Baci di Dama
Dolci • Italia
Informazioni su Baci di Dama
Piedmontese hazelnut cookies sandwiched with chocolate
How to Make Baci di Dama (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Baci di Dama, meaning 'Lady’s Kisses,' are delicate hazelnut and chocolate sandwich cookies from the heart of Piemonte, Italy. Crafted since the 19th century, these bite-sized desserts embody the elegance of Italian pastry, combining the region’s prized hazelnuts with rich dark chocolate. Their name comes from their unique shape, resembling two lips joined by a sweet kiss of chocolate. These Italian cookies offer a delightful crunch with a melt-in-the-mouth texture, making them a favorite at Italian coffee bars and festive gatherings. Baci di Dama are traditionally enjoyed with espresso or as a refined after-dinner treat. By leveraging the natural goodness of hazelnuts and a touch of whole wheat flour, this health-conscious recipe preserves authentic flavors while offering a lighter twist. Perfect for international food lovers seeking an authentic taste of Italy, these cookies are vegetarian, easy to prepare, and sure to impress at any occasion.
Ingredients(for 4-5 cookies per serving)
- 3/4 cup Hazelnuts (nocciole Piemonte, toasted and skins removed)
- 1/2 cup Whole wheat flour (farina integrale)
- 1/4 cup Almond flour (farina di mandorle) - optional
- 1/4 cup Unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup Powdered sugar (zucchero a velo)
- 40g (about 1.5 oz) Dark chocolate (minimum 70% cacao)
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract - optional
- pinch Salt
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Pulse the toasted hazelnuts in a food processor until finely ground.
5 minutes
Do not over-process; avoid turning hazelnuts into paste.
- 2
In a mixing bowl, combine ground hazelnuts, whole wheat flour, almond flour (if using), and salt. Mix well.
2 minutes
Sift the flour for lighter texture.
- 3
Add softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms. Avoid overworking the dough.
3 minutes
Butter must be soft for easy blending.
- 4
Divide dough into small pieces and roll into 1.5cm balls. Place on the baking tray, leaving space between each.
3 minutes
Chill the dough balls for 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This healthy Baci di Dama recipe swaps refined flour for whole wheat and reduces added sugars, making it a lighter dessert option. Hazelnuts provide good fats and essential nutrients, while dark chocolate contains less sugar and more antioxidants than milk chocolate. These mindful substitutions preserve the authentic taste of the Italian classic while supporting better nutrition, perfect for those tracking calories or seeking wholesome sweets.
Baci di Dama are made with nutrient-rich hazelnuts, providing healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber, supporting heart health and satiety. Whole wheat flour supplies extra dietary fiber, helping regulate blood sugar and digestion. Dark chocolate brings antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which may support cardiovascular health. By controlling portion size and using minimal sugar, these cookies offer a tasty treat that fits a balanced diet.
Pro Tips
- 💡Use Piemonte hazelnuts for the most authentic flavor.
- 💡Chill dough balls before baking to help maintain their perfect round shape.
- 💡Pair cookies by size before filling to achieve an even appearance.
Storage & Serving
Store Baci di Dama in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Keep away from moisture and direct sunlight to maintain crispness. They can also be refrigerated for extended freshness.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Fatti Nutrizionali
| Nutriente | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energia | 500.0 kcal |
| Proteine | 8.0 g |
| Carboidrati | 48.0 g |
| Grassi Totali | 30.0 g |
| Fibre | 3.0 g |
| Zuccheri | 32.0 g |
| Sodio | 25.0 mg |
| Potassio | 180.0 mg |
| Colesterolo | 18.0 mg |
| Vitamina A | 40.0 IU |
| Vitamina C | 0.0 mg |
| Calcio | 38.0 mg |
| Ferro | 1.2 mg |
| Magnesium | 45.0 mg |
| Zinc | 0.7 mg |
| Phosphorus | 90.0 mg |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 IU |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 0.8 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.1 µg |
| Folate | 18.0 µg |
