Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that combines rich chocolate flavor with the delightful crunch of hazelnuts, then you’ve stumbled upon the right place! My Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe is a treat that never fails to impress. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight craving or a family gathering where you want to shine as the dessert hero. The Nutella swirl adds an extra layer of indulgence, making each bite a delicious experience.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up a batch. You don’t need fancy ingredients, just simple pantry staples that come together beautifully. Plus, the combination of textures—from chewy centers to crunchy edges—will leave your taste buds dancing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for last-minute cravings!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cookies, and these are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can chill the dough and bake fresh cookies whenever you’re ready for a sweet treat.
• Decadent Flavor: The mix of chocolate and hazelnut creates an irresistible flavor profile that will have you reaching for seconds.
• Fun Topping Options: Get creative with optional toppings like crushed wafer cookies or sea salt flakes for an extra crunch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! You’ll find everything here is easy to work with and incredibly tasty. Here’s what you’ll need for these delightful cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted
• ⅓ cup hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
• ¼ cup crushed chocolate-covered wafer cookies (like Kit Kats or similar), for topping (optional)
• Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling (optional)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to play around with different flavors and textures to suit your taste. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Some Spice: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or espresso powder for a cozy twist.
• Nut Alternatives: Swap out hazelnuts for walnuts or pecans if you prefer something different.
• Chocolate Lovers Unite: Substitute milk chocolate chips for semi-sweet if you want an even sweeter cookie.
• Fruit Infusion: Toss in some dried cherries or cranberries for a fruity burst alongside the chocolate!

How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, giving your cookies that lovely texture.

Step 2: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This not only adds flavor but also helps bind your dough together.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent throughout your cookie dough.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients to Wet

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want tender cookies!

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Hazelnuts

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and toasted chopped hazelnuts until they are evenly distributed throughout your dough. This step adds those delightful surprises in every bite!

Step 6: Swirl in Hazelnut Spread

Drop spoonfuls of hazelnut spread onto the dough. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl it in without overmixing—it should remain marbled for that beautiful visual appeal.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to two hours. Chilling solidifies the fat in your batter which leads to thicker cookies.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats so that nothing sticks!

Step 9: Scoop the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared sheets, leaving about two inches between each cookie. This spacing helps them bake evenly.

Step 10: Add Toppings (Optional)

If desired, sprinkle crushed chocolate-covered wafer cookies and sea salt flakes on top before baking. These toppings add texture and flavor that enhances every bite!

Step 11: Bake

Bake your cookies for 9–11 minutes until their edges are golden brown but their centers still look slightly soft—this ensures they stay chewy.

Step 12: Cool

Remove from oven and let them cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time allows them to set perfectly!

And there you have it! With this Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies recipe, you’ll have delightful treats ready to share (or keep all to yourself!). Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe

Baking is all about the little details, and these tips will help you achieve cookie perfection!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature allows for better emulsification, resulting in a smoother dough that bakes evenly.

• Don’t skip the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps to solidify the fats, leading to thicker cookies with a nice chewy texture. It also prevents spreading too much during baking.

• Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid compacting your flour. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, while too little can make them too wet.

• Experiment with hazelnut toppings: Try adding more toasted hazelnuts or even a drizzle of extra hazelnut spread on top after baking for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

• Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies a minute or two before the recommended time. You want them golden around the edges and slightly soft in the center.

How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe

These cookies are not just delicious; they’re also visually appealing! Here are some fun ideas to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped Hazelnuts: Sprinkle some extra chopped hazelnuts on top right before serving for added crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled cookies adds an elegant touch and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar gives these cookies a beautiful finish that looks festive and inviting.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these warm cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold is simply delightful!
• Coffee or Espresso: A classic pairing, coffee or espresso complements the rich chocolate flavors perfectly, making it an excellent choice for dessert lovers.
• Fresh Berries: A side of fresh raspberries or strawberries adds a refreshing tartness that balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
• Milk: You can never go wrong with a tall glass of milk! It’s perfect for dipping those crunchy edges into something creamy.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies will not only taste heavenly but also look irresistible on any dessert table! Enjoy your baking adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the dough ahead of time, chill it, and bake fresh cookies whenever you want a sweet treat.

Storing Leftovers

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you want to keep them longer, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag once solid.
• For baked cookies, let them cool completely before wrapping individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your cookies warm, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm but not too hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious cookies.

Can I use another type of nut instead of hazelnuts?

Absolutely! While hazelnuts add a unique flavor, you can substitute with chopped walnuts or almonds if preferred. Just make sure to toast them for that extra crunch!

How can I make these Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, simply use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture will still be delightful!

What makes these Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies the ultimate recipe?

The combination of rich chocolate chips with creamy hazelnut spread creates an indulgent flavor profile. Plus, the toasted hazelnuts add a satisfying crunch!

Can I skip the wafer cookie topping?

Yes! The crushed chocolate-covered wafer cookies are optional. The cookies are still delicious without them, so feel free to customize as you like.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy to your kitchen as much as it does to mine! These Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies are not just treats; they’re little moments of happiness. Whether enjoyed with friends or savored alone, I’m sure you’ll love making—and eating—them! Happy baking!