Hazelnut cookies with chocolate drizzle are a rich, nutty, and buttery delight with a crisp yet slightly chewy texture. Made with roasted hazelnuts and topped with a decadent chocolate drizzle, these cookies offer the perfect balance of flavor and indulgence. Whether served with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, they make a sophisticated treat for any occasion, from festive gatherings to everyday snacking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Buttery Flavor – The combination of roasted hazelnuts and butter creates a deep, nutty taste.
- Crisp yet Chewy Texture – These cookies have a satisfying bite with a tender center.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this an effortless recipe.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for holidays, celebrations, or as an everyday sweet treat.
- Decadent Chocolate Drizzle – The dark chocolate topping adds a touch of elegance and enhances the hazelnut flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup roasted hazelnuts, finely ground
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons milk (if needed for binding)
- ½ cup dark chocolate, melted (for drizzle)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and creamy. Add vanilla extract, ground hazelnuts, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too crumbly, add a little milk to help bind it.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Add Chocolate Drizzle: Melt the dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Let the chocolate set before serving.
- Enjoy: These cookies are best served with coffee, tea, or as a delicious snack on their own.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 140 kcal per cookie
Variations
- Milk or White Chocolate Drizzle: Swap dark chocolate with milk or white chocolate for a different flavor.
- Hazelnut Cocoa Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate-hazelnut combination.
- Nutty Mix: Replace half of the hazelnuts with almonds or walnuts for a varied nutty taste.
- Orange Zest Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange zest for a citrusy contrast to the chocolate drizzle.
- Stuffed Hazelnut Cookies: Place a small piece of chocolate or a whole hazelnut in the center of each cookie before baking for a delightful surprise.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 10 days for extended freshness.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: These cookies do not require reheating but can be slightly warmed in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for a few minutes if desired.
FAQs
Can I use raw hazelnuts instead of roasted?
Yes, but roasting enhances their flavor. If using raw hazelnuts, toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes before grinding.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure the butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for 15 minutes before baking if necessary.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for similar results.
What is the best way to melt the chocolate for drizzling?
Use a microwave in 20-second intervals or a double boiler to melt the chocolate smoothly without burning.
Can I use a different nut instead of hazelnuts?
Yes, almonds, pecans, or walnuts can be used as substitutes.
Should I sift the powdered sugar before adding it?
Sifting ensures a smoother dough, but it is not required.
Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Yes, mini chocolate chips can be added for an extra chocolatey bite.
How do I store these cookies without the chocolate smudging?
Let the chocolate drizzle set completely before stacking the cookies in an airtight container.
Can I use brown sugar instead of powdered sugar?
Powdered sugar gives a delicate texture, but brown sugar can add a chewier consistency.
What type of chocolate works best for drizzling?
Dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa) provides a rich contrast, but milk or white chocolate can be used for a sweeter taste.
Conclusion
Hazelnut cookies with chocolate drizzle are an exquisite blend of nutty richness and smooth chocolate indulgence. With their crisp yet slightly chewy texture, they are perfect for any occasion, from holiday celebrations to simple coffee breaks. This easy-to-make recipe ensures a batch of delicious homemade cookies that will impress family and friends. Try them today and savor the perfect balance of hazelnut and chocolate flavors!
