The Perfect Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Sweet aromas of chocolate hazelnut cookies waft through kitchens, promising delectable moments of pure comfort.

Crisp edges and soft centers create irresistible textures that beckon dessert enthusiasts.

nutty undertones blend seamlessly with rich chocolate, crafting an indulgent treat.

Baking these delights requires minimal ingredients and simple techniques anyone can master.

Rustic charm meets sophisticated flavor in every carefully crafted bite.

Mixing bowls and measuring cups become your gateway to culinary magic.

Let these cookies become your signature dessert that sparks joy and creates lasting memories.

What Goes Into the Perfect Nutty Caramel Treat

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure to the cookies.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the treats.
• Butter: Creates a tender, rich texture and carries the overall flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps with browning.

• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, complex flavor to the cookies.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the cookies rise and have a light texture.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the sweet flavors.

• Hazelnuts, Chopped: Adds crunch and nutty flavor to the exterior of the cookies.
• Caramel: Fills the cookie centers with a sweet, gooey surprise.
• Chocolate Ganache: Provides a luxurious drizzle with rich chocolate flavor.

Creating Caramel Goodness: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Baking Environment

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Get a baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and smooth cookie release.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt

Ensure all ingredients are well combined with no lumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter And Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together butter and sugar.

Beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.

This process helps create a smooth, tender cookie texture.

Step 4: Add Wet Components

Introduce egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture.

Mix thoroughly until everything is smoothly incorporated and looks uniform.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until a cohesive dough forms.

Be careful not to overmix, as this can make cookies tough.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Balls

Roll the dough into small, uniform balls about 1 inch in diameter.

This ensures even baking and consistent size.

Step 7: Coat With Nuts

Roll each dough ball in finely chopped hazelnuts, creating a crunchy exterior that adds texture and flavor.

Step 8: Create Caramel Pockets

Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to create a gentle indentation in the center of each cookie.

This will become the caramel holding spot.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Place the prepared cookies on the parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and cookies look slightly dry.

Step 10: Cool Completely

Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

This helps them firm up and prevents breaking.

Step 11: Fill With Caramel

Once cooled, carefully fill the center indentations with smooth caramel sauce.

Use a small spoon for precise filling.

Step 12: Drizzle Chocolate

Prepare a simple chocolate ganache and drizzle it artfully over the caramel-filled cookies for a beautiful, decadent finish.

Smart Tips for Nutty Caramel Bliss

• Nutty Coating Crush hazelnuts finely for better adhesion to cookie dough, ensuring even and consistent coverage.
• Caramel Control Heat caramel gently to prevent burning, using low heat and stirring constantly for smooth texture.
• Indent Perfection Use the back of a small spoon or your thumb to create uniform, deep centers for maximum caramel filling.
• Ganache Technique Drizzle chocolate ganache when slightly cooled to achieve elegant, thin chocolate lines across cookies.
• Storage Savvy Store cookies in airtight container between parchment layers to maintain crispness and prevent sticking.

Change Things Up: Caramel Treat Ideas

• Gluten-Free Nutty Caramel Treats: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version that maintains the rich, nutty flavor profile.
• Vegan Caramel Nut Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and create dairy-free caramel using coconut milk and maple syrup.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Swap hazelnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies, keeping the same delicious caramel and chocolate elements.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and create a sugar-free caramel alternative with sugar-free syrup and cream.

How to Serve Nutty Caramel Squares with Flair

• Creamy Vanilla Scoop: Top each cookie with a velvety vanilla ice cream dollop for a cool, rich contrast.
• Espresso Pairing: Serve alongside a steaming shot of espresso to highlight the deep chocolate and nutty flavors.
• Dessert Platter Magic: Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries, dark chocolate shards, and whipped cream for an elegant presentation.
• Sweet Wine Companion: Complement the treats with a glass of sweet dessert wine like port or moscato for a luxurious tasting experience.

Best Ways to Keep Nutty Caramel Treats Fresh

• Store cooled cookies in airtight container with parchment between layers for up to 5 days, preserving texture and preventing sticking.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container, and store for 2-3 months; thaw at room temperature for best taste.
• Warm individual cookies on microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds to restore softness and bring out caramel's gooey texture.
• Preheat oven to 300F, place cookies on baking sheet, warm for 3-5 minutes to restore crisp edges and revive nutty flavor.

FAQs

• What are hazelnuts, and why are they used in this recipe?

Hazelnuts are delicious nuts with a rich, buttery flavor that adds crunch and depth to the cookies. They provide a nutty texture and enhance the overall taste of the treats.

• Can I substitute hazelnuts with another nut?

Yes, you can use almonds or pecans as alternatives. Each nut will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the cookies, so choose based on your preference.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

The cookies are done when the edges are set and slightly firm to the touch. They should look just barely golden and not completely browned, which takes about 10-12 minutes in the oven.

Rich Nutty Caramel Treats: Crave-Worthy Qualities

• Craft Nutty Delights: Simple steps transform basic ingredients into gourmet cookies that look professionally made.
• Quick Family Favorite: Minimal prep time and straightforward technique make these treats perfect for baking with kids or sharing at gatherings.
• Texture Adventure: Crunchy hazelnuts, soft caramel centers, and rich chocolate ganache create an exciting multi-layered sensory experience in every bite.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping nuts, adjusting caramel, or experimenting with different chocolate drizzles to match personal preferences.

Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate hazelnut cookies blend rich cocoa with toasted hazelnuts for an irresistible treat. Crisp edges, chewy centers, and nutty undertones promise a delightful experience you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup hazelnuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Dry Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup chocolate ganache for drizzle

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring a consistent temperature for optimal baking.
2. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for the treats.
3. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
4. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and airy, developing a smooth base for the cookies.
5. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending until fully integrated and slightly fluffy.
6. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
7. Gently roll the dough into uniform 1-inch spheres, maintaining consistent size for even baking.
8. Carefully roll each dough ball in finely chopped hazelnuts, creating a crunchy exterior coating.
9. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a small indentation in the center of each nutty cookie.
10. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and slightly golden.
11. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and allow to cool completely, maintaining their delicate structure.
12. Once cooled, carefully fill the center indentations with rich, smooth caramel sauce.
13. Finish by delicately drizzling chocolate ganache over the caramel-filled cookies for an elegant touch.

Notes

• Replace hazelnuts with almonds or pecans for a different flavor profile and to accommodate nut allergies.
• Use plant-based butter, egg substitute, and dairy-free chocolate ganache to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
• Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days to enhance flavor development and save time during baking.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg