Nutella Baci Cookies

In honor of the solemn and delicious day that Sara at Ms.Adventures in Italy and Shelley of At Home in Rome have declared World Nutella Day, I would like to add my own contribution to the festivities, Nutella Baci cookies. My favorite restaurant is Parisi's here in Northwest Denver. In addition to a savory array of Italian favorites, they boast a small market full of European chocolates, olive oil, fine cheeses, artisanal pastas and a gelato bar. Lovie and I discovered the revelation that is gelato last summer and now stop there several times a week for a fix. During one of these visits, I saw a plate of little Baci cookies that looked like small hamburgers, and simply had to take a few home. They were terrific, a soft espresso flavored cookie on each side, filled with a bit of espresso icing. Just right to accompany a cup of coffee, or to gobble up in the car on the long ride home (it's at least eight blocks). I began to dream of the Baci, and wondered how I could make them my own. When I saw that World Nutella Day was right around the corner, I knew that I had my answer. My beloved Baci cookies could only be made more delicious by adding the hazelnutty goodness that is Nutella. I went right to work, bringing out the Nutella jar and thoughtfully licking spoonfuls of it while I pondered my attack. The Baci could be frosted with Nutella, but the cookie would need a bit of flavor to pump it up. Frangelico to the rescue - the hazelnut flavor would play off of the chocolately Nutella beautifully, coming together to create cookie perfection!      

World Nutella Day Baci Cookies

1 cup of Unsalted Butter, softened

1/2 cup Powdered Sugar

1/2 teaspoon Salt

2-3 tablespoons of Frangelico liquor

2 cups of Flour

Nutella

Cocoa Powder

Mix butter, sugar and salt until fluffy. Add the Frangelico to taste. Stir in the flour. Cover and refrigerate for about an hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Using a teaspoon, scoop up dough and roll to make round balls. Place on a cookie sheet about an inch apart. Bake until golden brown, about 12-15 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack. When cool, gently sandwich two cookies together by frosting with Nutella. Dust finished cookies with cocoa powder. Enjoy often!   

Comments

[Shelley - At Home in Rome]

I definitely want to try making these. You did a great job! Happy Nutella Day!

[Cindy]

Yep, I definitely like the look of these, especially the use of Frangelico to tie that hazelnut theme together. :-)

[syd]

Are they chewy? Crunch? Very sweet or subtle? They look sublime--I may try these out. Thanks!