Baci di dama

*Baci di dama*
	Typical baci di dama with hazelnut cookies and chocolate filling
Alternative names	Basin ëd dama (Piedmontese)
Type	Cookie
Place of origin	Italy
Region or state	Piedmont
Main ingredients	Hazelnuts, butter, sugar, flour, chocolate fondant
	Media: Baci di dama;

Baci di dama (Italian: [ˈbaːtʃi di ˈdaːma]; Piedmontese: basin ëd dama; lit. 'lady's kisses')^[1] are a type of northern Italian sandwich biscuit consisting of two hazelnut biscuits joined together by a chocolate filling, representing the "kiss" in the name. Considered a standard of Italian confectionery, these are a common item at bakeries throughout Italy and in Italian diaspora communities. Though traditionally made with hazelnut cookies, there are currently many modern flavour variations. The most common variations are made with almonds, pistachios, and cocoa in place of hazelnuts.

History

Baci di dama originate from the town of Tortona in the region of Piedmont.^[2] They were created in the 19th century as a way to utilize hazelnuts, which are local to Piedmont [it]. Baci di dama have been classified as a traditional, protected Piedmontese product (PAT, i.e. prodotto agroalimentare tradizionale).