Jump to Recipe Print RecipeIn the midst of a bustling kitchen, a sweet aroma fills the air, drawing everyone near like moths to a flame. Today, I’m excited to share my cherished recipe for Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies that effortlessly combines deep, rich chocolate flavor with the satisfyingly nutty crunch of hazelnuts. Not only can you whip up a batch in just 25 minutes, but these cookies also provide the perfect indulgent escape from everyday life—ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Whether you’re looking for a quick treat to impress guests or a delightful dessert to savor after dinner, these cookies are sure to become a go-to favorite. Ready to add a delightful twist to your cookie repertoire? Let’s dive in and create something truly special! Why are Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies a must-try? Irresistible flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts makes these cookies a hit with everyone. Quick preparation: With just 25 minutes needed, you can have warm cookies ready to enjoy in no time! Perfect texture: The chewy interior and crisp outside create a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more. Versatile indulgence: Enhance your experience by pairing these cookies with a glass of cold milk or coffee, or serve at special occasions alongside Gingerbread Men Cookies for a variety of flavors. Store well: These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for up to a week, making them great for meal prep or quick snacks throughout the week. Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies Ingredients • Get ready for deliciousness! For the Cookie Base Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and tenderness; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and helps create a delightful cookie crispness. Brown Sugar – Infuses moisture and a hint of caramel flavor; pack it for accurate measuring. Large Eggs – Binds the ingredients together; using room temperature eggs works best. Vanilla Extract – Heightens overall flavors; almond extract can be a fun alternative. For the Structure All-Purpose Flour – Forms the cookie’s structure; avoid substitutions unless using a gluten-free blend. Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent for a perfectly soft texture; don’t replace it with baking powder. Salt – Balances sweetness; essential for enhancing all flavors. For the Chewy Additions Chocolate Chips – Choose semi-sweet or dark for satisfying melty bits. Chopped Toasted Hazelnuts – Brings crunch and flavor; feel free to swap with almonds or walnuts if preferred. Crushed Cornflakes – Contributes an extra layer of crunch; can be substituted with crispy rice cereal. These Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies are not only easy to make but will also become a beloved treat. Enjoy the baking adventure! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This essential first step ensures that your Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies bake evenly and develop that perfect crisp exterior. Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper, making for easy cleanup and preventing sticking. Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars In a large mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. The color will lighten, indicating it’s time to move on to the next step. Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla Next, add in the large eggs, one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. This ensures a smooth batter. Once fully combined, mix in the vanilla extract until the mixture is cohesive and aromatic. The batter should appear creamy and expertly blended at this point. Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to blend the dry ingredients thoroughly. Gradually add this flour mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky but well unified. Step 5: Add in the Crunchy Ingredients Now it’s time to fold in the delightful additions! Gently mix in the chopped toasted hazelnuts, chocolate chips, and crushed cornflakes until they are evenly distributed in the dough. This step is crucial as it brings the wonderful textures that define your Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies. Step 6: Scoop and Bake Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each scoop for spreading. Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft and chewy. Step 7: Cool and Transfer Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting period lets them firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The final texture will be irresistible, showcasing the delightful fusion of chocolate and hazelnuts. How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies Airtight Container: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to keep them fresh and delicious. Fridge: For extended freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies. They will stay good for up to two weeks but may lose some of their crunchy texture. Freezer: To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept for up to three months. Ensure they’re well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: To enjoy frozen cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for that freshly-baked feel again. What to Serve with Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies The perfect finishing touch to your delightful cookies can elevate your baking experience to a whole new level. Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: This rich, cold treat complements the warm cookies beautifully, creating a delicious contrast of temperatures and textures. The creaminess enhances the chocolate flavor while balancing the nuttiness of hazelnuts. Espresso or Coffee: A strong cup of coffee or a shot of espresso pairs wonderfully with the cookies, enhancing the chocolate notes and providing that much-needed caffeine kick for an energizing afternoon snack. Melted Chocolate Dip: For those who can’t resist chocolate, serve the cookies with a side of warm, melted chocolate for an indulgent experience. It’s like creating your own chocolate fondue right at home! Fresh Berries: The tartness of raspberries or strawberries brightens the flavor profile, cutting through the richness of the cookies. Their juiciness offers a refreshing contrast that’s both satisfying and palate-cleansing. Nutty Granola Parfait: Combine layers of your favorite yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit. This offers a delightful crunch alongside your cookies and makes for a wholesome yet indulgent dessert. Chai Tea: The warming spices in chai tea provide a comforting complement to the soft, chewy cookies. The aromatics bring out the nutty flavors while creating a calming experience, perfect for cozy evenings. These pairings will not only elevate your Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies but also create an inviting atmosphere for family and friends to enjoy. Expert Tips for Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies Egg Quality: Use room temperature eggs to ensure better incorporation into the batter, resulting in a more tender Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies. Mixing Technique: Be cautious not to overmix the dough when combining dry and wet ingredients; this prevents the cookies from becoming tough. Chilling Dough: If time allows, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps intensify the flavors and improves the cookie texture. Baking Time Awareness: Keep an eye on the baking time; cookies should be soft in the center when removed from the oven, as they’ll continue to firm up while cooling. Extra Bit of Crunch: For a delightful twist, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before baking to enhance flavor and texture. Storage Best Practices: Store your Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to a week. Make Ahead Options These Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! To save time on busy days, you can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix all the ingredients as directed, scoop the dough onto a lined baking sheet, and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. This resting period enhances the flavor and maintains the cookie’s texture. When you’re ready to bake, just pop the dough directly into the oven from the fridge, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. Enjoy delicious, freshly baked cookies with minimal effort! Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies Variations Feel free to customize your cookies with these delightful twists and variations! Nut-Free: Replace hazelnuts with sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture without nuts. Gluten-Free: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend to enjoy these cookies without gluten. Dairy-Free: Swap unsalted butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly treat. The coconut oil adds a unique flavor, making the cookies exotic yet comforting. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a surprising hint of heat that complements the chocolate beautifully. You’re in for a thrilling taste adventure! Decadent Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled cookies for an extra indulgent touch. Present them this way, and they’re sure to impress at any gathering. Flavorful Extracts: Experiment with almond or hazelnut extract in place of vanilla for an extra layer of flavor. These subtle shifts can elevate your cookie game immensely. Dried Fruit Mix: Fold in chopped dried cherries or cranberries alongside the chocolate for a tart contrast. This addition balances sweetness and makes every bite unique. Texture Boost: Swap cornflakes with chopped pretzels for a sweet and salty crunch that adds unexpected delight to each cookie. Each variation offers a wonderful way to personalize your irresistible Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies, turning them into your family’s new favorite indulgence! If you enjoy experimenting, consider trying out these changes alongside other delicious treats from my collection, like Healthy Chocolate Cookies or the delightful Chocolate Oat Cookies. Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies Recipe FAQs How do I select the best hazelnuts for this recipe? Absolutely! When choosing hazelnuts, look for those that are free of dark spots or signs of moisture. Fresh hazelnuts should feel firm and have a pleasant nutty aroma. You can also opt for toasted hazelnuts, as they will provide more flavor and crunch. If you only have raw hazelnuts, just pop them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to toast them lightly before adding them to your cookies. How should I store leftover cookies? To keep your Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This will maintain their delightful chewiness and prevent them from becoming hard. If you refrigerate them, they will last up to two weeks but may lose some of their crunchiness, so airtight is definitely the way to go! Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking? Yes, very! Freezing cookie dough is a fantastic option. Simply scoop the dough into rounded tablespoons and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just pop them straight into the preheated oven, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. What should I do if my cookies come out flat? If your cookies spread too much and come out flat, it might be due to melted butter or not enough flour in the dough. Ensure the butter is softened but not too warm when you mix it with the sugars. Double-check that you’ve measured your flour correctly, using the spoon-and-level method rather than packing it down in the measuring cup. If they still fall flat, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking; this can help retain their shape better. Are these cookies safe for people with nut allergies? No, unfortunately! Given that the recipe includes hazelnuts, they are not suitable for individuals with nut allergies. If you’re looking for a nut-free alternative, you could substitute the hazelnuts with seeds, like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, to maintain some crunch without the allergens. Always ensure no cross-contamination occurs when baking for individuals with allergies. Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies for Irresistible Bliss Indulge in the rich flavor of Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies, combining chocolate and hazelnuts for a delightful treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Base1 cup Unsalted Butter softened1 cup Granulated Sugar1/2 cup Brown Sugar packed2 large Large Eggs room temperature2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract or almond extractFor the Structure2 cups All-Purpose Flour avoid substitutions1 teaspoon Baking Soda do not replace with baking powder1/2 teaspoon Salt balances sweetnessFor the Chewy Additions1 cup Chocolate Chips semi-sweet or dark1 cup Chopped Toasted Hazelnuts or almonds/walnuts1 cup Crushed Cornflakes can substitute with crispy rice cereal Equipment electric mixerMixing bowlsCookie scoopbaking sheetsParchment paper Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.Add the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.Fold in the chopped toasted hazelnuts, chocolate chips, and crushed cornflakes until well combined.Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space for spreading. Bake for about 10-12 minutes.Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg NotesFor best results, use room temperature eggs and be careful not to overmix the dough. Optionally, refrigerate the dough for enhanced flavor and texture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
