Chocolate and Hazelnut Crunch Cookies

Recipe Overview 🍽️

History of the Recipe ✍️

Chocolate and Hazelnut Crunch Cookies are an American specialty that has gained worldwide popularity. The addition of hazelnuts to the recipe is an adaptation that highlights the love for flavor and texture combinations. Hazelnuts, often used in European desserts, bring a unique and refined touch to the cookies.

Ingredients 🛒

listed in the order of use in the procedure:

• 150 g (2/3 cup) of unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 120 g (1/2 cup) of brown sugar
• 100 g (1/2 cup) of granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 250 g (2 cups) of all-purpose flour
• 30 g (1/4 cup) of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 150 g (5.3 oz) of dark chocolate chips (or milk chocolate)
• 100 g (3.5 oz) of toasted, chopped hazelnuts

Steps (How to Make ) 🥣

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cream together the butter with both sugars (brown and white) until you achieve a light and creamy mixture.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then incorporate the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet preparation.
5. Add the chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts to the dough, mixing gently with a spatula.
6. Form dough balls using a tablespoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each ball.
7. Bake in the oven for about 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies should be lightly golden on the edges and still soft in the center.
8. Allow to cool on a rack before enjoying.

Chef Tips 👨‍🍳

• Toast the hazelnuts in the oven for a few minutes before adding them to the dough to enhance their flavor and crunch.
• For softer cookies, avoid overbaking them. They will continue to cook slightly as they cool.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of chocolate and hazelnuts according to your preferences.

Possible Variations 🎭

• Substitute dark chocolate chips with milk or white chocolate for added sweetness.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spicy touch.
• For an even richer flavor, incorporate a bit of instant coffee into the dough.

Bake Time 🔥

Chocolate and Hazelnut Crunch Cookies bake for about 10 to 12 minutes at 180°C (350°F). They should be golden on the edges and slightly soft in the center for the ideal texture.

How to Store 🥡

Food and Drink Pairings 🥂

These Chocolate and Hazelnut Crunch Cookies pair very well with a glass of cold milk, hot chocolate, or black coffee. For a more refined touch, serve with a dessert wine.

Presentation Suggestion 🍽️

Arrange the Chocolate and Hazelnut Crunch Cookies on a plate and decorate with whole hazelnuts for an elegant presentation. For an even more indulgent dessert, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chocolate sauce.

Why It’s Healthy 💚

Hazelnuts are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, providing nutritional benefits. Dark chocolate, rich in antioxidants, can be beneficial for heart health. While these cookies are a sweet treat, they also offer nutritious elements when consumed in moderation.