Hazelnut Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Creating the perfect hazelnut chocolate cookies recipe has been my passion for over a decade, and I'm thrilled to share these game-changing secrets with you. These aren't just ordinary cookies; they're a symphony of roasted hazelnuts and rich chocolate that creates pure magic in every bite. What makes this hazelnut chocolate cookies recipe so special is the perfect balance of textures and flavors that I've perfected through countless kitchen experiments.

After testing dozens of variations, this hazelnut chocolate cookies recipe delivers consistently amazing results every single time. The combination of crunchy roasted hazelnuts and melty chocolate chunks creates an irresistible dessert treat that disappears within minutes of coming out of the oven.

Why These Nutty Chocolate Delights Rule Every Kitchen

These chocolate hazelnut cookies have become legendary in my household, and here's exactly why they'll become your go-to dessert. The secret lies in using freshly roasted hazelnuts that release their natural oils during baking, creating an incredibly rich flavor profile that store-bought cookies simply can't match. This hazelnut chocolate cookies recipe combines traditional Italian baking techniques with modern convenience, giving you bakery-quality results at home.

What sets this hazelnut chocolate cookies recipe apart is the double chocolate element; we're using both cocoa powder and chocolate chunks to create layers of chocolate flavor. The roasted hazelnuts add a sophisticated nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the chocolate, while the texture remains perfectly chewy on the inside with slightly crispy edges. This hazelnut chocolate cookies recipe has been tested by dozens of home bakers, and the feedback is always the same: absolutely incredible.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• Sweet Endings and New Beginnings
• FAQ
• Sweet Endings and New Beginnings
• Related
• Pairing
• Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Brown sugar, packed
• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract

Star Ingredients:

• Milk
• Roasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
• Dark chocolate chunks
• Nutella

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper
2. Toast hazelnuts in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes until fragrant
3. Let hazelnuts cool completely, then roughly chop them into bite-sized pieces
4. Measure all ingredients and have them ready at room temperature

Create the Perfect Dough Base

1. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for 3 minutes until light and fluffy
2. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and Nutella
3. Mix in milk until well combined
4. The mixture should be smooth and creamy at this point

Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt
2. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined
3. Fold in chopped hazelnuts and chocolate chunks using a wooden spoon
4. Don't overmix; the dough should just come together with visible chocolate pieces

Shape and Bake to Perfection

1. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack
2. Scoop dough into 1.5-inch balls using a cookie scoop or spoon
3. Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers still look slightly soft

Expert Cooking Tips

• Temperature Control is Everything Getting the perfect texture starts with proper temperature control. Your butter should be soft enough to leave a fingerprint but not melted. Room temperature eggs incorporate better and create a smoother dough texture.
• Toasting Makes the Difference Always toast your hazelnuts before adding them to the dough. This simple step releases natural oils and intensifies the nutty flavor dramatically. Watch them carefully; they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds.
• Timing Your Bake The secret to chewy centers with crispy edges lies in timing. Remove cookies when they look slightly underdone in the center. They'll continue cooking on the hot pan, resulting in the perfect texture.
• Chilling for Better Shape If your dough seems too soft, chill it for 30 minutes before shaping. This helps cookies maintain their shape during baking and prevents excessive spreading.
• Quality Ingredients Matter Use high-quality chocolate chunks instead of chips for better melting and flavor. Good cocoa powder makes a noticeable difference in the final chocolate intensity.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-Free Version Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add an extra 2 tablespoons of milk if the dough seems too dry. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious.
• Vegan Adaptation Substitute eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water, let sit 10 minutes). Replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Use dairy-free chocolate chunks and skip the Nutella or use a vegan hazelnut spread.

Flavor Variations

• Double Chocolate Hazelnut Add an extra ¼ cup cocoa powder and reduce flour by the same amount for ultra-chocolate lovers. This creates an intensely rich cookie perfect for serious chocolate fans.
• Espresso Hazelnut Add 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients. The coffee flavor complements both chocolate and hazelnuts beautifully, creating a sophisticated adult treat.
• Orange Hazelnut Add 1 tablespoon orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist. The orange pairs surprisingly well with hazelnuts and adds a bright note to the rich chocolate.
• White Chocolate Version Replace dark chocolate chunks with white chocolate chips and add ½ cup dried cranberries for a festive holiday variation.
• This hazelnut chocolate cookies recipe adapts beautifully to different flavor profiles while maintaining its signature chewy texture.

Equipment Recommendations

• Essential Baking Tools A reliable stand mixer makes creaming butter and sugars effortless, though a hand mixer works perfectly fine. Heavy-duty baking sheets ensure even browning, while parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Cookie Scoop Magic A 1.5-inch cookie scoop creates uniform cookies that bake evenly. This tool is worth the investment for consistent results every time you make this hazelnut chocolate cookies recipe.
• Quality Measuring Tools Accurate measurements are crucial for perfect cookies. Use dry measuring cups for flour and liquid measuring cups for milk. A kitchen scale provides the most accurate results.
• Wire Cooling Racks Proper cooling prevents soggy bottoms and allows cookies to finish cooking gradually. Invest in sturdy wire racks that won't bend under the weight of multiple cookie sheets.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Short-Term Storage

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep different cookie types in separate containers to maintain distinct flavors.

Freezing Instructions

• Raw cookie dough freezes beautifully for up to three months. Scoop dough into balls, freeze on baking sheets until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to baking time.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare dry ingredients up to one week ahead and store in sealed containers. Toast hazelnuts in batches and freeze in portions. This hazelnut chocolate cookies recipe becomes even more convenient with proper prep work.
• Freshness Secret: Add a slice of bread to your cookie container to maintain soft texture for several extra days.

FAQ

Sweet Endings and New Beginnings

This hazelnut chocolate cookies recipe represents everything I love about home baking: simple ingredients transformed into something truly special through technique and care. These cookies have graced countless family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and quiet afternoon treats, always delivering that perfect combination of nutty richness and chocolate indulgence. The beauty of this hazelnut chocolate cookies recipe lies not just in its incredible flavor, but in its reliability; every batch turns out beautifully when you follow these tested techniques.

While you're in a baking mood, consider trying our Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists Recipe for a flaky, spiced treat that pairs wonderfully with coffee, or explore our Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe for an elegant breakfast pastry. Both recipes share the same attention to detail and proven techniques that make this hazelnut chocolate cookies recipe so successful, giving you a complete repertoire of bakery-quality treats to master in your own kitchen.

With love from my kitchen to yours
By Lisa Johnson ✨

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