Baci Di Dama - Italian Biscuits with Hazelnut And Chocolate

"Lady’s Kisses" — Delicious Italian Biscuits from Piemonte

In the world of Italian dolci, few treats are as romantic or as elegant as the Baci di Dama. These delicate biscuits—literally translating to "Lady’s Kisses"—are a masterpiece of simplicity, bringing together the earthy richness of hazelnuts and the velvet smoothness of dark chocolate.

If you’ve ever enjoyed these from our deli, you’ll know they are the ultimate "one-more-won’t-hurt" biscuit. But there is a rich history behind those two golden domes.

A Royal Origin Story

Baci di Dama originate from the town of Tortona in the Piemonte region of Northern Italy. This area is the gastronomic heart of Italy, famous for its world-class truffles, bold red wines, and—most importantly—the Tonda Gentile hazelnut.

Legend has it that in the autumn of 1852, King Vittorio Emanuele II asked his royal pastry chefs to create a new sweet that was different from anything else. The result was two tiny hazelnut biscuits joined together by a drop of dark chocolate, appearing like the pursed lips of a lady mid-kiss. The King was so enchanted that the "Lady’s Kiss" quickly became a staple at royal tables across Europe.

When to Enjoy Baci di Dama

In Italy, these aren't just for special occasions; they are a daily luxury.

• With Espresso: Their buttery, nutty profile is the perfect foil for a bitter, morning espresso.

• The Afternoon "Pausa": They are the quintessential pasticceria (pastry shop) treat, usually enjoyed during a mid-afternoon break with a cup of tea.

• A Digestivo Companion: Because they are bite-sized and not overly sweet, they are frequently served at the end of a dinner party alongside a glass of dessert wine or a chilled Limoncello.

Discover the Carluccio’s Collection

While the traditional hazelnut recipe is a timeless classic, the artisans in our Piemontese bakeries love to innovate. If you’re looking to branch out from the original, we have two delicious alternatives available in our Online Deli:

1. Baci al Cacao (The Double Chocolate Twist)

For those who believe there is no such thing as "too much chocolate," our Baci al Cacao adds premium cocoa powder directly into the biscuit dough. This creates a decadent, double-chocolate experience where the cocoa-infused hazelnut shells meet a rich dark chocolate filling.

2. Baci al Pistacchio (The Sicilian Influence)

A vibrant twist on the Northern classic. In this version, the hazelnut flour is replaced with ground pistachios, giving the biscuits a beautiful green hue and a distinct, buttery nuttiness that pairs wonderfully with the dark chocolate "kiss."

Artisanal Craftsmanship

Each jar of Baci in Carluccio's online deli is a labor of love. The biscuits are baked and cooled before being piped with chocolate and "kissed" together by hand. They are then placed, one by one, into our signature gift jars—making them a perfect present (or a well-deserved treat for yourself).