Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies Recipe

If your sweet tooth craves something that perfectly blends rich chocolate, nutty hazelnuts, and an irresistible crunch, then these Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie studded with melty chocolate chips, toasted hazelnuts, and a subtle hint of crispy cornflakes—a truly magical combination that dances on your taste buds with every chew. Whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking a few for yourself, these cookies bring warmth, texture, and that cozy, homemade charm everyone loves.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients, yet each plays an important role in building the texture, flavor, and character of these Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies. From creamy butter to crunchy hazelnuts and crispy cornflakes, every component is essential to bring out the best in this recipe.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and helps create a soft cookie base.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the perfect cookie texture.
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Brings a deeper molasses flavor and moistness.
• 2 large eggs: Bind all the ingredients together and add moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure and density of the cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread evenly.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights flavors.
• 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark): Melts in pockets for bursts of chocolatey goodness.
• 1 cup chopped hazelnuts (toasted for enhanced flavor): Adds a nutty crunch that complements the chocolate beautifully.
• 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes (for extra crunch): Gives an unexpected crispy texture to these delightful cookies.

How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure your cookies don’t stick and come off cleanly after baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, resulting in a tender and well-textured cookie.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Mixing these in well ensures your cookie dough is smooth and achieves that perfect balance of flavor and moisture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate, Hazelnuts, and Cornflakes

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, toasted chopped hazelnuts, and crushed cornflakes. These ingredients give the cookies their signature crunch and depth of flavor, so be sure to spread them evenly through the dough.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up perfectly while preserving that lovely chewy interior.

How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra crushed hazelnuts or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a beautiful finish and added indulgence. A light dusting of sea salt can also enhance the sweet-savory balance wonderfully.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a tall glass of cold milk or a frothy cappuccino. For a decadent treat, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement their hearty crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies in a decorative tin or stack them prettily on a wooden board for parties. You can also sandwich them with chocolate spread or nut butter for an extra special dessert twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The crunch from the hazelnuts and cornflakes stays delightfully crisp even after days.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a sealed freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving, and they’ll taste just as fresh as the day you baked them.

Reheating

Warm your cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a low oven (300°F) for 5 minutes to revive their soft, melty texture and freshly baked aroma.

FAQs

Can I substitute hazelnuts with other nuts?

Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans make wonderful alternatives that still provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor, though hazelnuts give the most authentic taste to these cookies.

What if I don’t have cornflakes? Can I skip them?

If cornflakes aren’t available, you can replace them with crushed rice cereal or even chopped pretzels for a different kind of crunch. Just keep in mind that they add an important crisp texture that balances the soft cookie.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

The recipe uses all-purpose flour which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may vary slightly from the original.

How do I toast hazelnuts properly?

Spread hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast them in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally until golden and fragrant. Let them cool before chopping to bring out their full flavor.

Can I use white or milk chocolate instead of dark or semi-sweet?

Yes, swapping in white or milk chocolate chips is perfectly fine and will adjust the sweetness and flavor profile. Dark chocolate pairs beautifully with hazelnuts for a richer taste, but all options are delicious!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making and sharing Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies. They bring together comforting textures and flavors in a way that feels both luxurious and homey. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself on a quiet evening, these cookies promise smiles with every bite. So grab your mixing bowl, rally your favorite people, and whip up a batch—your kitchen is about to smell amazing!

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