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Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Hazelnuts
To get the perfect nutty crunch, toast the hazelnuts first. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the whole hazelnuts out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for about 10-12 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the hazelnuts are golden brown and fragrant. After roasting, let the hazelnuts cool slightly, then rub them together in a clean kitchen towel to remove the skins. Chop the hazelnuts roughly, but keep some larger pieces for texture.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. You can use an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step to make it easier.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
Once the dough has come together, fold in the chopped toasted hazelnuts and dark chocolate chunks (or chips) until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The combination of crunchy hazelnuts and gooey dark chocolate will create the perfect balance of textures.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
To help the cookies maintain their shape and prevent them from spreading too much, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step is key for achieving thick, chewy cookies with a slightly crisp edge. If you’re in a rush, you can skip this step, but the results will be slightly different.
Step 4: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Once the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough into roughly 1 1/2-inch balls. If you like, roll the cookie dough balls in the reserved finely chopped hazelnuts for extra crunch and a beautiful, nutty finish.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set but still soft. The cookies will continue to cook slightly as they cool on the baking sheet, so be sure to take them out when they’re just starting to firm up. For softer, chewier cookies, err on the side of slightly underbaking them.
Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Serve these Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies with Dark Chocolate Pieces with a tall glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or enjoy them as an indulgent dessert on their own. The combination of crunchy hazelnuts, gooey dark chocolate, and a perfectly chewy cookie texture will make these a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies:
- Nutty and Chocolatey: The earthy, rich flavor of hazelnuts pairs beautifully with the deep, bittersweet taste of dark chocolate, creating a balanced and decadent treat.
- Perfect Texture: These cookies have a slightly crisp edge with a chewy center — the ideal combination of textures that makes each bite so satisfying.
- Simple to Make: With just a few key ingredients and a short baking time, these cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for any time you need a sweet fix.
- Great for Sharing: These cookies make a wonderful gift for friends, family, or coworkers, and they’re great for bake sales, holiday parties, or any gathering where you want to impress with homemade goodies.
Tips for Success:
- Chill the Dough: While it’s tempting to bake the cookies right away, chilling the dough ensures that the cookies don’t spread too thin and maintain a thick, chewy texture.
- Use High-Quality Dark Chocolate: Since dark chocolate is a main ingredient, using high-quality chocolate will elevate the flavor of the cookies. Look for chocolate with a cocoa content of 60% or higher for a rich, intense flavor.
- Toast the Hazelnuts: Don’t skip the step of toasting the hazelnuts. Toasting enhances their natural flavor and adds an extra layer of deliciousness to the cookies.
- Customize Your Mix-Ins: Feel free to get creative with add-ins! You can swap out the hazelnuts for walnuts, pecans, or even macadamia nuts. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate — milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even a mix of chocolate types.
Storage Tips:
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want them to stay fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, and layer parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
Conclusion:
These Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies with Dark Chocolate Pieces are the perfect treat for chocolate lovers who crave a little extra crunch and sophistication in their cookies. With the rich, nutty flavor of hazelnuts and the indulgent taste of dark chocolate, these cookies are a showstopper in both flavor and texture. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.
So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of cookies that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!
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