Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies

The smell of chocolate and roasted hazelnuts fills the kitchen as they bake.
These Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies are soft, rich, and taste like a cozy mix of brownie and Nutella.

I made them on a chilly evening, and the warm, nutty aroma made the whole house feel peaceful.
They’re chewy, chocolatey, and perfect with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.

If you love deep, comforting flavors, this recipe’s for you.
Let’s bake a batch and enjoy that melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Made with common baking supplies plus hazelnuts for something special.
• Rich Chocolate Flavor: Cocoa powder creates deep chocolate taste in every bite.
• Perfect Texture: Soft and chewy inside with slightly crisp edges.
• Great for Sharing: Makes enough cookies for a crowd or to freeze for later.
• Beginner-Friendly: Easy steps that work every time.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes chill time)
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings: This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Perfect for a family gathering or to keep some in the freezer for when you need a sweet treat.

Difficulty: Easy. Great for beginners and anyone who wants delicious homemade cookies without fuss.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Wire cooling rack
• Cookie scoop or spoon

Ingredients for Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cookies (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature for easy mixing and tender cookies.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create the right texture.
• Eggs: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract brings out the chocolate flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie dough.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Creates the deep chocolate taste.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread just right.
• Salt: A small amount makes all the flavors stronger.
• Hazelnuts: Chopped and toasted for nutty crunch and flavor.

Variations for Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness.
• Use Different Nuts: Try walnuts or pecans instead of hazelnuts.
• Add Espresso Powder: A teaspoon of instant espresso powder makes the chocolate flavor deeper.
• Make Them Sweeter: Add a half cup of brown sugar along with the regular sugar for chewier cookies.
• Create a Swirl: Press a few extra hazelnut pieces on top before baking for a pretty look.

How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Toast the Hazelnuts

Spread hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool, then chop roughly. This step brings out the nutty flavor.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Beat until everything is combined and smooth.

5. Combine Everything

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Fold in the chopped hazelnuts.

6. Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and put it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilled dough makes cookies that hold their shape better.

7. Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop dough into balls about 1.5 tablespoons each. Place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges will look set while centers stay a bit soft.

8. Cool

Let cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Decoration

These cookies are wonderful on their own, but you can make them extra special:

• Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light sprinkle adds a pretty touch.
• Drizzle with Chocolate: Melt some chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies.
• Serve with Ice Cream: Make ice cream sandwiches using two cookies.
• Pair with Coffee or Milk: The classic way to enjoy any cookie.
• Add to Dessert Plates: Serve alongside fresh berries and whipped cream.

Storing Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies

• Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Cookie Dough: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Skip Chilling: Cold dough prevents cookies from spreading too thin.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter and eggs should sit out for 30 minutes before mixing.
• Don’t Overmix: Stop mixing as soon as flour disappears to keep cookies tender.
• Watch the Time: Every oven is different. Check cookies at 10 minutes to avoid overbaking.
• Let Them Rest: Cookies finish cooking on the hot pan after leaving the oven.
• Toast Nuts Fresh: Toasting hazelnuts right before using them gives the best flavor.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Cookie (1 of 24)
Calories	145
Total Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	25mg
Sodium	95mg
Total Carbohydrates	17g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	10g
Protein	2g

Note: Nutrition information is approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead?
Yes, but reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon to keep the flavor balanced.

What if I don’t have hazelnuts?
You can use almonds, pecans, or walnuts instead. Toast them the same way for best flavor.

Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling helps cookies keep their shape and creates a better texture. It also makes the dough easier to handle.

Can I make these cookies without a mixer?
Yes. Use a wooden spoon and some arm strength. Just make sure butter is very soft before starting.

How do I know when cookies are done?
The edges should look set and dry. Centers can look slightly underbaked. They will finish cooking on the pan.