Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies have been my absolute favorite treat for years, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! There’s something magical about the combination of rich chocolate and toasty hazelnuts, all wrapped up in a cookie that has the perfect chewy center and delightfully crisp edges. The secret crunch comes from a surprising ingredient that elevates these simple chocolate hazelnut cookies to a whole new level. If you’ve ever wondered what are chocolate hazelnut crunch cookies and why they’re so irresistible, it’s this incredible texture and flavor explosion. The aroma alone, filling your kitchen with nutty, chocolatey goodness, is enough to make your mouth water. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with these incredible cookies. They’re more than just a sweet treat; they’re an experience!
- Incredible Taste: The perfect marriage of rich chocolate and toasty hazelnuts creates a decadent flavor profile you’ll crave.
- Satisfying Texture: These aren’t just any cookies; they’re crunchy chocolate hazelnut cookies with a delightful chew in the center and crisp edges.
- Quick Prep: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can whip up these delicious cookies even on a busy weeknight.
- Budget-Friendly: Using common pantry staples and readily available ingredients makes this a wonderfully economical treat.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore the sweet, nutty, and crunchy goodness of these homemade delights.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for an afternoon snack, a dessert after dinner, or even as part of a holiday cookie platter.
- Impressive Crunch: You’ll be amazed at how these crunchy chocolate hazelnut cookies achieve their signature texture.
Ingredients for The Best Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies
Here are all the essential chocolate hazelnut cookie ingredients you’ll need to make these amazing cookies. They come together quickly and result in a truly special treat.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Using softened butter is key for creaming with the sugars to create a light and fluffy base.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – This helps with sweetness and contributes to the crisp edges.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – Brown sugar adds moisture and a lovely chewy texture to the center of the cookies.
- 2 large eggs – Room temperature eggs incorporate better into the dough for a consistent texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For that classic warm, sweet aroma and flavor that complements the chocolate and nuts.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour – This forms the main structure of our cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Our leavening agent, ensuring the cookies rise and spread just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark) – Choose your favorite for pockets of melty chocolate goodness.
- 1 cup chopped hazelnuts (toasted) – Toasting these nuts brings out their rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes – This is my secret for that irresistible crunch! They add a unique texture that makes these cookies truly special.
How to Make Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies
Follow these simple steps to create the most delightful chocolate hazelnut crunch cookies. You’ll be amazed at how straightforward it is to achieve that perfect balance of chewy, crunchy, and chocolatey goodness!
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking these cookies to perfection. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure they don’t stick and for easy cleanup.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup packed brown sugar. Beat them with an electric mixer until the mixture is wonderfully light and fluffy. This process is crucial for creating a tender cookie.
- Step 3: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until everything is just well combined. Don’t overmix at this stage.
- Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This dry mixture provides the structure and leavening for our cookies.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed or by hand until just combined. It’s important not to overwork the dough here, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Step 6: Now for the fun part of how to make chocolate hazelnut crunch cookies! Gently fold in 1 cup chocolate chips, 1 cup chopped hazelnuts (toasted), and 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes. The cornflakes are what give these cookies their signature crunch and unique texture. This creates your delicious chocolate hazelnut cookie dough.
- Step 7: Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart, as they will spread during baking.
- Step 8: Bake for 10–12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be golden brown, while the centers should still appear slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool.
- Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps them firm up. Carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade chocolate hazelnut crunch cookies!
Pro Tips for The Best Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies
Want to elevate your cookie game? These tips will ensure your chocolate hazelnut crunch cookies are absolutely perfect every single time.
- Always toast your hazelnuts! It significantly deepens their nutty flavor, making a huge difference in the final cookie. For more on nuts, check out the many benefits of onions.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much, ensuring they hold their shape and achieve the ideal texture.
- For maximum crunch, ensure your cornflakes are well-crushed but not turned into dust. You want distinct little crunchy bits throughout.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform size, which guarantees even baking.
What’s the secret to perfect Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies?
The secret lies in the combination of ingredients and technique! Using toasted hazelnuts and crushed cornflakes provides that signature nutty crunch. Proper creaming of butter and sugar is also vital for texture. This ensures you don’t end up with cookies where why are my chocolate hazelnut cookies not crunchy. For more on achieving perfect textures, consider exploring the beauty of food.
Can I make Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chocolate hazelnut cookie dough up to 48 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. This also allows the flavors to meld beautifully before baking.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies?
A common pitfall is overmixing the dough, which can make cookies tough. Also, be careful not to overbake; the centers should look slightly soft when you take them out. Overbaking is a sure way to lose that desirable chewiness.
Best Ways to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies
These decadent treats are perfect on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even more special. Imagine serving these delightful chocolate hazelnut cookies alongside a steaming mug of coffee or a cold glass of milk. They’re fantastic for afternoon pick-me-ups or as the star dessert at any gathering.
For a truly luxurious experience, consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also explore hazelnut chocolate cookie variations in how you serve them – perhaps crumbled over yogurt or as a base for mini cheesecakes. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, their nutty, chocolatey goodness is sure to impress! For other dessert ideas, check out these pistachio pavlova meringue cakes.
Nutrition Facts for Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies
Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown for each delicious cookie. These numbers are based on the recipe provided and may vary slightly depending on your specific ingredients.
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your chocolate hazelnut crunch cookies.
How to Store and Reheat Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies
Properly storing your delicious homemade chocolate hazelnut cookies is key to keeping them fresh and delicious. Once they’ve completely cooled on a wire rack (this is important to prevent sogginess!), transfer them to an airtight container. For everyday snacking, these cookies will stay wonderfully fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you’re planning ahead or made a big batch, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. You can freeze the baked cookies or even the chocolate hazelnut cookie dough itself!
When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheating is simple. For a freshly baked taste, pop a cookie in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. If reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes. This quick reheat will bring back that delightful crunch and gooey chocolate. Storing them correctly ensures you can savor your chocolate hazelnut crunch cookies for longer!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies
Are these cookies really crunchy, or more chewy?
These chocolate hazelnut crunch cookies are designed to have the best of both worlds! They have delightfully crisp edges thanks to the cornflakes and proper baking, but the centers remain wonderfully soft and chewy. It’s that perfect texture contrast that makes them so irresistible.
Can I use different nuts instead of hazelnuts?
While hazelnuts are classic with chocolate, feel free to experiment! Almonds or pecans would also make fantastic chocolate cookies with hazelnuts and crunch. Just make sure they are toasted and chopped similarly to the hazelnuts for the best flavor and texture. For more on grains, you might find barley the versatile grain interesting.
Why are my chocolate hazelnut cookies not crunchy?
If your cookies aren’t as crunchy as you’d like, it could be a few things. Ensure you’re not overmixing the dough, as this can lead to a chewier cookie. Also, be careful not to underbake; they should look golden around the edges. Finally, make sure your cornflakes are well-crushed – you want those little crunchy bits throughout your chocolate hazelnut crunch cookies!
Can I make a vegan or gluten-free version?
Yes, you absolutely can! For a vegan version, substitute the butter with vegan butter and the eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 mins). For gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free baking blend. While these variations might slightly alter the texture, they will still be incredibly delicious chocolate hazelnut crunch cookies.
Variations of Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies You Can Try
The beauty of these cookies is their adaptability! You can easily customize them to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences. These variations ensure everyone can enjoy a delicious treat.
- Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies: For a completely plant-based treat, swap the butter for your favorite vegan butter substitute and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) instead of regular eggs. The resulting vegan chocolate hazelnut crunch cookies are just as delightful!
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free baking blend. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure. These gluten-free chocolate hazelnut crunch cookies are perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Double Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies: For an even more intense chocolate experience, add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and use dark chocolate chips. This variation creates a deeply rich and decadent cookie.
- White Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies: Swap the semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for white chocolate chips and consider using a bit of almond extract with the vanilla for a different nutty profile.
Amazing Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies 15 Min Prep
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These chocolate hazelnut crunch cookies are a delightful treat, combining chewy centers with crisp edges. Packed with chocolate chips, toasted hazelnuts, and crunchy cornflakes, they offer a unique texture and nutty flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
- 1 cup chopped hazelnuts (toasted)
- 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, chopped toasted hazelnuts, and crushed cornflakes to create your chocolate hazelnut crunch cookie dough.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers remain slightly soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Toasting the hazelnuts before adding them to the dough enhances their flavor and aroma.
- For an extra crunch, you can substitute cornflakes with rice cereal.
- Adding 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough will result in a richer chocolate flavor.
- The cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking or frozen for longer storage.
- To maintain cookie softness, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread.
- Chilling the dough for 20 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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