Introduction to Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Why hazelnut chocolate chip cookies?
Have you ever bitten into a cookie and found it to be the perfect blend of chewy, crunchy, and utterly delicious? That's exactly what you'll experience with these hazelnut chocolate chip cookies. Elevating the classic cookie game, hazelnuts add a delightful nuttiness that pairs wonderfully with rich dark chocolate. It's a comforting combination, perfect for any time of day or occasion.
We often gravitate towards chocolate chip cookies as a go-to sweet treat, but incorporating hazelnuts adds an exciting twist. Imagine the delightful crunch of toasted hazelnuts mingling with melty chocolate – it's a match made in dessert heaven! Plus, hazelnuts can offer some nutritional perks; they are high in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making these cookies a slightly guilt-free indulgence.
For those who love a touch of sophistication in their treats, these cookies are just the ticket. Whether you’re inviting friends over for coffee or treating yourself after a long day, these hazelnut chocolate chip cookies are sure to impress. So let’s dive into this simple yet scrumptious recipe that will have everyone requesting seconds!
Ingredients for Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies
When it comes to crafting the perfect hazelnut chocolate chip cookies, using high-quality ingredients is key to achieving that rich, delightful flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need for this scrumptious recipe:
- 1 cup unsalted brown butter: This is your secret weapon. Browning the butter adds a nutty depth that perfectly complements the hazelnuts.
- 1 cup light brown sugar: For that classic chewy texture and a touch of molasses sweetness.
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar: Balances out the brown sugar for just the right amount of sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Room temperature eggs help to create a luscious dough.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Essential for that warm, comforting cookie flavor.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: This adds a subtle twist that makes these cookies special.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your delicious cookies, providing structure and chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: To give your cookies that lovely lift as they bake.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips: Choose quality dark chocolate for a rich, decadent treat.
- ½ cup toasted hazelnuts: Roughly chopped to provide essential crunch and flavor.
- Flaky sea salt: Optional, but highly recommended to sprinkle on top before baking for that gourmet touch.
Now that you know what to gather, you're ready to create magic in the kitchen! For more details on how to prepare these delightful cookies, check out our full recipe guide!
Step-by-step Preparation of Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Making delicious hazelnut chocolate chip cookies is a delightful journey that’s well worth the effort. Follow these simple steps, and soon you’ll have warm, gooey cookies that elevate the classic chocolate chip experience!
Gather your kitchen equipment
Before you dive in, ensure you have the right tools on hand. Here's what you'll need:
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment (a hand mixer works too!)
- Cookie scoop for uniform shapes
- Cookie sheet for baking
- Parchment paper to prevent sticking
Having everything laid out will make the process smooth and enjoyable!
Brown the butter for a nutty flavor
Start by browning your butter, which imparts a rich, nutty flavor to your cookies. Melt unsalted butter over medium heat while stirring frequently. Watch for those lovely brown specks that form at the bottom, and inhale that delicious aroma – it's a game changer! Once you see them, remove the butter from heat to avoid burning. Let it cool for about 20 minutes.
Cream the butter with sugars
In your stand mixer bowl, combine the room temperature brown butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is essential as it aerates the dough, creating that wonderful soft texture in your hazelnut chocolate chip cookies.
Mix in the eggs and extracts
Add in two large eggs, along with vanilla and almond extracts. Mix until the batter is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You want it to look a tad paler than before. This is where your cookies get that rich flavor and delightful moistness!
Combine the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gradually stir this mixture into the butter-sugar blend until just combined. You don’t want to overmix—leave some lumps for that chewy texture!
Fold in chocolate chips and hazelnuts
This is the moment where the magic happens! Gently fold in dark chocolate chips and toasted hazelnuts using a spatula. These will provide a delightful crunch and contrasting flavors in your cookies.
Chill the dough for optimal texture
Cover your dough and pop it into the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you’re not in a rush. Chilling is crucial to prevent your cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Shape the cookies and prepare for baking
Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F. Scoop about 3 tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls, placing them on a lined cookie sheet about 2-3 inches apart. If you’d like, press some extra chocolate chips into the tops for that “wow” factor!
Bake and enjoy your homemade cookies
Bake for 9-11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft. Let them rest on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes to firm up before transferring to a cooling rack. For an extra touch, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top, and enjoy your hazelnut chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven! You'll be amazed at how these simple steps come together to create something truly special.
Variations on Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Craving a plant-based twist on these hazelnut chocolate chip cookies? Swap the eggs for 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Instead of brown butter, use melted coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. You’ll still enjoy that delightful combination of rich dark chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts without compromising on flavor!
Gluten-Free Version
If gluten is off your menu, fear not! You can make a gluten-free version of these hazelnut chocolate chip cookies using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it contains xantham gum for optimal texture. With the right flour, you'll end up with deliciously chewy cookies that everyone can enjoy, no matter their dietary needs.
For more detailed guidance on vegan and gluten-free baking, check out resources like Minimalist Baker or America’s Test Kitchen.
Baking Tips and Notes for Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies
When making your hazelnut chocolate chip cookies, here are a few tips to elevate your baking game:
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Brown Butter Mastery: Make sure to watch your butter carefully while browning. This adds rich flavor, but it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds!
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Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps prevent spreading and improves the texture. A longer chill often leads to a better cookie.
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Add Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking enhances sweetness and complements the chocolate.
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Storage Know-How: Keep your cookies fresh in an airtight container for about four days. If you want to bake later, freeze your dough for up to six months.
For more cookie baking tips, check out Baking A Moment for in-depth techniques!
Serving Suggestions for Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies
When enjoying your hazelnut chocolate chip cookies, the possibilities are endless! For an indulgent treat, serve them warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of rich hot fudge. Planning a cozy movie night? Pair your cookies with a comforting glass of cold milk or a latte for a delightful combination.
Hosting a gathering? Arrange these cookies on a beautiful platter with fresh fruits or a cheese board featuring creamy brie—earthy flavors will elevate your dessert table. Find yourself needing a quick snack? These cookies are perfect on their own, a satisfying way to recharge during your busy day!
Time Breakdown for Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Preparation Time
Getting started with these delightful cookies takes just 10 minutes. You’ll find that mixing the ingredients together is a breeze, especially with a stand mixer!
Chilling Time
For the best flavor and texture, the dough should chill for approximately 2 hours. If you're feeling more patient, leave it in the fridge overnight!
Baking Time
Once your dough is ready, baking will only take between 9 to 11 minutes. Keep a close eye on them for those perfectly soft centers.
Total Time
From start to finish, including chilling, you’re looking at a total of around 2 hours and 20 minutes. A small investment for a big reward of flavor!
If you're in the mood for some sweet treats, check out other cookie recipes that you might love!
Nutritional Facts for Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Calories
Each of these delightful hazelnut chocolate chip cookies contains approximately 258 calories. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without completely derailing your healthy eating goals.
Sugar Content
With about 17 grams of sugar per cookie, these treats offer a sweet indulgence. Consider enjoying them in moderation, or swapping in alternatives for an even healthier option.
Nutritional Benefits of Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are not just tasty; they’re also nutrient-rich! Packed with healthy fats and protein, they can help support your heart health. These little nuts are also high in antioxidants and vitamins, making your hazelnut chocolate chip cookies a guilt-free pleasure. For more on the benefits of hazelnuts, check out resources from Healthline.
FAQs about Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Can I use regular butter instead of brown butter?
While you can substitute regular butter for brown butter in hazelnut chocolate chip cookies, you’d miss out on that rich, nutty flavor that brown butter brings. Brown butter adds depth and complexity, making each bite irresistible. If you’re short on time, though, regular unsalted butter will still yield delicious cookies—just be sure to cream it well for a light texture!
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
These delightful hazelnut chocolate chip cookies will stay fresh for up to four days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. However, they are so delicious that they'll likely be devoured long before that! For a longer shelf life, consider freezing them (see below!).
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the pre-rolled cookie dough balls for up to six months. This is a great way to have fresh cookies on hand when a craving strikes. Just scoop and roll the dough into balls, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze for a couple of hours. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag for easy storage. When you're ready to bake, no need to thaw—simply add a minute or two to the baking time!
Conclusion on Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies
In conclusion, these hazelnut chocolate chip cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The addition of brown butter, dark chocolate, and toasted hazelnuts elevates every bite. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, they offer a comforting treat that’s sure to impress—give them a try today!
Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Equipment
- stand mixer with paddle attachment
- cookie scoop
- Cookie Sheet
- parchment paper
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted brown butter room temperature
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup toasted hazelnuts roughly chopped
- flaky sea salt optional
Instructions
Baking Instructions
- Using a stand or hand mixer, cream together the room temperature brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract and beat until the texture is light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes, it should look much paler than before).
- Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt and mix until thoroughly combined. The dough should be wet and sticky.
- Using a spoon or spatula, gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and toasted hazelnuts.
- Scoop a generous 3 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. I use a size 20 cookie scoop. If desired, press some extra chocolate chips into the tops of the cookie dough balls.
- Cover the dough balls and chill in the fridge overnight for best results. If you absolutely can't wait, just chill it for at least 2 hours.
- Chilling the dough is super important so that the cookies don't spread!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a light colored baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place dough balls at least 2-3 inches apart on the baking sheet (they will spread, I usually only do 6 cookies on a half sheet pan).
- Bake cookies for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and let rest on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Sprinkle the hazelnut chocolate chip cookies with flaky sea salt and enjoy!
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