose flour with your favourite gluten free blend.

Baci Di Dama Recipe

Simona

Baci di Dama are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in various ways, but the most traditional recipe from Piedmont is made using hazelnuts and dark chocolate.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 20

Total Time 45

Course Sweet

Cuisine Italian

Servings 35 cookies

Ingredients

150 g unsalted butter
135 g granulated white sugar
100 g all purpose flour
150 g hazelnuts toasted, peeled and ground
10 g egg white
pinch of salt
100 g dark chocolate

Instructions

Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven at 180C until golden brown and fragrant. Allow them to cool before proceeding.
Using a food processor or blender, grind the toasted hazelnuts until they reach a fine, sandy texture resembling hazelnut flour.
In a mixing bowl, cream together by hand softened butter, salt and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the ground hazelnuts and sifted flour, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Lastly, add the egg white and combine.
Let the dough rest in the fridge overnight before shaping.
The following day, it’s time to shape. Pinch off small pieces of dough, weighing out every single one at 8g roughly, and roll them into small balls.
Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie. Let them rest in the fridge for an hour.
Preheat the oven to 160°C and bake the cookies for 20 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Allow them to cool completely before filling.
In a small saucepan, add the chopped dark chocolate and let it melt until it is completely smooth. Move it into a piping bag and let it cool slightly.
Pipe a small dollop of melted chocolate onto the flat side of one cookie and wait a few minutes for the chocolate to settle before you sandwich it with another, pressing gently to adhere.

Keyword baci di dama, baci di dama recipe, lady’s kisses

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close up of the baci di dama being filled

tray of baci di dama before closing them

These Italian cookies can seem tedious with all the waiting time and resting time in the fridge, but don’t forget it’s all time you’ll be hands off and won’t need to do anything! So yes, maybe time consuming, but definitely not too difficult!

If you are after more recipes for the north of Italy, make sure you check these ones out:

the Montebianco dessert you need to try immediately;
this deliciously crispy gnocco fritto;
a beautiful December recipe for limoncello pandoro;
another one for the lovers of gluten, the tigelle;
deliciously lush limoncello panna cotta;
savoury and comforting pasta alla cenere;
the cake of all cakes, torta paradiso;
the king of all desserts, tiramisu;
these Venetian frittelle di carnevale.

In conclusion, Baci di Dama are more than just cookies; they are a symbol of love, tradition and the culinary prowess of Italy. With their delicate texture and irresistible flavour, these petite treats are sure to captivate your senses and transport you to the cobblestone streets of Piedmont. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or shared with loved ones, Baci di Dama are a delightful indulgence that celebrates the sweetness of life. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on your own journey into the world of Italian confectionery.