Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies

Name: Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup hazelnuts, chopped; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Who doesn’t love the delightful combination of chocolate and hazelnuts? Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies are a true treat that can spark joy in any setting, whether you’re indulging during cozy evenings or sharing with friends and family at gatherings. With a satisfying crunch and a rich chocolate flavor, these cookies are guaranteed to become a beloved classic in your recipe collection.

Warm, fragrant, and oh-so-delicious, these cookies are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Each bite offers a melty surprise of chocolate chips harmonizing beautifully with the nutty crunch of hazelnuts. So, get those baking sheets ready; we’re about to embark on a delightful baking adventure!

Why Make This Recipe

The magic of chocolate and hazelnuts combined creates an irresistible flavor profile that everyone loves.
They are quick and easy to make, perfect for an impromptu dessert or a cozy night in.
Imagine the joy on your loved ones’ faces when you serve these delightful cookies fresh from the oven.

Baking these cookies not only fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma but also evokes a sense of comfort and nostalgia. It’s a recipe that fosters connections and sweet memories, making any occasion just a little bit sweeter.

Making Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies at Home

Creating delicious Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies is a straightforward process that will have your home smelling like a bakery in no time. Here is a step-by-step guide that will lead you to perfection.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you dive into the magical world of baking, ensure that you have all the essentials at your fingertips. Here’s what you will need:

1 cup hazelnuts, chopped
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Step 2: Prepare Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper preheating ensures even cooking and baking, giving your cookies the perfect texture and golden edges.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, take your flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these together thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly. This step is crucial as it helps distribute the leavening agent (baking soda) evenly throughout the dough.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the butter, resulting in a lighter texture for your cookies. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step to make it easier.

Step 5: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Ensure everything combines evenly for a smooth texture that will be the base of your cookie dough.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined—the dough should remain slightly lumpy, which is perfect for adding in the chopped hazelnuts and chocolate chips without overmixing.

Step 7: Fold in Hazelnuts and Chocolate Chips

Speaking of which, gently fold your chopped hazelnuts and chocolate chips into the dough with a spatula. As you do this, envision the delightful crunch and chocolatey swirls that will soon fill your mouth.

Step 8: Shape the Cookies

Using a tablespoon, drop mounds of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each mound to allow for spreading as they bake. If you prefer uniformity, you can use a cookie scoop to keep the sizes consistent.

Step 9: Bake

Once your dough is scooped onto the baking sheets, place them in your preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are firm but still soft in the center. It’s important not to overbake them as this will ensure that they remain chewy.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Take the cookies out of the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows the cookie to set and makes it easier to handle without crumbling. Once cooled, they are ready to enjoy!

Keeping Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies Fresh

Delicious cookies deserve to be stored properly so that every bite remains as delightful as the first. Here’s how to ensure your Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies stay delicious:

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Refrigeration: If you prefer to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies

Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies lend themselves beautifully to various serving options that can amplify your dessert experience:

À la Mode: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla or hazelnut ice cream on top for a heavenly combination.
With Coffee or Tea: These cookies pair wonderfully with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The chocolatey richness complements the warmth of the beverages perfectly.
Gifts and Treats: Package them in decorative tins with a ribbon and give them as thoughtful gifts to friends or family; who wouldn’t love a homemade treat?
Add Whipped Cream: Top your cookies with a dollop of whipped cream and some chopped hazelnuts for an elegant dessert presentation.

Tips to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies Even Better

Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of your cocoa powder can significantly enhance the chocolate flavor; opt for a high-quality one.
Don’t Skip the Cooling: Cooling the cookies on a wire rack prevents them from becoming soggy.
Experiment with Nuts: While hazelnuts are delicious, try substituting half the hazelnuts with walnuts or pecans for a new twist.

Variations or Substitutions

If you’re excited to try something a little different, here are a few variations you may consider:

Nut-Free Option: Leave out the hazelnuts completely and substitute them with additional chocolate chips for a double chocolate treat.
Gluten-Free Variation: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free while keeping the texture delightful.

FAQs About Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies

Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just allow the dough to come to room temperature before scooping and baking.

Q: Can I add more chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more chocolate chips to satisfy your chocolate cravings. More is always merrier when it comes to chocolate!

Q: How do I ensure my cookies are chewy and not too crispy?
To maintain chewiness, make sure to avoid overbaking. The centers should look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven.

This irresistible Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies recipe embodies the essence of comforting treats and indulgent delights. The process of baking these cookies not only fills your home with delightful aromas but also invites you to connect with family and friends through the joy of sharing.

Embrace creativity in your baking with this recipe, and you may discover new favorite flavors and serving options. There’s no limit to how you can enjoy these tasty cookies—each bite promises a delicious journey of textures and flavors. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on the sweet adventure of making Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies today!

Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies

Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies

Why Make This Recipe