The Sweetest Ina Garten Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Recipe

Chocolate hazelnut cookies transform ordinary baking into an extraordinary culinary adventure that beckons sweet enthusiasts.

Delicate yet decadent, these morsels promise a symphony of rich flavors dancing across your palate.

Nutty undertones blend seamlessly with deep chocolate notes, creating a sensory experience that transcends traditional dessert boundaries.

Crafted with precision and passion, such cookies represent more than just a simple treat – they embody a moment of pure indulgence.

Each bite carries whispers of warmth and comfort, inviting you to savor every delectable crumb.

Sophisticated yet approachable, these cookies bridge the gap between gourmet elegance and homemade charm.

The perfect balance of ingredients transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly magical: a cookie that tells a delicious story.

Tips That Give You the Perfect Cookie Texture

• Unleash Hazelnut Richness: Toasting the hazelnuts transforms their flavor, creating a deeper, more intense nuttiness that elevates the entire cookie experience.
• Master Dough Handling: Chilling the dough for 30 minutes firms up the butter, making it easier to roll and cut without sticking, and helps the cookies maintain their perfect shape.
• Achieve Perfect Thickness: Aim for a consistent ¼-inch roll to guarantee even baking – too thick means soft centers, too thin results in crispy edges that might burn.
• Keep Trays Cool: Cold baking sheets prevent the delicate dough from spreading too quickly, ensuring your cookies maintain their beautiful form and bake evenly.
• Create Bakery-Style Finish: A light dusting of powdered sugar before assembling adds a professional touch, making your homemade cookies look like they're straight from a high-end pastry shop.

Keep That Cookie Jar Fresh and Crispy

• Container Method: Select an airtight, sturdy container with a tight-fitting lid to preserve cookie freshness and prevent moisture absorption. Glass or hard plastic containers work best for maintaining crisp edges and rich chocolate flavor.
• Layering Method: Carefully arrange cookies in single layers separated by parchment paper, preventing potential sticking or structural damage. Gentle placement ensures each hazelnut-studded cookie remains intact during storage.
• Temperature Control Method: Keep cookies in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Refrigeration works wonderfully for extending shelf life, particularly in warm climates, but always allow cookies to reach room temperature before serving to restore optimal texture and enhance flavor profile.

Cookie Swaps to Try This Weekend

• Nutty Chocolate Swirl: Replace hazelnuts with almonds or pecans for a different nutty profile. Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for warmth and depth.
• Espresso Chocolate Sandwich: Mix 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder into the dough for a coffee kick. Use dark chocolate ganache instead of Nutella for a richer filling.
• Fruity Chocolate Fusion: Incorporate orange zest into the cookie dough for a citrusy note. Replace Nutella with raspberry jam for a tangy, sweet contrast that complements the chocolate base.
• Mediterranean Spice Cookies: Add ground cardamom and a touch of sea salt to the dough. Use pistachio spread as an alternative filling to create a unique Middle Eastern-inspired treat.

A Sweet Goodbye That’s Worth the Crumbs

Hazelnut-chocolate magic unfolds in Ina Garten’s signature cookies, revealing culinary artistry with each delicate bite.

Sweet memories emerge from roasted hazelnuts and rich Nutella, creating irresistible sandwich cookies that dance between crisp texture and smooth filling.

Sophisticated yet playful, these treats showcase how simple ingredients can become extraordinary culinary experiences.

Garten’s recipe transforms humble ingredients into elegant dessert masterpieces that whisper gourmet indulgence.

Delicate cookie layers promise moments of pure deliciousness, inviting passionate bakers to explore their creative potential.

Click that share button, spread cookie love across social media, and let fellow dessert enthusiasts discover this delectable sensation – because some recipes are meant to be celebrated, savored, and shared.

What’s So Good About These Hazelnut Chocolate Cookies

• Crunch and Nutty Delight: These cookies offer an incredible texture combination with finely ground hazelnuts creating a rich, crumbly base that delivers a satisfying nutty crunch in every bite.
• Indulgent Chocolate-Hazelnut Fusion: The luxurious Nutella filling provides a smooth, decadent chocolate-hazelnut layer that perfectly complements the delicate, buttery cookie, creating an irresistible flavor experience.
• Elegant Sandwich Design: The clever cutout technique transforms simple cookies into sophisticated sandwich treats, with a beautiful powdered sugar-dusted top that adds visual appeal and a touch of elegance to the classic cookie.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Despite looking impressive, these cookies require straightforward steps and basic ingredients, making them an achievable baking project for both novice and experienced home bakers who want to create something special without complicated techniques.

Gather the Ingredients for a Cookie with Crunch

• All-Purpose Flour: Classic baking flour with a neutral flavor, perfect for cookie structure.
• Salt: Enhances overall cookie flavor and balances sweetness.

• Hazelnuts: Fresh, roasted nuts add rich, deep nutty flavor and delightful texture to cookies.

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy base and helps create tender cookie texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create crisp cookie edges.
• Vanilla Extract: Classic flavoring that complements hazelnut and chocolate notes.
• Almond Extract: Adds subtle, sophisticated nutty undertone to the cookie.
• Water: Helps bind the dough and maintain moisture.

• Nutella: Smooth chocolate-hazelnut spread that creates delicious sandwich filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Light dusting adds elegant finish and subtle sweetness to cookie tops.

Bake These for Nutty, Chocolatey Joy

Step 1: Roast and Grind Hazelnuts

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes until fragrant. Cool completely, then pulse in a food processor until finely ground.

Step 2: Prepare Cookie Dough

• Butter
• Sugar

• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract
• Water

• All-purpose flour
• Salt

Gradually mix dry ingredients into butter mixture. Fold in ground hazelnuts until dough forms.

Step 3: Chill and Roll Dough

Transfer dough to a floured surface. Shape into a flat disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Remove and roll out to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.

Step 4: Cut Cookie Shapes

Use a 2.75-inch round cookie cutter to cut out full cookies. For half the cookies, use a 0.75-inch cutter to remove center. Place cut cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets. Chill for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Bake Cookies

Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes. Rotate baking sheets halfway through. Look for golden edges. Remove and cool completely on wire racks.

Step 6: Assemble Sandwich Cookies

Spread Nutella generously on full cookies. Dust cut-out cookies with powdered sugar. Gently place cut-out cookies on top of Nutella-covered cookies, sugar side up.

Serving Tip: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Best enjoyed with a cold glass of milk or hot coffee.

Ina Garten Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s chocolate hazelnut cookies deliver rich, nutty indulgence with a perfect balance of intense cocoa and roasted hazelnut flavors. Crisp edges and a chewy center make these irresistible treats a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to savor with a cold glass of milk.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 3½ cups (437.5 grams) all-purpose flour
• ¾ pound (340 grams or 3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar

Nuts and Flavoring:

• ½ cup (60 grams) whole hazelnuts
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Finishing Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (200 grams) chocolate hazelnut spread, such as Nutella
• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

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Instructions

1. Roast the hazelnuts by spreading them on a baking tray and placing in an oven preheated to 180°C / 350°F. Toast for approximately 10 minutes until fragrant. Allow the nuts to cool completely, then pulse in a food processor until achieving a fine, uniform ground consistency.
2. Create the cookie dough by combining butter and sugar at low speed until just blended. Incorporate vanilla and almond extracts with of water. In a separate bowl, sift flour and salt together, then gradually integrate into the butter mixture while mixing on low speed. Fold in the ground hazelnuts until the dough forms a cohesive mass.
3. Shape the dough into a flat disk on a lightly floured surface. Wrap securely in plastic film and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up. After chilling, divide the dough into two equal portions and roll each piece to approximately 0.6 centimeters / ¼ inch thickness.
4. Cut out 36 circular cookies using a 7 centimeters / 2¾-inch round cutter. For half the cookies, use a smaller 2 centimeters / ¾-inch cutter to remove the center. Arrange the cut cookies on lined baking sheets and return to the refrigerator for 15 minutes to help maintain their shape.
5. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, rotating the trays midway through the baking process. Look for golden edges as an indicator of doneness. Remove and allow the cookies to cool completely at room temperature.
6. Assemble the sandwich cookies by spreading a generous layer of Nutella on the flat side of each solid cookie base. Dust the cutout cookies with powdered sugar, then carefully place them on top of the Nutella-covered cookies, with the sugared side facing upward.

Notes

• Unlock Hazelnut Magic by Roasting First: Toasting nuts transforms their flavor, releasing rich, aromatic oils that make these cookies irresistibly delicious and deepening their natural nuttiness.
• Master Dough Chilling for Perfect Texture: Refrigerating cookie dough helps prevent spreading, creates cleaner edges, and allows butter to solidify, ensuring a more manageable and precise rolling process.
• Precision is Key When Rolling: Maintaining a consistent ¼-inch thickness guarantees uniform baking, preventing edges from burning while keeping centers soft and tender.
• Cold Baking Sheets Save Cookie Shapes: Using chilled trays prevents dough from melting too quickly, preserving intricate cutout designs and ensuring professional-looking results every time.
• Sugar Dusting Adds Bakery-Style Elegance: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar not only enhances visual appeal but also creates a delicate, professional finish that screams homemade expertise.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 60mg