Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies
Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies are delightfully crunchy cookies that blend rich semi-sweet or dark chocolate with toasted hazelnuts. These cookies offer a perfect balance of nutty flavor and crisp edges combined with a chewy center, making them an irresistible treat for gifting, sharing, or enjoying anytime.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling optional)
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour blend substitution)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (or plant-based butter/coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup toasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped (or toasted almonds/pecans as a substitute)
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (or white chocolate chips/chopped dark chocolate as variation)
Optional for Extra Crunch
- 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes or crisped rice cereal (optional)
- Toast the Hazelnuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast for about 10 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Let them cool, then chop coarsely to retain crunch in every bite.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter together with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, creating a lighter cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully combined before adding the next. Then stir in vanilla extract to infuse the dough with a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined — avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Stir in Hazelnuts and Chocolate: Fold in the toasted hazelnuts and chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough. If using, add crushed cornflakes or crisped rice cereal for extra crunch.
- Bake Until Golden: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges turn golden brown while centers remain slightly soft.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them firm up with their signature crunchy texture.
Notes
- Toast nuts carefully to avoid burning and to maximize flavor and crunch.
- Do not overmix the dough to maintain a tender crumb and prevent tough cookies.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for better flavor and less spreading.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for an enhanced taste.
- Space cookies well to ensure even baking and maintain shape.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Chocolate Cookies, Hazelnut Cookies, Crunchy Cookies, Gluten-Free Cookies, Nutty Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Gift Cookies