Introduction
Transform humble hazelnuts and simple ingredients into elegant, melt-in-your-mouth Baci di Dama (Lady’s Kisses) cookies! This recipe emphasizes wholesome ingredients and balanced flavors, perfect for a guilt-free indulgence that nourishes your body and soul. These delightful cookies are a testament to the magic of simple baking, offering a sophisticated treat without the complexity.
Why This Works
This recipe shines because of its beautiful balance of sweet and nutty. The delicate hazelnut flavor isn’t overpowering, allowing the subtle sweetness of the brown sugar to shine through. It’s also incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner bakers, making it a perfect recipe for a healthy and satisfying weekend baking project. The use of wholemeal flour adds a nutritious twist to a classic treat.
Key Ingredients
🌰 2 cups hazelnuts, toasted and finely ground
🥚 2 large eggs
🍯 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
🌾 1 ½ cups wholemeal flour
🥄 1 teaspoon baking powder
🍊 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
🤏 Pinch of salt
Instructions
1️⃣ Toast the Hazelnuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Let them cool completely, then grind them finely using a food processor.
2️⃣ Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined and slightly thickened.
3️⃣ Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the ground hazelnuts, wholemeal flour, baking powder, and salt.
4️⃣ Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5️⃣ Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls (about ¾ inch in diameter).
6️⃣ Bake: Place the dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
7️⃣ Pair the Cookies: Once slightly cooled, gently press two cookies together to create a “kiss”.
8️⃣ Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Handy Tips
- Use a food processor to grind the hazelnuts for a super fine texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- For perfectly round cookies, use a small cookie scoop.
- If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before shaping.
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures that the cookies bake evenly without burning. Lowering the temperature may lead to underbaked cookies, while increasing it may result in burnt edges. Monitor your oven and adjust baking time as needed, based on your oven’s specific characteristics.
Crunch Factor
The combination of toasted hazelnuts and wholemeal flour contributes to a delightful textural contrast. The hazelnuts offer a satisfying crunch, while the wholemeal flour provides a slightly chewier texture, preventing the cookies from being overly crumbly.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For an extra layer of flavor, add a tablespoon of hazelnut liqueur or espresso powder to the dough.
- Garnish the finished cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an elegant touch.
- Use a piping bag to create perfectly sized and shaped cookie balls for consistent baking.
Storage Tips
Store your Baci di Dama in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Gift Packaging Ideas
These cookies make a beautiful and delicious gift! Package them in small cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or arrange them in a pretty tin adorned with a festive label.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Chocolate Hazelnut: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich chocolate twist.
🌟 Citrus Burst: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the dough for a refreshing citrus note.
🌟 Spiced Hazelnut: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of cardamom to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
🌟 Salted Caramel: Drizzle melted salted caramel sauce over the finished cookies for an indulgent treat.
Troubleshooting
- Cookies are too crumbly: The dough may have been overmixed or the hazelnuts were not finely ground enough.
- Cookies are too soft: They may have been underbaked. Increase the baking time by a couple of minutes and check for doneness.
- Cookies burned: Your oven might be too hot. Reduce the temperature by 25°F (15°C) for the next batch.
FAQ
- Can I use other nuts? While hazelnuts are traditional, you can experiment with other nuts like almonds or walnuts, keeping in mind that the flavor profile will change.
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, substitute the wholemeal flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- How can I make them vegan? Replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water) or applesauce.
Conclusion
These Baci di Dama are more than just cookies; they’re a delicious journey to Italy, a celebration of simple ingredients, and a testament to the joy of baking. We hope you enjoy creating and sharing these delightful hazelnut kisses! Don’t forget to share your baking adventures with us and rate your recipe on RateMyRecipes!
Wholesome Baci di Dama: Guilt-Free Italian Delight
A healthier take on the classic Italian Baci di Dama, these almond cookies are perfect for a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180u00b0C (350u00b0F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the almond flour, whole wheat flour, coconut sugar, and sea salt until well combined.
- Add the melted coconut oil and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler.
- Once the cookies are cool, sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of melted chocolate in between each pair.
- Drizzle any remaining chocolate on top of the assembled cookies for decoration.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
- Make sure to let the cookies cool completely before assembling to prevent melting the chocolate.