Hazelnut croissants

Hazelnut Crisps – a Simple and Refined Delicacy

Who doesn't love crispy cookies that delight your taste buds and bring a smile to your face? Hazelnut crisps are a perfect example of a quick dessert that can be adapted to any occasion, whether you want to enjoy them with a cold beer or serve them at a festive table alongside elegant cookies and pastries.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 20 crisps

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 cup of softened butter (approximately 225g)
- 2 cups of flour (approximately 250g)
- 1 and 1/4 cups of ground hazelnuts (approximately 150g)
- 1/2 cup of sugar (approximately 100g)
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Optional: chocolate for decoration

A bit of history
Crisps, like many types of cookies, have deep roots in culinary traditions over time. These "shortbreads," as they are often called, find their origins in the simple recipes of housewives who wanted to offer a tasty yet easy-to-make dessert. Hazelnut crisps are a version that brings a touch of nutrition and flavor thanks to the hazelnuts, rich in healthy fats and proteins.

Step by step to perfection:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure the butter is at room temperature, soft but not melted. It will be beaten together with the sugar to achieve a smooth cream. Measure all the ingredients before starting the preparation to have everything on hand.

2. Creating the cream: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or a wooden spatula to beat the butter and sugar together. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes fluffy and creamy white. Add the honey and vanilla extract, mixing well to incorporate them.

3. Incorporating the flour and hazelnuts: Sift the flour to aerate it, then gradually add it to the butter mixture. Mix gently until the flour is completely incorporated, then add the ground hazelnuts. Make sure everything is homogeneous, but do not mix too much to avoid developing the gluten in the flour.

4. Forming the rolls: Divide the dough into two equal parts. Place each portion on a plastic wrap and form rolls about 4 cm thick. Wrap them well in the wrap and place them in the refrigerator for 2 hours. This will help the dough firm up and make cutting easier.

5. Preparing for baking: Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. Remove the dough rolls from the refrigerator, unwrap them, and cut each roll into thin slices of 1 cm. Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to allow for expansion.

6. Baking: Place the tray in the oven on the upper rack and bake the crisps for about 15 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown slightly. Be careful, as every oven can bake differently.

7. Cooling and decorating: Once the crisps are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a rack. If you want to decorate them with chocolate, melt a few cubes of chocolate in a double boiler and use a fork to drizzle it over the crisps. Let the chocolate harden before serving.

Practical tips:
- Vegan option: You can replace the butter with vegan margarine and honey with agave syrup for a dairy-free option.
- For an even more intense flavor: Lightly toast the hazelnuts in a dry pan before adding them to the dough. This will add a deep, delicious flavor.
- Storage: The crisps keep well in an airtight container for a week or can be frozen for later consumption.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts? Yes, you can experiment with pecans, almonds, or even cashews, depending on your preferences.
2. How can I make the crisps sweeter? If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the amount of sugar or add some chocolate chips to the dough.
3. What drinks pair well with these crisps? These cookies pair excellently with a cup of flavored tea, coffee, or even a cold blonde beer for a surprising combination.

Hazelnut crisps are more than just a simple dessert; they are a cooking experience that will bring you joy and satisfaction. So, dress comfortably, put a smile on your face, and enjoy the preparation process! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 cup of softened butter, 2 cups of flour, 1 and 1/4 cups of crushed hazelnuts, 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of honey, vanilla extract, optional chocolate

 Tags:  hazelnuts