Baci di Dama, which means “lady’s kisses” in Italian, are charming chocolate hazelnut cookies that originated in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. Dating back to the 19th century, these delicate treats were created by local bakers who combined two simple, buttery hazelnut cookies with a rich layer of dark chocolate, symbolizing a sweet kiss between the two halves. Piedmont is renowned for its high-quality hazelnuts, especially the prized Tonda Gentile variety, which gives Baci di Dama their distinctive nutty flavor and crumbly texture. Traditionally enjoyed with coffee or dessert wine, these cookies have become an iconic Italian specialty, celebrated for their romantic name and irresistible combination of crunchy nuts and silky chocolate.
Baci di Dama are delightful Italian treats made up of hazelnut cookies sandwiching a luscious Nutella filling. These cookies are petite and shaped like domes. The exterior cookies boast an ideal balance of buttery goodness and crispiness, while the inner part is luxuriously infused with chocolate. Whether you decide to bake a batch for a snug evening at home or to spread joy among your loved ones during the holiday season, these cookies are guaranteed to bring delight and satisfaction.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by incorporating hazelnuts into a food processor and blending them until finely ground. Pause intermittently to pulse the mixture. Once the hazelnuts have transformed into a textured powder resembling sand, carefully transfer it to a separate container and keep it aside for later use.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ingredients by commencing with the beating of softened butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth consistency. Proceed by adding flour, hazelnuts, and kosher salt, and mix on low speed until they are well combined and the mixture appears smooth. Utilize a rubber spatula to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. It is important not to overmix the batter; a quick additional mix will suffice.
- Take the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into logs of equal size, with a thickness of approximately ¾ inch. Arrange the logs on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper. Proceed to place the sheet or plate in the freezer for a duration of 20 minutes to allow the dough to firm up.
- Proceed by cutting each log into small, evenly-sized pieces, approximately ½ inch wide, utilizing a knife or bench scraper. The dough should yield around 60 pieces, resulting in 30 cookies. Take each piece and roll it into a compact ball, ensuring they are uniform in size. It is essential to work swiftly to maintain the dough's cold temperature. Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet, leaving 1½ to 2 inches of space between them. Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven and bake for approximately 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops of the cookies exhibit a golden brown color. Remember to rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time for even cooking. Once removed from the oven, allow the cookies to cool completely.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the desired temperature for baking. Meanwhile, line two baking sheets with parchment paper, providing a non-stick surface for the cookies to bake on. This will help prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the cookies once they are done.
- For making the chocolate, begin by placing chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the bowl in the microwave using 30-second increments, making sure to stir the chocolate in between each interval. Continue this process until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth in texture. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler to melt the chocolate. Once the chocolate is melted, add Nutella to the bowl and thoroughly mix until both ingredients are fully combined, creating a smooth and cohesive mixture.
- To assemble the Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies, start by arranging half of the cookies with the flat side facing up. Take a small amount of Nutella and place a dollop in the center of each cookie. Be mindful not to add an excessive amount, as it may cause the Nutella to overflow when assembling the cookies. Proceed by placing the remaining cookies on top of each dolloped cookie, creating sandwich pairs. Gently press the cookies together to secure the filling. Allow the chocolate to set, giving it time to firm up. Once the cookies have set, they are ready to be enjoyed!
