Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies

Have you ever tasted a cookie so unbelievably delicious, it transported you to a land of pure chocolatey hazelnut bliss? Prepare yourself, because these Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies are about to do just that. They’re the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion.

My grandma used to make these, only hers were slightly… less crunchy. Let’s just say her oven had more personality than most. These, however, are perfectly crunchy, thanks to my slightly less eccentric oven and a carefully guarded recipe.

These Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies are:

Effortlessly delicious, requiring minimal effort.

A symphony of rich chocolate and nutty hazelnut flavors.

Visually stunning, with their irresistible crackly tops.

Incredibly versatile, perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself.

Ingredients for Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Unsalted Butter Use high-quality, softened butter for the best flavor and texture.

Granulated Sugar Provides sweetness and helps create a crisp cookie.

Brown Sugar Adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor and moisture.

Large Eggs Bind the ingredients together and add richness.

Vanilla Extract Enhances the overall flavor profile.

All-Purpose Flour Provides the structure for the cookies.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Provides that rich chocolate flavor.

Baking Soda Helps the cookies rise.

Salt Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Hazelnut Flour Adds a delightful nutty flavor and texture.

Chopped Hazelnuts Provides extra crunch and visual appeal.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips More chocolate goodness never hurts!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is where the magic starts. You want that nice, airy texture. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix, or you’ll end up with tough cookies.

Step 4: Add the Hazelnut Goodness

Stir in the hazelnut flour, chopped hazelnuts, and chocolate chips. This is the point where your kitchen will start smelling incredibly delicious. Resist the urge to eat the batter raw (though I won’t judge if you sneak a tiny taste).

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, enjoy these incredible Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies with a nice glass of milk or your favorite beverage.

Tips and Tricks for Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies

These cookies are already pretty foolproof, but here are a few extra tips to ensure your baking success:

Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.

For extra chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.

If you don’t have hazelnut flour, you can substitute with almond flour or a blend of almond and all-purpose flour.

Let the cookies cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This prevents them from becoming soggy.

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies

These cookies are fantastic on their own, but they’re also amazing served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate. They’re a perfect addition to any dessert spread, or a delightful treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. You could even crumble them over ice cream for an extra special dessert.

Storage of Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies

Store your Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for several months in the freezer.

Remember to thaw them completely at room temperature before enjoying.

Enjoy your baking journey creating these delicious Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

First, prepare the hazelnut base by toasting and chopping the hazelnuts. Then, cream together the butter and sugars before adding the eggs one at a time. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, and finally, fold in the chopped hazelnuts and melted chocolate. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking for perfectly crisp Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment! Swap out the hazelnuts for pecans or walnuts. Add a pinch of sea salt for a sophisticated touch, or sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top before baking. Consider adding dried cranberries or chopped dark chocolate chunks for extra texture and flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but reheating for a few seconds in the microwave will restore some crispness if needed.

• Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor in your Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies.
• Don’t overmix the dough; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy.

I once made these Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies for a friend’s birthday. They were a huge hit! Everyone raved about the crunchy texture and rich chocolate flavor. It was a truly satisfying baking experience.

Conclusion for Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies

These Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies are a delightful treat, easy to make and even easier to devour. The combination of crunchy hazelnuts and rich chocolate is irresistible, and the recipe is adaptable to your preferences. Whether you stick to the original recipe or get creative with substitutions and additions, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare for a seriously satisfying baking experience. Enjoy!

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FAQs

Can I make these Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! These Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies are even better the next day (if they last that long!). Make the dough, scoop it onto baking sheets, and store the unbaked cookies in the fridge for up to two days. Then, bake them as directed when you’re ready for a delicious treat. The slight chilling will actually help prevent spreading during baking, leading to those perfectly chunky cookies you crave. Just add a few minutes to the baking time if they’ve been chilling.

What can I substitute for the hazelnut butter?

While hazelnut butter delivers that perfect nutty, chocolatey punch, you’re not limited! You could try almond butter for a similar, slightly sweeter taste, or even cashew butter for a creamier texture. The flavor profile will shift a bit, but the cookies will still be wonderfully delicious. Just be mindful that nut butters vary in consistency, so you might need to adjust the amount of flour to achieve the right dough texture. Experiment and discover your new favorite nut butter cookie!

Are these Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies gluten-free?

Not as written, but making them gluten-free is totally doable! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend. Many blends are available, each with a slightly different texture. You might need to experiment a bit to find the perfect one that maintains the desired cookie consistency. Remember that gluten-free baking often requires a bit more finesse, so keep a close eye on your baking time to prevent burning. The Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies will still be amazing, even without gluten!

How can I make my Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies even more decadent?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! A drizzle of melted dark chocolate after baking adds an extra layer of richness and shine. Sprinkling sea salt flakes on top of the warm cookies provides a delightful salty-sweet contrast. You could also add chopped hazelnuts to the dough for extra crunch, or even fold in some mini chocolate chips for a double chocolate explosion. Don’t be afraid to get creative and personalize your Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies to match your wildest sweet tooth dreams.