Around the holiday season, nothing quite captures the spirit of Italian Christmas baking like Baci Di Dama, which loosely translates to “Lady’s Kisses”. These bite-sized buttery cookies, filled with rich chocolate, are a delightful treat that will make your festive gatherings even more special. The sweet aroma that wafts from the oven as these cookies bake will bring a sense of warmth to your home, making them a perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire.
**Baci Di Dama Lady’s Kisses Cookies**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup ground almonds
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and ground almonds until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the butter mixture, mixing until incorporated.
5. Gradually add the flour and almond mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
6. Shape the dough into small balls, about 1-inch in size, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
7. Using your thumb or the back of a wooden spoon, make a small indentation in the center of each cookie ball. This is where the chocolate filling will go.
8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.
9. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the cookies have cooled, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
11. Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill the indentations in the cookies with the melted chocolate, creating a “kiss” on each one.
12. Allow the chocolate filling to set before serving and enjoying these decadent Baci Di Dama cookies with your loved ones.
These Baci Di Dama Lady’s Kisses Cookies are not only a delightful addition to your Christmas dessert table but also make a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family. The combination of buttery almond cookies and rich chocolate filling is sure to enchant your taste buds and create lasting memories this holiday season. Try baking a batch of these Italian treats and experience the joy of sharing love and sweetness with those around you.
