Savory Lady's Kisses

Name: Savory Lady's Kisses
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 18
Ingredients: Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese to grate 3 oz; Type 00 flour ¾ cup; Almond flour 1 cup; Butter cold in cubes 5 ½ tbsp; Coarse salt 1 pinch; White wine 1 ½ tbsp; Fresh cheese 2 oz; Chives 3 fili; Black pepper to taste; Fine salt to taste

it es br de fr

102

Calories per serving

Vegetarian

Energy Kcal 102
Carbohydrates g 8.3
of which sugars g 0.3
Protein g 3.2
Fats g 6.1
of which saturated fat g 3.66
Fiber g 0.3
Cholesterol mg 18
Sodium mg 81

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Makes: 18
Note + the cooling time

PRESENTATION

Savory baci di dama are this delightful treat from Piemonte in Northern Italy. Originally, they started as a sweet cookie tradition. But now, folks there have crafted something salty—savory Italian cookies that look like two tiny, buttery biscuits hugging a creamy filling. "Lady’s kisses," that’s what they call them, which is just perfect for these bites. They have a cheesy center between two savory biscuits.

These savory baci di dama are always a hit at parties, holiday dinners, or even those elegant aperitivo spreads. Seriously good. Known for their crispy texture on the outside, they reveal a moist and rich cheese cream inside. Sometimes it’s Parmesan, other times Gorgonzola. They’re pretty much a popular choice at buffets and small gatherings, offering a refreshing change from the usual chips and nuts.

In Piemonte, these savory lady’s kisses are a staple at refined occasions but fit just right at a cozy dinner with friends or a romantic date night. The cookies look like tiny, golden shortbread rounds—swapping sugar for cheese in the dough. It gives each bite this tangy and addictive quality. People love to experiment with the filling, maybe going for sharp Gorgonzola or a herby ricotta for a lighter twist. But the classic choice? A creamy, smooth cheese center. And you know what? Dressing them up with a sprinkle of nuts or herbs adds a fancy touch.

In Northern Italy, it’s common to whip up a big batch to impress guests. These savory sandwich cookies have this knack for making any occasion feel special. Whether you call them cheese-filled cookies or Italian savory biscuits, the flavors are pure Piemonte—really, really rich, cheesy and just a bit buttery with every bite. They're a true sign of the region’s culinary creativity, blending tradition with a modern twist. Perfect for any gathering. For real.

INGREDIENTS

102

Calories per serving

Ingredients for the dough (for about 18 kisses): Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese 3 oz (80 g) - to grate; Type 00 flour ¾ cup (100 g); Almond flour 1 cup (100 g); Butter 5 ½ tbsp (80 g) - cold in cubes; Coarse salt 1 pinch; White wine 1 ½ tbsp (20 ml)

For the filling: Fresh cheese 2 oz (60 g); Chives 3 fili; Black pepper to taste; Fine salt to taste

Preparation

How to prepare Savory Lady's Kisses

To make the savory lady's kisses, start with the dough: in the bowl of a mixer, pour the all-purpose flour and almond flour 1, add the cold butter cut into cubes 2, and the coarse salt 3.

Pulse the mixer a few times and blend everything until you get a sandy mixture 4, transfer the dough to a work surface (or, if it's more convenient, inside a large bowl), create a well in the center, and add the grated Parmigiano Reggiano 5 and white wine 6.

Knead quickly by hand 7, just enough to compact the dough without warming it up 8, then break off pieces of about 10 grams each and form balls 9. With the indicated doses, you will get about 36 balls.

Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper 10 and bake in a preheated static oven at 350°F for 25 minutes, placing the tray on the lowest shelf of the oven. Once cooked, take your savory lady's kisses out of the oven 11 and let them cool on a wire rack. Meanwhile, prepare the filling: in a small bowl, mix the fresh cheese with chopped chives, salt, and pepper 12.

Transfer the cheese cream into a piping bag with a plain nozzle, and when the lady's kisses have cooled, proceed with the filling. Take a ball, squeeze the cream onto the flatter side 13, close with a second cookie 14, and press gently to adhere the two cookies. Your savory lady's kisses are ready to be enjoyed 15!

Storage

To store the savory lady's kisses, use glass or plastic containers with airtight lids (or any lid) and place them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days maximum. Freezing the filled lady's kisses is not recommended, but it is possible to freeze only the raw dough.