Delicate, buttery cookies filled with rich chocolate ganache, creating a perfect sweet balance between crunch and creaminess.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baci di Dama Sandwich Cookies are the epitome of elegance and indulgence. The buttery almond-flavored cookies offer a light, crunchy texture that perfectly complements the smooth, velvety chocolate ganache sandwiched between them. This classic Italian treat provides the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, making it ideal for tea time, holidays, or special occasions. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or a fan of delicate, bite-sized desserts, Baci di Dama will surely become a favorite in your baking collection.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/4 cup whole almonds, toasted and chopped (optional for garnish)
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, almond flour, and powdered sugar.
- Add the softened butter and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough is smooth and cohesive.
- Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Gently flatten each dough ball with your fingers or a fork.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the cookies cool, melt the semisweet chocolate chips with heavy cream in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth.
- Once the cookies have cooled, spread a layer of chocolate ganache onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with another cookie.
- Optionally, garnish the sides with chopped toasted almonds for a crunchy finish.
- Let the cookies set for about 30 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 18 servings
Variations
- Different Chocolate Ganache: For a richer chocolate flavor, you can use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet.
- Flavored Ganache: Add a splash of liqueur such as amaretto or vanilla extract to the ganache for a more complex flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Add a little lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist that pairs beautifully with the chocolate ganache.
- Nut-Free Version: If you prefer a nut-free cookie, omit the almond flour and substitute with an additional 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cookies for up to 1 week.
- Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but you can briefly microwave them for a few seconds to soften the ganache before serving.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling and baking.
Can I use a different type of nut flour?
Yes, you can use hazelnut flour or walnut flour instead of almond flour for a different nutty flavor in your cookies.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies before assembling them. Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Allow the cookies to thaw before assembling and filling with ganache.
How do I make sure the cookies don’t spread too much while baking?
Chill the dough for about 15 minutes before baking, especially if your kitchen is warm. This will help the cookies keep their shape while baking.
Can I use store-bought chocolate ganache instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use store-bought ganache, but homemade ganache tends to have a fresher and richer flavor. If using store-bought ganache, just make sure to warm it up slightly for easier spreading.
How do I prevent the ganache from oozing out?
Be sure to let the cookies cool completely before adding the ganache. You can also refrigerate the cookies for a few minutes after assembling them to help the ganache set faster.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
For a holiday or festive touch, you can decorate the cookies with edible gold leaf, sprinkle them with powdered sugar, or garnish with red and green colored sugar or sprinkles.
Can I make these cookies with a different filling?
Yes, you can use fruit preserves like raspberry, apricot, or strawberry instead of chocolate ganache for a fruity variation.
What can I use instead of almonds for garnish?
If you’re not a fan of almonds, you can use chopped pistachios, hazelnuts, or even a sprinkling of chocolate shavings for a different topping.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can substitute margarine for butter, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly. Butter gives the cookies a richer, more delicate taste.
Conclusion
Baci di Dama Sandwich Cookies are a timeless Italian treat that effortlessly combines the delicate crunch of almond-flavored cookies with the smooth, velvety texture of chocolate ganache. Their buttery richness and elegant appearance make them perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat with tea or coffee. Whether you’re baking for a holiday or looking for a beautiful dessert to share with friends and family, these cookies are sure to impress. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, Baci di Dama will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Print
Baci di Dama Sandwich Cookies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicate, buttery cookies filled with rich chocolate ganache, creating a perfect sweet balance between crunch and creaminess.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/4 cup whole almonds, toasted and chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, almond flour, and powdered sugar.
- Add the softened butter and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough is smooth and cohesive.
- Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Gently flatten each dough ball with your fingers or a fork.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the cookies cool, melt the semisweet chocolate chips with heavy cream in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth.
- Once the cookies have cooled, spread a layer of chocolate ganache onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with another cookie.
- Optionally, garnish the sides with chopped toasted almonds for a crunchy finish.
- Let the cookies set for about 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- If you want extra crunch, you can add the chopped toasted almonds into the chocolate ganache before filling the cookies.
- Make sure to let the cookies cool completely before filling to prevent the ganache from melting too much.
- These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet tea-time treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
