Gelato e Baci di Sanremo

Gelato e Baci di Sanremo is a classic Italian dessert pairing that combines creamy gelato with the iconic Baci di Sanremo cookies. The dish originates from the Ligurian coastal city of Sanremo, where the local confectionery tradition has long celebrated the combination of chocolate and hazelnuts. Baci di Sanremo—literally "kisses of Sanremo"—are small, dome-shaped cookies made from a delicate meringue-like mixture of egg whites, sugar, and finely ground hazelnuts, often sandwiched together with a rich chocolate ganache or gianduia cream.

A great version of this dish hinges on the quality of both components. The gelato should be artisanal, ideally a fior di latte or vanilla base that provides a clean, creamy counterpoint to the intense nuttiness of the cookies. The Baci themselves must be freshly made, with a crisp exterior that yields to a soft, almost melting interior, and a chocolate filling that is neither too sweet nor too bitter. The pairing is typically served with the gelato as a base and the cookies arranged alongside or crumbled on top, allowing the textures and temperatures to contrast.

In Sanremo itself, the dish is often enjoyed at historic cafés and gelaterias. Creator *sandrino* highlights [[venues/be1450d9-21a2-4ad2-a690-47552079228f|Branda Cöyun]] as a key venue for an authentic experience. Regional variations may include the use of local Ligurian hazelnuts or the addition of a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, while some modern interpretations substitute the gelato with a hazelnut or chocolate flavor to echo the cookie's profile.