The Joy of Baking Ina Garten’s Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Recipe

Chocolate and hazelnut dance together in this irresistible Ina Garten chocolate hazelnut cookies recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Decadent flavors melt into every single bite, creating a symphony of rich, nutty sweetness.

The crisp edges and soft center make these cookies a true delight for any dessert lover.

Professional baker Ina Garten crafts a recipe that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Each cookie delivers a perfect balance of intense chocolate and toasted hazelnuts that will leave you wanting more.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this recipe accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

Grab your mixing bowl and get ready to bake a batch of cookies that will become an instant favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 24

Sweet Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies

• Hazelnuts: Roasting releases rich, toasty flavor and creates delicate texture; choose fresh, plump nuts with smooth skin and no blemishes.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure for delicate cookies; select unbleached flour for best baking performance.
• Salt: Enhances overall cookie flavor and balances sweetness; use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture; ensure room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Granulated Sugar: Delivers classic sweetness and helps cookies achieve golden edges; opt for pure cane sugar.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, deep aromatic notes; choose pure extract over artificial versions.
• Almond Extract: Provides subtle nutty undertone; use sparingly for balanced flavor.

• Nutella: Adds luxurious chocolate-hazelnut creaminess; select authentic imported spread for richest taste.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates elegant, soft dusting; sift before using to prevent clumping.
• Water: Helps bind dough and adjust consistency; use filtered water for purest result.

Baking Tools You’ll Need for Ina Garten’s Hazelnut Cookies

• Food Processor: Essential for grinding hazelnuts into a fine, even texture.
• Mixing Bowl: Used for combining butter, sugar, and other ingredients.
• Baking Tray: Perfect for roasting hazelnuts and baking cookies.
• Sifter: Helps create smooth, lump-free flour mixture.
• Plastic Wrap: Keeps dough fresh while chilling in the refrigerator.
• Round Cookie Cutters: 2¾-inch and ¾-inch sizes for creating classic cookie shapes.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll dough to precise ¼-inch thickness.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to baking trays.
• Wire Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly after baking.
• Offset Spatula: Spreads Nutella smoothly on cookie surfaces.
• Sieve: Ideal for dusting icing sugar over cookies.

Ina Garten’s Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies – Bake Like a Pro

• Hazelnut Roasting

Spread hazelnuts on a baking tray and transform them into a fragrant, golden treasure by roasting until they become deeply aromatic. Let them cool completely before creating a fine powder using a food processor.

• Dough Creation

Blend butter and sugar until they whisper together, then introduce vanilla and almond extracts with a splash of water. Gently fold in sifted flour and salt, allowing the mixture to embrace the ground hazelnuts until a smooth dough emerges.

• Dough Relaxation

Shape the dough into a gentle disk, wrap it tenderly in plastic, and let it rest in the refrigerator. This quiet moment allows the flavors to mingle and the texture to become perfectly smooth.

• Cookie Crafting

Roll out the chilled dough and create circular cookies with delicate center cutouts. Place these lovely rounds on prepared baking sheets and return to the refrigerator for a final cool-down.

• Baking Magic

Slide the trays into a warm oven, watching as the edges transform to a beautiful golden hue. Allow the cookies to cool completely, developing their perfect crisp texture.

• Nutella Symphony

Spread a luscious layer of Nutella on the solid cookies, then crown them with their delicate cutout companions. Dust the tops with a whisper of powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

Pro Baking Tips for Ina Garten’s Hazelnut Cookie Delight

• Elevate the nutty flavor by ensuring even roasting – spread them in a single layer and shake the tray midway to prevent burning.
• Prepare cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and store wrapped in the refrigerator. This technique allows flavors to develop and saves precious time on baking day.
• Swap Nutella for dark chocolate ganache or use a mix of chocolate spreads to create unique flavor combinations that suit your taste preferences.
• Dip cookie cutter in flour between cuts to prevent sticky dough from sticking, ensuring clean and precise cookie shapes every single time.
• Keep assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer between parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture and prevent sticking.

Presenting & Pairing Ina Garten’s Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies

• Savor Sophisticated Pairings: Serve these elegant hazelnut cookies alongside a rich espresso or cappuccino for a delightful Italian-inspired coffee break.
• Create Decadent Dessert Platter: Arrange the cookies with other chocolate treats like truffles, dark chocolate shavings, and fresh berries to create a stunning dessert presentation.
• Pack Perfect Gifts: Carefully stack the cookies between parchment paper in a decorative tin or gift box, making them an impressive homemade present for friends and family during holidays or special occasions.
• Elevate Tea Time: Complement these luxurious cookies with a creamy Earl Grey tea or a smooth chai latte for an indulgent afternoon treat that feels like a mini celebration.

Keep It Fresh – Storing Ina Garten’s Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies

• Store with Care: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, ensuring they remain crisp and delicious.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap unbaked cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Separate Layers Smartly: When stacking cookies, place parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
• Protect Nutella Filling: If assembling cookies in advance, wait to add Nutella until just before serving to keep the cookies from becoming soggy and maintain their perfect crunch.

Elegant Ina Garten Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

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

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Description

Ina Garten’s chocolate hazelnut cookies blend rich European chocolate with toasted hazelnuts for an irresistible dessert. Crisp edges and chewy centers make these cookies a delightful treat you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 3½ cups (437.5 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ lb (340 g or 3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temp
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (60 g) whole hazelnuts
• ¾ cup (200 g) chocolate hazelnut spread, such as Nutella
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp pure almond extract
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Hazelnut Roasting: Evenly distribute hazelnuts on a baking tray and toast in a 180°C / 350°F oven for 10 minutes until aromatic. Cool completely, then pulse in a food processor until finely ground.
2. Dough Preparation: Cream butter and sugar at low speed until just combined. Add vanilla and almond extracts with water. Sift flour and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually mix into the butter mixture on low speed. Incorporate ground hazelnuts until a uniform dough forms.
3. Dough Shaping: Roll the dough into a flat disk on a floured surface. Wrap in plastic film and chill for 30 minutes. Divide into two portions and roll each to 0.6 centimeters / ¼ inch thickness.
4. Cookie Cutting: Use a 7 centimeters / 2¾-inch round cutter to create 36 cookies. Remove centers from half the cookies using a 2 centimeters / ¾-inch cutter. Place on lined baking sheets and refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.
5. Baking Process: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, rotating trays halfway through. Look for golden edges as a doneness indicator. Cool completely at room temperature.
6. Final Assembly: Spread Nutella on the flat side of solid cookie bases. Dust cutout cookies with powdered sugar and carefully place on top, sugared side facing upward.

Notes

• Roast Hazelnuts Carefully: Toast nuts at precisely 180°C for 10 minutes, ensuring they release their rich, aromatic oils without burning. Cool completely before grinding to maintain optimal texture.
• Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading and enhance cookie structure. This step helps develop a more concentrated flavor and improves overall cookie shape.
• Monitor Baking Closely: Watch cookies carefully during the 20-25 minute baking window. Golden edges indicate perfect doneness, preventing over-browning and maintaining a delicate, crisp texture.
• Assemble with Precision: Apply Nutella generously but evenly, ensuring a consistent layer. Dust powdered sugar carefully to create an elegant, professional-looking sandwich cookie finish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg