Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Hazelnut Cookies are a great way to showcase the unique flavor of hazelnuts. The cookies are easy to make and require just a few basic ingredients. The nutty, roasted flavor of the hazelnuts pairs beautifully with the buttery dough, creating a cookie that’s both comforting and delicious. They’re perfect for a snack or as a homemade gift for family and friends. With their soft texture and subtle crunch, these cookies are an irresistible treat that everyone will love!
Ingredients
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1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup brown sugar, packed
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¾ cup hazelnuts, chopped (you can roast them for extra flavor)
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½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Prepare the dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
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Combine with dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
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Stir in the hazelnuts: Gently fold in the chopped hazelnuts. If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them in at this point as well.
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Shape the dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each dough ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
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Cool and serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Enjoy: Once cooled, enjoy these deliciously nutty and chewy Hazelnut Cookies with your favorite beverage!
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes approximately 18-20 cookies.
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 10-12 minutes
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Total time: 25-30 minutes
Storage/Reheating
Store your Hazelnut Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’d like them to stay fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. For a warm treat, simply microwave individual cookies for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different nut instead of hazelnuts?
Yes, you can substitute hazelnuts with other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Keep in mind that each nut has a slightly different flavor, so the taste of the cookies will vary.
2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the other ingredients, like the baking soda and vanilla extract, are also gluten-free.
3. Can I use pre-ground hazelnut flour?
Yes, you can use hazelnut flour, but it will alter the texture slightly. Using whole hazelnuts and chopping them gives a more authentic, crunchy texture, but hazelnut flour will still work well for a more delicate texture.
4. How can I toast the hazelnuts?
To toast hazelnuts, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let them cool and then chop them for the cookies. This step enhances the nutty flavor.
5. Can I add other flavors to the cookies?
Yes, you can add other flavorings like cinnamon, nutmeg, or a little orange zest to complement the hazelnuts. You can also swap the chocolate chips for dried fruit like cranberries or raisins.
6. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Simply roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen at the same temperature, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
7. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe by about half. This will prevent the cookies from being too salty.
8. Can I use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?
Yes, white chocolate chips are a great alternative if you prefer a sweeter, creamier flavor. The combination of hazelnuts and white chocolate is delicious!
9. How can I make these cookies crispier?
If you prefer a crispier texture, flatten the dough balls a little more before baking. You can also bake them for an extra minute or two, keeping an eye on them to avoid burning.
10. Can I use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar?
You can substitute honey or maple syrup for the granulated sugar, but the texture may change. These liquid sweeteners can make the dough softer, so you may need to add a little more flour to balance the moisture.
Conclusion
Hazelnut Cookies are the perfect combination of rich, nutty flavor and sweet, chewy texture. Made with wholesome ingredients like hazelnuts and butter, these cookies are simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or share them with friends and family, these cookies are sure to be a favorite. With a hint of vanilla and the crunch of hazelnuts, they are a delightful treat for any occasion!
Hazelnut Cookies
Hazelnut Cookies are a delightful treat featuring the rich, nutty flavor of hazelnuts in a soft, chewy cookie. With a buttery texture and a hint of vanilla, these cookies are simple to make and perfect for pairing with coffee or tea. Packed with crunchy hazelnut pieces and optional chocolate chips, they’re an irresistible snack that’s sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 18-20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup brown sugar, packed
-
¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¾ cup hazelnuts, chopped (you can roast them for extra flavor)
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
-
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
-
Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
-
Combine with dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
-
Stir in the hazelnuts: Gently fold in the chopped hazelnuts and optional chocolate chips.
-
Shape the dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
-
Bake the cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
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Cool and serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
To toast hazelnuts: Spread hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let them cool before chopping.Substitute nuts: If you don’t have hazelnuts, feel free to use almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a different flavor.For a crispier cookie: Flatten the dough balls slightly and bake for an extra minute or two, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.