Italian Nut Cookies (Baci di Dama)

Steps to make

1. 1

   Prepare 2 baking sheets

   1 min
   

   Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

2. 2

   Grind hazelnuts

   1 min
   

   Place 2 cups of hazelnuts in a food processor and pulse until they resemble flour with some pieces that still retain their nutty texture.

4. 3

   Combine dry ingredients

   1 min
   

   In a large mixer bowl combine the ground hazelnuts, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ⅔ cup of granulated sugar, 4 tablespoons of cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.

5. 4

   Add butter and vanilla

   2 min
   

   Add 5 ounces of cold cubed butter and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms with no visible butter remaining.

6. 5

   Place cookie dough on baking sheets

   15 min
   

   Portion the dough into about 2 teaspoon chunks using a small ice cream scoop. Roll each one into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet leaving 1½ inches between each one. Flatten each of the cookies slightly by tapping down on them.

7. 6

   Heat oven

   Preheat the oven to 350 °F with the baking rack in the center.

8. 7

   Bake cookies

   25 min
   

   Bake the cookies in the oven for 22-25 minutes, until starting to brown on top.

9. 8

   Cool

   

   Remove the cookies from the oven and leave to cool completely.

10. 9

    Melt chocolate

    5 min
    

    Melt chocolate by placing them in a microwave-safe bowl and microwaving in 10-15 second intervals. Stir occasionally until the chocolate starts to melt. Continue stirring until all of the chocolate is completely melted.

11. 10

    Assemble cookies

    5 min
    

    Spread 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate onto one half of the cookies. Place the other half on top and press to adhere.

12. 11

    Serve

    

    Allow the cookies to set undisturbed for about 30 minutes until the chocolate is set.