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–+ servings

Baci di Dama (Hazelnut Cookie Sandwiches)

These Baci di Dama are classic Italian hazelnut cookies with a tender crumb and rich chocolate center. Simple to make, beautifully elegant, and perfect for holidays, gifting, or coffee breaks.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: buttery hazelnut cookies, Christmas cookie recipes, cookie recipes, hazelnut cookie sandwiches, hazelnut cookies, Holiday Cookie Recipe, italian christmas cookies, italian hazelnut cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 48 Cookies

Ingredients

  • 14 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups roasted ground hazelnuts
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Pinch cinnamon
  • 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
  • 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tbsp cornstarch
  • 4 –6 tsp heavy cream or whole milk (add 1 tsp at a time)
  • 6 oz dark semi-sweet, or milk chocolate, melted

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add chopped or whole hazelnuts to the baking sheet. Bake for 8-9 minutes for whole hazelnuts and 7-8 minutes for chopped. Cool and then remove any extra skins that come off.
  • In a large bowl, or stand mixer, cream together butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
  • Mix in vanilla bean paste, salt, and cinnamon.
  • Add flour and cornstarch and mix just until the dough comes together.
  • Add ground hazelnuts and stir until combined.
  • Add cream or milk 1 teaspoon at a time until dough is cohesive but not sticky.
  • Scoop 1½ teaspoon portions onto a parchment lined baking sheet.
  • Refrigerate for 45 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 325°F.
  • Bake for 14–16 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden.
  • Cool completely before filling.
  • Spoon about ½ teaspoon (or less) melted chocolate onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with another.
  • Allow chocolate to set before serving or storing.