Hazelnut and chocolate biscuits

Hazelnut and Chocolate Cookies: A Recipe That Brings Joy to Every Corner of Your Home

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 12 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 42 minutes (including resting time)
Servings: approximately 30 cookies

The holidays are approaching, and the sweet aroma of these juicy cookies fills my heart with warmth! For several seasons now, I’ve discovered the joy of baking homemade cookies, and the hazelnut and chocolate ones have quickly become a family favorite. These cookies are not just a treat; they are also a wonderful way to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. I’ll share my secret recipe with you, along with some helpful tips to achieve perfect cookies!

A Brief History

Cookies have evolved over the centuries, from simple mixtures of flour and water to refined delicacies filled with diverse flavors and textures. Hazelnuts, with their rich flavor and crunchy texture, originate from deciduous forests, while chocolate, cherished worldwide, has become a staple ingredient in desserts. The combination of these two ingredients creates cookies that not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also offer an unforgettable culinary experience.

Ingredients

- 200 g butter (80% fat)
- 150 g hazelnuts
- 2 large eggs
- A pinch of salt
- 150 g raw sugar
- A small shot of brandy or whiskey (optional)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 450 g flour
- 100 g milk chocolate
- 2-3 tablespoons condensed milk

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the butter is at room temperature and the eggs are fresh. Use roasted hazelnuts to enhance the flavor of the cookies. If you prefer, you can use raw hazelnuts, but roasting them will add a deep, aromatic taste.

Step 2: Making the Dough

1. In a large bowl, beat the eggs together with the sugar and salt using a mixer until the mixture becomes frothy and pale.

2. Meanwhile, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove, being careful not to burn it. Once fully melted, gradually add it to the egg mixture while mixing vigorously, as if you were making mayonnaise. This will help emulsify the ingredients.

Step 3: Preparing the Hazelnuts

3. In a dry skillet, toast the hazelnuts for a few minutes until the skins start to crack. This step is essential to release the essential oils and flavors from the nuts.

4. After they cool, rub the hazelnuts between your palms to remove the skins. Then, place them in a food processor and coarsely chop them. Avoid making them into powder to maintain a crunchy texture.

Step 4: Mixing the Ingredients

5. Add the chopped hazelnuts to the egg and butter mixture, along with the brandy (or your preferred flavor for kids), and mix until well combined.

6. In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking soda. Gradually add the flour in batches to the wet ingredients, gently folding with a spatula or wooden spoon. The dough is ready when it pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 5: Resting the Dough

7. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. This step is important to chill the dough, making it easier to shape the cookies.

Step 6: Shaping the Cookies

8. Once the dough has chilled, divide it into two pieces. On a well-floured work surface, roll out one piece of dough to a thickness that is not too thin. Use cookie cutters to cut out the desired shapes – you can choose circles, stars, or anything your heart desires.

Step 7: Baking the Cookies

9. Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to allow for spreading. Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 175°C for 12 minutes or until golden. Keep an eye on them, as every oven is different!

Step 8: Glazing the Cookies

10. After the cookies have cooled on a rack, melt the chocolate with the condensed milk in a double boiler. Stir well to achieve a smooth mixture. Use a brush or spatula to coat the cookies with a generous layer of melted chocolate.

11. Allow the cookies to set slightly, but not completely, then stamp each cookie with a cookie stamp for a decorative touch. Once the chocolate has fully hardened, store the cookies in metal tins to keep them fresh.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect to enjoy alongside a cup of fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee. You can also give them as part of holiday gifts, beautifully packaged in decorative boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use any type of chocolate for the glaze?
Absolutely! You can experiment with dark or white chocolate, depending on your preferences.

2. What other ingredients can I add to the dough?
You can try adding raisins, nuts, or even spices like cinnamon for an extra flavor boost.

3. How can I keep the cookies fresh for longer?
Store the cookies in an airtight container, away from moisture. If well stored, they can last up to a week.

Nutritional Benefits

These hazelnut and chocolate cookies are not only delicious but also nutritious! Hazelnuts are rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, contributing to a balanced diet. Additionally, milk chocolate provides antioxidants, adding a health boost.

Possible Variations

If you want to explore new flavors, you can replace the hazelnuts with walnuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds. Each ingredient will bring a unique note to your cookies, transforming them into personalized treats.

So, don’t wait any longer! Put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and prepare these hazelnut and chocolate cookies, enjoying every step of the process. You’ll surely create beautiful memories with your loved ones while savoring these delights!

 Ingredients: 200 g of 80% fat butter, 150 g of hazelnuts, 2 eggs, a small pinch of salt, 150 g of raw sugar, a small glass of brandy/whiskey, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 450 g of flour, 100 g of milk chocolate, 2-3 tablespoons of condensed milk.

 Tags:  biscuits chocolate sweets homemade sweets chocolate biscuits tender cookies