Baci di dama

Baci di Dama are a classic Piedmontese dessert, originally from the city of Tortona. They consist of two hazelnut-based cookies enclosing a heart of chocolate. Here is how to prepare them:

Ingredients

• 100 g of toasted hazelnuts
• 100 g of sugar
• 100 g of butter at room temperature
• 100 g of flour
• 50 g of dark chocolate

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 160 °C.
2. Finely chop the hazelnuts together with the sugar in a mixer until you get a not too fine flour.
3. In a bowl, mix the hazelnut and sugar flour with the softened butter and flour until a compact dough is obtained.
4. Form small dough balls of about 5 grams each.
5. Lay the balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a bit of space between each.
6. Bake in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until they become slightly golden.
7. Let the cookies cool completely.
8. In the meantime, melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave.
9. Once the cookies have cooled, spread some dark chocolate on one half of the cookie and join the other half by pressing gently to form the kisses.

Curiosity

It is said that the name “Baci di Dama” (Lady’s Kisses) was chosen because the two cookies joined together resemble lips ready to give a kiss, but also for the elegance and delicacy of this creation, worthy of a true lady.

Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!