Description
Baci di Dama, or “lady’s kisses,” are classic Italian sandwich cookies made with hazelnut or almond flour and filled with rich dark chocolate. These delicate, buttery bites melt in your mouth and are perfect with coffee or as a sweet gift.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
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1 cup (120g) hazelnut flour or finely ground hazelnuts
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1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
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3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
For the filling:
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3 oz (85g) dark chocolate, finely chopped
Instructions
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Make the dough: In a food processor or bowl, mix hazelnut flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and butter until a crumbly dough forms. Add vanilla if using. Knead lightly just until it comes together.
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Divide the dough into 2 equal parts, shape each into a log, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1–2 hours (or freeze for 30 minutes).
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Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Slice dough into small pieces and roll into 1/2-inch balls. Place on the baking sheet spaced slightly apart (they won’t spread much).
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Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Let cool completely.
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Make the filling: Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (or in the microwave in short bursts). Let cool slightly to thicken.
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Spread or pipe a small amount of chocolate onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with another.
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Let cookies sit at room temperature or chill briefly until the chocolate sets.
Notes
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For almond variation, substitute hazelnut flour with almond flour.
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Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
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Traditional and elegant, these cookies are great for holidays and special occasions.