Baci d'Uomo Recipe From Shannon Swindle

Nutella meets shortbread in this chocolate cookie

To learn more about this recipe, read the related story, "Equal Rights," in Tasting Table's Los Angeles edition. 

These sophisticated "man kisses" contain ground hazelnuts and cocoa: Think Nutella meets shortbread. The cookies have a sandy texture and are excellent alongside an espresso.

Recipe adapted from Shannon Swindle, Craft, Los Angeles

Baci d'Uomo (Chocolate-Hazelnut "Man Kisses")
4 from 1 ratings
Baci d'Uomo (Chocolate-Hazelnut "Man Kisses") from Shannon Swindle, Craft, LA. 
Prep Time
0
minutes
Cook Time
45
minutes
Servings
3
dozen
Total time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
  • ¾ cup skinned hazelnuts
  • ½ cup granulated sugar, divided
  • ⅔ cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
  • 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°. On a rimmed baking sheet, place the hazelnuts and bake until fragrant and toasted, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and transfer to a large plate to cool completely, about 1 hour.
  2. Transfer the hazelnuts to the bowl of a food processor. Add 3 tablespoons sugar and process until the hazelnuts are finely ground.
  3. To a fine-mesh sieve, add the flour and cocoa and sift into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the butter, ground hazelnut-sugar mixture, remaining 5 tablespoons sugar and the sea salt and mix on medium-low speed until well combined. The dough will be very crumbly, but when squeezed together should hold together.
  4. Use a tablespoon or ½-ounce scoop to portion the dough, and carefully roll and compact the dough into a small ball in your hands. Place the balls 1-inch apart on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake until just firm on top, 12 to 15 minutes (the cookies will crisp as they cool). Cool on a wire rack and repeat with the remaining cookie dough. Make Ahead: The dough can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days before baking. Storing: The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Rate this recipe