Are you craving a delicious, homemade treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These hazelnut cookies are the perfect answer. They're buttery, nutty, and wonderfully crisp – the ideal accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea, or a delightful addition to any dessert spread. This recipe is perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks looking for a quick and satisfying baking project. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this easy recipe for the best hazelnut cookies you'll ever taste!
Ingredients:
- 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
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup hazelnut flour (or finely ground hazelnuts)
- ½ cup chopped hazelnuts, for topping (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is best achieved using an electric mixer, but you can also do it by hand, although it will take a bit more effort.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Incorporate Hazelnut Flour:
Stir in the hazelnut flour until evenly distributed throughout the dough. If using finely ground hazelnuts instead of hazelnut flour, add them at this stage.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each ball slightly with a fork, creating a criss-cross pattern. If desired, sprinkle the tops with chopped hazelnuts.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection:
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens vary, and you want to avoid burning them.
Step 7: 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.
Tips for the Best Hazelnut Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This will ensure that it creams well with the sugars, creating a light and airy texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even better results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful chocolate hazelnut combination.
- Spiced Hazelnut Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Salted Hazelnut Cookies: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a sweet and salty treat.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: 150-180 | Fat: 8-10g | Carbohydrates: 20-25g | Protein: 2-3g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Enjoy these delightful hazelnut cookies! They're a fantastic homemade treat perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). They're a simple yet impressive addition to any occasion, from casual get-togethers to holiday celebrations. Happy baking!