Food And Wine'S Hazelnut Chunk Cookies
Rich hazelnut and bittersweet chocolate cookies with a crunchy nut exterior and a chewy center, perfect for nut lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread hazelnuts on a baking tray and bake until fragrant, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Remove nuts from oven, place in a dish towel, and rub to remove some of the skins.
- Coarsely chop the hazelnuts and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Fold in the chopped hazelnuts and bittersweet chocolate chunks.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing evenly.
- Bake until the edges are golden, about 8 minutes.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, try toasting the hazelnuts until they're golden before chopping. If you don't have bittersweet chocolate, semi-sweet or dark chocolate can be used as substitutes. Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy creaming, which creates a light and fluffy cookie texture. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the hazelnuts entirely and add more chocolate chunks.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own but can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. If you're looking for a sweet spread, try serving them alongside Apple A La Mode Dip for an enjoyable dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, pop them in a microwave for a few seconds or warm them in an oven at low heat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Food And Wine'S Hazelnut Chunk Cookies contains roughly 281 calories, with 2g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 16g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute hazelnuts with walnuts or pecans if desired. Just keep in mind that this will slightly alter the flavor profile of the cookies. Make sure to toast any nuts you choose to enhance their flavor.
How can I make these cookies softer?
To achieve a softer cookie, slightly underbake them by reducing the baking time by a minute or two. Additionally, ensure the butter is creamed well with the sugars to incorporate air, which contributes to a lighter texture.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, especially the baking soda, are gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the recipe.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).