Recreate a beloved Italian treat, Baci (kisses), in a healthier way! With just 4 wholesome ingredients, these chocolatey delights bring back fond memories while nourishing your body.
Dates provide natural sweetness, roasted hazelnuts add a toasty crunch, cacao gives that rich chocolate flavour, and melted dark chocolate ties it all together. A pinch of salt is optional but enhances the flavours beautifully.
Effortless to make, these treats come together in minutes with the help of a food processor. Whether it’s a special dessert or an everyday indulgence, these “kisses” are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself.
What Are Perugina ‘Baci’?
Baci Perugina are a beloved Italian chocolate treat from Perugia, made with a whole hazelnut at the center, surrounded by a creamy chocolate and hazelnut filling, all coated in rich dark chocolate. Each piece is wrapped in a silver foil with a little love note inside, making them perfect for special moments or simply to enjoy. The combination of the crunchy hazelnut and smooth chocolate filling creates a luxurious, indulgent bite that has become a symbol of affection in Italy. These chocolates are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a thoughtful, romantic gesture.
Baci Perugina always remind me of my childhood. I used to get so excited to open the wrapper and find the little message inside. It was like a sweet surprise, and it made the treat even more special. In Italy, gifting Baci is a tradition—it’s not just about the chocolate, it’s a way of sharing a moment of love. You give someone a Baci, and you give them a kiss. It’s such a beautiful, simple gesture. That’s why I made my own healthier version—so I could relive those memories and share them with others, all while using wholesome, nutritious ingredients.
I wanted my recipe to be as close as possible to the original, so I bought some Baci Perugina from Amazon and tried them again after many years! To my surprise, I didn’t enjoy them as much as I used to. I found them too sweet and a bit “chemical.” I think my taste buds have adapted to whole foods and less sugar, so if you feel the same way about store-bought sugary chocolate treats, you will absolutely love this recipe! It’s one of my personal favourites—sweet enough, nourishing, nutty, with a crunchy surprise in the middle. I can’t wait for you to try my healthier Baci, and I hope you’ll love them as much as I do!
Tips
- Roasting the hazelnuts brings out their natural nuttiness, adding a deep, toasted flavour. Be sure to give them a quick toss in the air fryer or oven—just a few minutes at 180°C will do the trick!
- Make sure your chocolate balls are well-chilled before dipping them into the melted dark chocolate. This helps them keep their shape and prevents the chocolate from melting too quickly.
Storage
Fridge: Once your healthier Baci are ready, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, keep them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for 4-5 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze them! Simply place the Baci on a tray in a single layer to freeze, and once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for about 10 minutes, and they’ll be as good as new.
More Healthy Chocolate Bites
- 3-Ingredient Chocolate & Peanut Butter Bars
- 4-Ingredient Cashew Chocolate Bites
- No Bake Double Chocolate Brownie
Healthier Homemade “Kisses”
Ingredients
- 140 g roasted hazelnuts +16 extra for the topping
- 200 g dates
- 20 g cacao
- 80 g melted dark chocolate I used 75%
- Optional: pinch of salt
Instructions
- Roast the hazelnuts in a preheated air fryer for 3 mins at 180°C (you can also use the oven, though the time will be longer).
- Add roasted hazelnuts, dates, cacao powder, and a optional pinch of salt to the large bowl of the @magimixuk food processor.
- Blitz/blend for a few minutes (~3-5 mins) until the mixture goes from crumbly to a uniform dough.
- Take a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it with your hands to form a ball. Lay on a plate with baking paper and repeat with the rest of the dough. This recipe makes 16 balls.
- Add the whole hazelnut on top of each ball. Chill in the freezer for a few minutes to allow the dough to set and harden, ready for the final step.
- Melt the dark chocolate in a bowl, then roll each ball in it to coat completely.
- Transfer to a plate lined with baking paper, and once all balls are coated, freeze for a few minutes until the chocolate hardens.