Italian Baci di Dama – Lady Kisses

These simple cookies are a very popular Italian treat, known as Baci di Dama or Lady Kisses. A buttery almond cookie filled with a chocolate ganache. Use ruby chocolate to add a special treat for Valentine’s Day.

Whenever I make these cookies they go in no time, I never have to worry about freezing any leftovers because there are none. A really lovely cookie that can be filled with your favourite filling. Italian like to fill them with a simple chocolate ganache or even Nutella.

How to make them

Place the skinned almonds or hazelnuts on a cookie sheet and roast in a pre-heated oven for about 5-10 minutes. Move to a clean bowl and let cool completely.

In the food processor add the nuts and the sugar, blend until very finely ground.

Move to a large bowl. Add the the flour, vanilla, egg, butter and salt, mix with a fork until almost combined.

Move the mixture to a lightly floured flat surface and knead gently to form a compact dough. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Remove the dough from the fridge and form into small balls about 8 grams or 1/4 ounce. Make sure you don’t make the cookies too big or they won’t bake properly, they will remain gummy inside. Place the formed balls on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet and refrigerate while the oven is pre-heating, about 30 minutes.

Remove from the fridge and bake until slightly golden, cool the cookies completely before filling.

What is Ruby Chocolate

Ruby Chocolate is a new chocolate addition that was introduced in 2017 by Barry Callebaut, a Belgium Swiss Cocoa Company. This chocolate is made from Ruby Cocoa Beans. Ruby chocolate is a totally new taste experience, it is neither bitter, milky or sweet, but has an intense fruity taste and is extremely smooth. Besides being a gorgeous ruby colour, it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day!

Where did they originate

The cookie, Baci di Dama is originally from the region of Piedmont, (supposedly they resemble a woman’s lips ready for a kiss) and are made with hazelnuts (or almonds) and filled with melted chocolate.

How to roast nuts

Pre-heat the oven to 350F (180C), place the whole peeled almonds or hazelnuts on a cookie sheet and bake for about 6-7 minutes. Immediately move the roasted nuts to a clean bowl.

If left on the pan they will continue to bake and you don’t want that. Almonds and Hazelnuts can be bought in bulk and stored in the freezer, in a freezer safe bag or container, they will keep for up to six to eight months. For this recipe you can use either skinned almonds or hazelnuts, whichever you prefer.

How to store them