Name: Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 44 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup hazelnuts, finely chopped (for rolling); 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (such as Nutella); Extra whole hazelnuts for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 54 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and love the rich, irresistible combination of chocolate and nuts, then you’re going to adore this Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Recipe. These cookies perfectly balance a tender cocoa-infused dough with a delightful crunch of hazelnuts and a creamy swirl of chocolate hazelnut spread right in the center. They aren’t just delicious—they’re a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a homemade treat that’s both comforting and impressive. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, these cookies will quickly become a favorite for everyone lucky enough to have a bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl holds about a dozen rough-textured, dark brown chocolate dough balls closely packed inside. The inside of the bowl is smeared with chocolate, showing uneven streaks around. Around the bowl, scattered hazelnuts and broken pieces of dark chocolate add detail on a white marbled surface dusted lightly with flour and a bit of chocolate smudge, creating a rustic baking scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe uses a handful of simple but essential ingredients that each plays a vital role. From the butter that keeps the cookies soft and tender, to the cocoa powder giving it that deep chocolate flavor, every component contributes to the cookie’s perfect texture, rich taste, and beautiful color.

Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): Provides creaminess and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated sugar (2/3 cup): Sweetens the dough just enough to enhance the chocolate without overpowering.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone that holds the cookie together and gives structure.
Cocoa powder (1/2 cup): Delivers that intense chocolate flavor and gives the cookies their gorgeous dark shade.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and sharpens the chocolate notes.
Chopped hazelnuts (1/2 cup): Rolled on the outside for a crunchy, nutty coating that adds texture and flavor.
Chocolate hazelnut spread (1/2 cup): The luscious filling that makes these cookies melt-in-your-mouth heavenly, like a personalized treat.
Extra whole hazelnuts (optional): A pretty garnish to add a professional touch and hint at the nutty goodness inside.

How to Make Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Before you dive into mixing, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and come off cleanly without sticking or burning on the bottoms. This simple prep step saves time and hassle later on.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is important because it incorporates air, helping your cookies turn out tender and soft. Then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with its warm aroma.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed and avoids unpleasant clumps of cocoa powder or salt in the dough. The salt is a little hero here, sharpening the chocolate flavor beautifully.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into Butter Mixture

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture. Mix until just combined into a firm, pliable dough. The dough will be chocolate-rich and hold together nicely without being sticky, perfect for shaping into balls.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter, then generously roll each ball in the finely chopped hazelnuts. This gives each cookie a lovely nut-crusted exterior that contrasts the soft inside. Arrange them spaced about 2 inches apart on the parchment-lined baking sheets, so they have room to spread just a bit during baking.

Step 6: Create Indentations

Press your thumb or the back of a small spoon gently into the center of each dough ball, making a neat indentation. This little dip is what holds the luscious chocolate hazelnut spread after baking, making every bite extra special.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Pop the trays into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. It’s crucial to remove them when they are just set but still soft because they will continue to firm up as they cool. Overbaking can dry them out, so keep an eye on that clock.

Step 8: Add Chocolate Filling

While the cookies are still warm on the baking sheet, gently press the indentations again if they have puffed up in the oven. Spoon about a teaspoon of chocolate hazelnut spread into each center, smoothing it out. If you wish, press a whole hazelnut on top for a classy finish that adds extra texture and charm.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the trays for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the centers set without melting all over, so your chocolate hazelnut spread stays delightfully creamy right where it belongs.

How to Serve Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Recipe

The image shows many round cookies arranged on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has two layers: the outer layer is made of small, crunchy, light brown nut pieces that cover the sides and form a border, while the center is filled with smooth, shiny dark chocolate that has a slight dip in the middle. The cookies are closely placed but not touching, with a few whole and broken nut pieces scattered around them. The light reflects softly off the chocolate, highlighting its glossy texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a few whole hazelnuts on top not only makes your cookies look picture-perfect but also gives a satisfying crunch to complement the soft, chocolatey center. For a festive touch, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can brighten them up beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. For an extra indulgent treat, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of rich mascarpone. They’re also great with fresh berries, which add a refreshing contrast to the deep chocolate flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of mint or edible flowers for a charming look. You can also stack them in a pretty jar tied with twine as a handmade gift, or sandwich two cookies around a generous dollop of chocolate hazelnut spread for a playful twist on classic sandwich cookies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft yet slightly crisp on the outside, preserving the perfect texture and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to save them for longer, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving to enjoy that freshly baked taste.

Reheating

To bring back their just-baked warmth, pop your cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or heat individually in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The chocolate hazelnut spread inside will melt slightly, making every bite feel like a fresh-out-of-the-oven indulgence.

FAQs

Can I substitute hazelnuts with another nut?

Absolutely! While hazelnuts give the cookies their classic flavor and texture, chopped almonds or pecans also work wonderfully. Just make sure to chop them finely for coating the dough balls.

What if I don’t have cocoa powder?

Cocoa powder is what gives these cookies their rich chocolate flavor and color, so it’s best not to skip it. If you don’t have any, consider substituting with melted bittersweet chocolate, adjusting the flour slightly, but keep in mind this will change the texture and intensity.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

It’s best to use unsalted butter here so you can control the salt content precisely. If you only have salted butter, reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty cookie.

How do I keep the cookies soft instead of crunchy?

The key is not to overbake. Remove the cookies when they’re just set but still soft to the touch. Cooling on the baking sheet also helps them firm up gently. Storing in an airtight container keeps them moist and chewy.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different but just as delicious.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know exactly how to create these delightful treats, there’s nothing stopping you from making this Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Recipe your new go-to dessert. So grab your ingredients, embrace the joy of baking, and get ready to share these wonderfully soft, nutty, and chocolatey cookies with your favorite people. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a beloved classic in your kitchen!