Baci di dama, or “lady’s kisses,” are two hazelnut biscuits/cookies ‘kissed’ together with chocolate. Originating from Piemonte, the Italian region in which hazelnuts—the “jewel of Piemonte”—are renowned and treasured, baci di dama have been classified as a protected Piemontese product (a prodotti agroalimentari tradizionali).
Baci di dama make a lovely and thoughtful homemade gift, especially for Valentine’s Day. I hope you enjoy this recipe if you try it—personally, I think the combination of chocolate and hazelnut is one of the best flavor pairings there is.
Buon appetito e tanto amore!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (5.3 oz / 150g) hazelnuts
- ¾ cup (5.3 oz / 150g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (8.8 oz / 250g) all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup (5.3 oz / 150g) unsalted butter
- 5.3 oz (150g) dark chocolate
- A pinch of salt
Method:
- First, toast the hazelnuts (and remove the skins if they are not already peeled).
- Using a food processor, pulse the hazelnuts and sugar until it resembles the texture of sand. Then, add the flour and butter and continue to pulse until it forms a dough.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap (cling film) and refrigerate for about 1 hour.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper (greaseproof paper). You may need two trays depending on the size. Take a teaspoon-sized amount of dough and roll it into a small ball, placing it onto the tray. Repeat until all the dough is used. Freeze the dough balls for another hour.
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake the biscuits for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, reduce the temperature to 250°F (120°C) and bake for another 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before touching them—they are very delicate.
- Melt the chocolate in a double boiler (bain-marie). Using either a piping bag or a teaspoon, sandwich two biscuits together with the melted chocolate.
- Allow the chocolate to set, then enjoy!
