Name: Double Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 115 g unsalted butter (room temperature); 110 g light brown sugar (packed); 50 g granulated sugar; 1 large egg (room temperature); ½ tsp vanilla extract; 130 g plain flour (all-purpose); 35 g cocoa powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp fine salt; 100 g milk chocolate chunks; 85 g blanched hazelnuts (lightly toasted and chopped); Flaked sea salt for sprinkling (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 10 reviews

If you adore rich, indulgent treats that perfectly balance bittersweet chocolate and toasty hazelnuts, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Double Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Recipe. These cookies are the ultimate comfort dessert, boasting a fudgy texture broken up by delightful crunchy hazelnut pieces and melty milk chocolate chunks. Every bite melts in your mouth with layers of flavor, from the deep cocoa undertones to the hint of sea salt that elevates the sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or looking to impress friends at your next gathering, this recipe is a total winner that never fails to charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two clear glass bowls sit on a white marbled surface. In the first bowl, three layers are visible: a light brown dough base, dusted unevenly with white flour mainly around the edges and a darker brown powder sprinkled lightly in the center. In the second bowl, three layers rest inside the dark brown dough: the dough itself covering the bottom and sides, light tan rolled oats on the right, and small square pieces of dark brown chocolate on the bottom left. A white mixing blade is partially buried in the dough near the top center. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting these cookies right means using simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and taste. From the buttery base to the cocoa powder enriching every bite with chocolate goodness, every item on this list is essential.

Unsalted butter: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming and a tender crumb.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel depth to the flavor.
Granulated sugar: Helps create a slight crisp on the cookie edges.
Large egg: At room temperature, it binds all ingredients perfectly while supporting a chewy cookie texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out the chocolate and hazelnut flavors beautifully.
Plain flour (all-purpose): Forms the structure, balancing the density of chocolate and nuts.
Cocoa powder: Provides that deep, intense chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
Baking soda and baking powder: Work together to give just the right lift without making the cookies cakey.
Fine salt: Amplifies the sweetness and balances the chocolate notes.
Milk chocolate chunks: Melting pockets of creamy sweetness throughout the cookie.
Blanched hazelnuts: Lightly toasted and chopped for a crunchy, nutty contrast.
Flaked sea salt (optional): A finishing touch that heightens all the flavors and adds a bit of gourmet flair.

How to Make Double Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by beating the softened butter together with both light brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is vital because it incorporates air, which helps make the cookies tender and gives them a wonderful lift. About three minutes with a stand mixer is perfect here.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla Extract

Next, scrape down the sides of your mixing bowl to ensure even mixing, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat these in just until combined. Incorporating the egg fully without over-beating will keep your cookies chewy rather than cakey.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, then add them to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed only until everything is just combined—you don’t want to overwork the dough because that can make the cookies tough.

Step 4: Incorporate Chocolate and Hazelnuts

Stir in about three-quarters of your chopped hazelnuts and milk chocolate chunks. These mix-ins bring that incredible nutty crunch and bursts of melty chocolate we’re all here for. Keep the rest to press on top before chilling for a beautiful, textured finish.

Step 5: Shape and Chill the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or a big spoon, form the dough into 2cm-wide balls and arrange them on a baking tray. Now press the reserved nuts and chocolate onto the tops of each ball—they’ll look irresistible before baking. Refrigerate the dough for at least an hour; overnight chilling is even better. This step is key to prevent excess spreading and to deepen flavor.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line baking trays with parchment paper, then transfer the chilled dough balls, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes. While they’re still warm, use a round cookie cutter or a mug to gently twist each cookie in place, helping them form a perfect round shape. Finally, sprinkle flakes of sea salt on top and leave the cookies to cool on the tray for 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Double Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Recipe

A dark brown chocolate cookie with a rough texture is shown on a white marbled surface. The cookie is thick and round, with large pieces of melted milk chocolate and light brown hazelnuts embedded on top. Some flakes of white sea salt are scattered over the cookie’s surface. Part of the cookie is broken, revealing a soft inside. On the top right corner, a small white bowl with coarse white salt is visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaked sea salt is the perfect elegant finish to these cookies, but you can also add a dusting of extra cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted chocolate for a little extra wow factor. Toasted whole hazelnuts on the side make for a classy presentation and underscore the nutty notes.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee or espresso. If you want to elevate even further, serve alongside creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies in a rustic basket lined with parchment for a cozy vibe, or stack them on a pretty cake stand for parties. For gifting, wrap a few in parchment paper tied with twine and tuck in a sprig of fresh mint or rosemary for a charming homemade touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Double Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain their crisp edges and chewy centers, place a slice of bread inside the container—it helps keep the moisture balanced perfectly for fresh-tasting cookies.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or the baked cookies themselves. Freeze dough balls on a tray until solid, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. You can bake straight from frozen adding a couple more minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well—just warm them slightly before enjoying.

Reheating

Reheat cookies gently in a low oven (about 150°C/300°F) for 5 minutes or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to revive that freshly baked texture and gooey chocolate chunks. This little step will make your cookies taste like they just came out of the oven again.

FAQs

Can I substitute the milk chocolate chunks for dark chocolate?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate pairs beautifully with hazelnuts and deep cocoa flavors, creating a slightly less sweet but intensively rich cookie. Feel free to use your favorite chocolate type to customize the recipe.

Do I really need to chill the dough?

Chilling is crucial for this Double Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Recipe. It prevents spreading, helps build flavor, and creates a denser, chewier texture that we all crave in these cookies. If you’re short on time, freezing for 30 minutes works as a quick alternative.

Can I make these cookies gluten free?

Yes! Substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The cookies may spread a little differently but will still be delicious.

Why do we twist the cookies with a cookie cutter when hot?

This fun step ensures the cookies stay perfectly round and prevents them from looking misshapen after baking. It’s a simple trick that adds a professional touch to your homemade cookies.

How long will these cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for about 5 days. Beyond that, the texture and flavor may start to decline, so freezing extras is a great way to keep them delicious longer.

Final Thoughts

This Double Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Recipe is truly one of those treasured recipes you’ll want to make again and again. The loving balance of fudgy cocoa, crunchy roasted hazelnuts, and melty chocolate chunks makes every bite an experience. Give it a try—you’ll quickly discover how simple ingredients and a bit of care transform into something spectacular for yourself and anyone lucky enough to share them with you.