As the scent of toasted hazelnuts fills the air, I’m immediately transported back to my childhood kitchen, where baking was always a sweet adventure. These Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies embody that nostalgia, combining the richness of chocolate with a delightful crunch that keeps you coming back for more. With a chewy center and the added pleasure of crispy rice cereal, this recipe is perfect for families, special occasions, or a late-night treat. Plus, they’re a breeze to whip up, allowing you to indulge without the fuss of complicated steps. Are you ready to create a batch that will captivate your taste buds and impress your friends? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe together!
Why are these cookies irresistible?
Nostalgic Flavor: Each bite offers a delightful blend of rich chocolate and nutty hazelnuts, reminiscent of childhood favorites.
Chewy and Crunchy: Enjoy the perfect contrast with a soft, chewy center surrounded by a satisfying crunch from crispy rice cereal.
Quick to Prepare: These cookies come together in under 30 minutes, making them an easy choice for spontaneous baking.
Versatile Options: Feel free to mix in your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit for a personalized twist! For a similar chocolate treat, check out my Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse.
Crowd Pleaser: Whether for a gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike!
Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies Ingredients
• Dive into the deliciousness of these classic cookies!
For the Dough
- Butter – Provides richness and moisture; use unsalted for better control over saltiness.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and aids in creating a soft texture; coconut sugar can offer a unique flavor.
- Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and chewiness; dark brown sugar gives a deeper flavor.
- Egg – Binds ingredients together while adding moisture.
- Vanilla Extract – Elevates the flavor profile; use pure vanilla for the best taste.
- Chocolate Hazelnut Spread – Infuses the cookies with a rich, nutty flavor; any chocolate spread can work but will change the taste.
For the Dry Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure for cookies; gluten-free blends can be a great substitute.
- Baking Soda – Helps cookies rise, giving them a nice texture.
- Baking Powder – Boosts leavening and contributes to that perfect softness.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavors.
For the Mix-Ins
- Toasted Hazelnuts – Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor; walnuts or pecans may be substituted but ensure they are toasted.
- Crispy Rice Cereal – Provides that unique crunch; cornflakes or crushed pretzels can be alternatives but will change the texture.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips – Adds delicious chunks of chocolate; swap for milk or dark chocolate depending on your preference.
Get ready to bake some magical Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies that will fill your home with warmth and joy!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. This simple preparation sets the stage for your delicious Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies, ensuring a smooth baking process ahead.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. This step is essential for giving your cookies that soft, delightful texture everyone loves.
Step 3: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
Next, add in the egg, pure vanilla extract, and chocolate hazelnut spread to the butter-sugar mixture. Continue mixing until all the wet ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth. The rich aroma will be a precursor to the delicious flavors in your Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies!
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stopping once no dry flour remains will help ensure a soft and chewy cookie texture.
Step 5: Fold in the Mix-Ins
Now it’s time to add some magic! Gently fold in the toasted hazelnuts, crispy rice cereal, and semisweet chocolate chips into the batter. The mix-ins are what will give your Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies that delightful combination of flavors and textures, so be sure to incorporate them carefully without overworking the dough.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop generous amounts of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This distance allows the cookies to spread evenly as they bake, creating beautiful rounds that are chewy in the center and crunchy on the edges.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; the edges should appear set while the centers remain soft. This perfect baking time gives your Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies that contrasting texture everyone loves!
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove your cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step allows the cookies to firm up while maintaining their chewy interior, ensuring each one is a delightful treat!
What to Serve with Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies
Indulging in these delightful cookies opens the door to a world of flavor pairings that will elevate your dessert experience.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The smooth, cold ice cream perfectly complements the warm, chewy cookies, creating a dessert that feels luxurious and indulgent.
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Espresso or Coffee: A rich, bold coffee enhances the sweetness of the cookies while providing a delightful contrast to their chocolatey notes. The warmth of a freshly brewed cup creates a relaxing moment.
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Milk: A classic companion! Whether it’s whole, almond, or oat milk, the creamy texture balances the cookies’ crunch and richness. Dunking these cookies in milk takes you back to childhood memories!
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Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Dip: For those who can’t get enough chocolate, a side of chocolate hazelnut spread for dipping will deepen the decadence. It’s a treat that satisfies chocolate lovers’ cravings.
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Mixed Berry Salad: Brightening your dessert plate, a fresh fruit salad featuring berries adds a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the cookies, balancing flavors beautifully.
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Fizzy Sparkling Water: A refreshing bubble can cleanse your palate between bites, making each one feel lighter. Add a splash of lemon or lime for a zesty twist.
These pairings are here to enhance your experience with Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies, making every bite a journey of delightful contrasts!
Expert Tips for Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies
- Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is perfectly softened, not melted, to avoid runny cookie dough and achieve that wonderful chewy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined after adding flour. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies.
- Cookie Scoop: Use a cookie scoop for uniform dough portions, ensuring even baking and a consistent cookie size for a professional touch.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 20 minutes before baking. This helps shape the cookies and keeps them thick.
- Add Extra Crunch: Feel free to add more toasted hazelnuts or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an added burst of flavor and texture!
Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies Variations
Feel free to customize these delightful cookies to suit your taste and dietary needs with these inventive variations!
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Nut-Free: Replace hazelnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a safe and crunchy alternative. These will still add a delightful texture and flavor without any nut risks.
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Vegan Delight: Swap the egg for flaxseed meal or applesauce, and use vegan butter as well as a dairy-free chocolate spread. Not only will your cookies be kind to animals, but they’ll still be deliciously satisfying!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities. These cookies will remain just as scrumptious and chewy!
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Extra Chocolate: For chocoholics, double the amount of semisweet chocolate chips or use a mix of dark and milk chocolate for a rich chocolate experience in every bite. The more chocolate, the merrier!
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dough for a warm twist. Each bite will deliver a pleasant surprise that adds a complex layer of flavor.
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Fruity Twist: Toss in some dried cranberries or cherries in place of some chocolate chips for a tangy burst of fruitiness. This delightful addition complements the richness of the chocolate beautifully.
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Coconut Crunch: Incorporate unsweetened shredded coconut along with the hazelnuts for an exotic flair. This will provide a wonderful chewiness with a hint of tropical flavor.
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Crunchy Toppings: Sprinkle a bit of sea salt or crushed pretzels on top before baking. This will not only enhance the flavor profile but also take the texture to a new level.
Don’t forget to enjoy your cookies warm with a glass of milk or pair them with a scoop of ice cream. Need more inspiration? You can also explore my White Chocolate Orange treats or whip up some Almond Cherry Cookies for a refreshing twist!
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them soft and fresh.
Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, refrigerate for up to 10 days, but be aware that cookies may become slightly drier.
Freezer: For extended storage, freeze unbaked dough or baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just place them in airtight freezer bags or containers.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply reheat baked cookies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Freshening up your Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies will make them irresistible again!
Make Ahead Options
These Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, and refrigerate. For longer storage, freeze the scooped dough balls and they can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy freshly baked cookies, just bake them straight from the fridge or freezer, adding a minute or two to the bake time as needed. This way, you’ll have warm, chewy treats with that delightful crunch whenever the craving strikes!
Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of hazelnuts should I use?
Absolutely go for toasted hazelnuts! Toasting enhances their natural flavor and crunch. If you can’t find toasted ones, you can toast raw hazelnuts at home by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roasting them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are golden brown and fragrant.
How should I store Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies?
To keep your cookies soft and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 10 days, although they may become slightly drier. Just be sure to keep them well-sealed!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can! To freeze the unbaked cookie dough, scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls into airtight freezer bags and store them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to work with, there are a couple of steps you can follow to fix it. First, try chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes; this will help solidify the fats and make it easier to scoop. If it’s still too soft, you can gradually mix in a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches a more manageable consistency.
Are Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies safe for those with nut allergies?
Since this recipe includes hazelnuts and chocolate hazelnut spread, it is not suitable for individuals with nut allergies. Always take precautions and ensure that any alternative spreads or ingredients you choose are nut-free and produced in a nut-free environment if you’re baking for someone with allergies.
Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies with Chewy Joy in Every Bite
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and chocolate hazelnut spread to the mixture and mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the toasted hazelnuts, crispy rice cereal, and chocolate chips into the batter.
- Drop generous amounts of cookie dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes until the edges appear set and the centers remain soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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