Craving a sweet treat that's both easy to make and utterly irresistible? Look no further! These chocolate and hazelnut cookies are the perfect answer. This simple recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness, combining the rich intensity of dark chocolate with the satisfying crunch of hazelnuts. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your homemade cooking repertoire. It’s perfect for a quick dessert, a thoughtful gift, or simply satisfying that afternoon craving for something sweet. Get ready to enjoy these delectable cookies!
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
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup hazelnut, roughly chopped
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution throughout the cookie dough and prevents pockets of dry ingredients.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cookie texture. Use an electric mixer for best results; it makes the process much quicker.
Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 5: Add Hazelnuts and Chocolate Chips
Stir in the chopped hazelnuts and chocolate chips. The addition of hazelnuts adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, perfectly complementing the rich chocolate.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Step 7: Baking Time
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 8: 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 Perfect Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened but not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a smooth dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This also helps prevent spreading.
- Adjust Chocolate: Feel free to use dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or a combination for a personalized flavor profile.
Variations:
- Salted Caramel: Add a swirl of salted caramel sauce to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
- Espresso: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a mocha twist.
- Nuts: Substitute pecans, walnuts, or almonds for the hazelnuts.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These delicious chocolate and hazelnut cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a simple yet sophisticated homemade treat. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea, or share them with friends and family. They’re sure to be a hit!