Baci di dama, which translates to “lady’s kisses,” are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that perfectly capture the essence of Italian baking. These delightful treats feature two crisp, nutty hazelnut cookies sandwiched together with a layer of rich, decadent chocolate. The contrast of textures and flavors is simply divine, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this comprehensive guide will equip you with all the knowledge and confidence you need to create your own batch of authentic baci di dama cookies. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a delicious journey to Italy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the cookies:
- 1 cup (100g) blanched hazelnuts
- ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (30g) potato starch
- ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the filling:
- ½ cup (100g) dark chocolate, finely chopped
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
Tools of the Trade
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Piping bag or resealable plastic bag
- Wire rack
Baci di Dama Ingredients
Step-by-Step Baking Guide
1. Roasting the Hazelnuts
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Let cool completely.
Expert Tip: Roasting the hazelnuts enhances their flavor and aroma, resulting in a more flavorful cookie.
2. Making the Cookie Dough
- Once cooled, rub the hazelnuts in a clean kitchen towel to remove any loose skins.
- In a food processor, pulse the hazelnuts until finely ground. Add the flour, potato starch, and salt, and pulse a few more times to combine.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Shaping and Baking the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Take one disc of dough from the refrigerator and let it soften slightly for easier handling.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before filling.
Baci di Dama Dough
4. Preparing the Chocolate Filling
- While the cookies cool, prepare the chocolate filling.
- In a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the chopped chocolate with the heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Assembling the Baci di Dama
- Once the cookies and chocolate filling have cooled, you can assemble the baci di dama.
- Transfer the chocolate filling to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a small corner snipped off.
- Pipe a small amount of chocolate filling onto the flat side of half of the cookies. Top with the remaining cookies, creating sandwiches.
- Gently press the cookies together, ensuring the filling spreads to the edges.
Expert Tip: For a cleaner look, allow the chocolate filling to set slightly before sandwiching the cookies together.
Baci di Dama FAQs
Q: Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While hazelnuts are traditional, you can experiment with other nuts like almonds, pistachios, or walnuts. Just be sure to toast them first to enhance their flavor.
Q: How do I store baci di dama cookies?
A: Baci di dama cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
Enjoy Your Italian Kiss Cookies!
Congratulations! You’ve successfully baked a batch of delightful baci di dama cookies. These little bites of heaven are perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on your own with a cup of coffee or tea. As with any baking endeavor, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to experiment and make this recipe your own. Happy baking!
