Irresistible Double Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies for Cozy Nights
Last Updated on March 4, 2026 by Karla Recipes
When the winter chill sets in and the festive spirit fills the air, there s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. I discovered my passion for baking during a holiday gathering, where I wanted to impress my friends with something special. Enter these Double Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies: a delightful blend of chewy textures and rich, brownie-like flavor, they quickly became my go-to treat.
With crunchy toasted hazelnuts nestled in every bite and an abundance of chocolate chips, these cookies are the perfect antidote to typical fast-food desserts. They are easy to whip up and even easier to share, making them an ideal addition to any holiday spread or cozy evening. So, grab your apron and let s bring warmth and sweetness back to your kitchen with these irresistible cookies!
Why are Double Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies irresistible?
Decadent Flavor: Each bite bursts with chocolate and nutty hazelnut goodness, ensuring you ll crave more.
Easily Homemade: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, they re perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Perfect for Sharing: Great for holiday gatherings or cozy nights, everyone will love these treats!
Chewy Texture: Enjoy the delightful chewy center and crispy edges that mimic the best brownies.
Versatile Delight: Try variations like adding espresso powder for an extra flavor kick, or switch up the nuts!
Time-Saving: Whip up a batch in just under 30 minutes, making these cookies fit into your busy schedule.
Double Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
All-purpose flour Provides structure; can substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Cocoa powder Adds rich chocolate flavor; use unsweetened cocoa for best results.
Baking powder Helps the cookies rise; do not substitute with baking soda.
Baking soda Adds leavening; essential for texture; keep as stated.
Salt Balances sweetness; mild sea salt is preferred.
For the Wet Ingredients
Butter (room temperature) Adds richness and moisture; can replace with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Granulated white sugar Sweetens and helps with texture; may substitute with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
Brown sugar Provides moisture and a slight caramel flavor; dark brown sugar can enhance richness.
Large eggs (room temperature) Binds ingredients together; free-range or organic recommended for better flavor.
Vanilla extract Adds depth of flavor; for intensity, consider using vanilla bean paste.
For the Add-Ins
Hazelnuts (toasted and chopped, divided) Offers crunch and flavor; pecans or walnuts can be used in place of hazelnuts.
Chocolate chips Adds melted chocolate throughout; mix semi-sweet and dark for varied intensity.
These Double Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies promise to be a delightful addition to your holiday cookie platter!
How to Make Double Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies
Prep Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mixture provides the foundation for your cookies, so ensure it s well-combined and set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream the room-temperature butter with granulated and brown sugars on high speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet batter. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which helps maintain that chewy texture.
Incorporate Hazelnuts and Chocolate: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped toasted hazelnuts and half of the chocolate chips into the dough, ensuring even distribution. Set aside the reserved hazelnuts and chocolate for topping.
Chill Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps to prevent spreading during baking, making for chewier cookies.
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350 °F (180 °C) and line two baking trays with parchment paper, preparing for the delightful dough to be baked.
Shape Cookies: Scoop out heaping spoonfuls of chilled dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking trays, spacing them about 2 inches apart, and press the remaining hazelnuts on top for a lovely finishing touch.
Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, until they appear slightly under-baked in the center. Allow them to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Store: Once cooled, keep the cookies in an airtight container to retain their freshness and deliciousness.
Optional: Serve warm with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy experience.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Double Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Variations
Feel free to customize these cookies to suit your taste and dietary needs; your creativity will make them even more special!
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to enjoy these cookies without gluten.
Nut-Free: Replace hazelnuts with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version that still has a delightful crunch.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil and dairy-free chocolate chips for a rich and indulgent cookie that everyone can enjoy.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising heat that perfectly complements the chocolate.
Add Citrus: Incorporate a teaspoon of orange zest into the dough to brighten the flavors and add an aromatic twist.
Chunky Delight: Substitute chocolate chips with chopped chocolate bars for a gooey, melty experience in every bite.
Swap Sugars: Try using brown sugar exclusively for a more caramelized flavor, enhancing the sweetness of these treats.
Coconut Twist: Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate and hazelnuts.
What to Serve with Double Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies?
These cookies are delightful enough to shine on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments elevates your treat experience.
- Cold Glass of Milk: The classic pairing, milk balances the rich chocolate and nutty flavors, creating a comforting moment.
- Fresh Berries: Tart raspberries or strawberries offer a refreshing contrast, balancing the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
- Homemade Whipped Cream: A dollop of light and airy whipped cream introduces a lovely creaminess that complements the chewy texture.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop alongside warm cookies for an indulgent dessert; the ice cream melts into every crevice!
- Espresso: A shot of rich espresso enhances the chocolate notes, making it a perfect pairing for coffee lovers.
- Hot Cocoa: Cozy up with a cup of hot cocoa for a sweet and rich beverage that harmonizes with the cookies flavors.
- Hazelnut Coffee: This unique pairing deepens the nutty flavor, creating a delightful experience for coffee enthusiasts.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of the cookies into warm chocolate to double down on the chocolatey goodness.
- Raspberry Sauce: Drizzle a fruity sauce over the cookies for a gourmet look that tastes divine and tantalizes your taste buds.
- Caramel Sauce: Dripping a bit of rich caramel adds a dual sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
These choices bring out the best in your Double Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies, ensuring each bite is more delicious than the last!
How to Store and Freeze Double Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, ensuring they stay soft and chewy.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies after freezing, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 350 °F (175 °C) for about 5-7 minutes. This revives the delightful freshness of your Double Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Double Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first five steps of the recipe, then covering and refrigerating the dough. For even longer storage, you can scoop the shaped cookie dough balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven, and bake the frozen dough straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. This way, you ll enjoy fresh, warm cookies with minimal effort, just as delicious as if they were made on the spot!
Expert Tips for Double Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies
Room-Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature butter and eggs ensures a smooth, well-mixed dough. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven texture.
Chill the Dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill for at least an hour helps prevent spreading during baking. This step is crucial for achieving those chewy Double Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. They should look slightly under-baked when you take them out, so they firm up perfectly as they cool.
Even Chocolate Distribution: For the best flavor experience, mix in a variety of chocolate chips, such as semi-sweet and dark, to enhance the chocolate richness.
Extra Hazelnut Crunch: Reserve some toasted hazelnuts to sprinkle on top before baking for an added layer of crunchy texture and visual appeal.
Double Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right hazelnuts for my cookies?
Absolutely! Look for hazelnuts that are fresh and aromatic. If possible, choose toasted hazelnuts for their enhanced flavor. Avoid nuts that have dark spots or smell rancid, as these could indicate spoilage. If you can t find hazelnuts, you can easily substitute pecans or walnuts in this recipe.
How should I store my cookies to keep them fresh?
To keep your Double Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies nice and soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to prolong their shelf life, you can also refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Yes, you can! After chilling the dough, scoop it into individual balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. The cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time no need to thaw!
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Very! If you find that your cookies spread too much while baking, it could be because your dough was too warm or perhaps didn t chill long enough. Make sure to chill the dough for at least an hour before baking to help prevent this. Also, check that your baking soda and baking powder are fresh, as expired leavening agents can lead to spreading.
Are these cookies suitable for those with nut allergies?
While these Double Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies are packed with delicious hazelnuts, they are not suitable for those with nut allergies. You can replace the hazelnuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free alternative. However, always check the labels for cross-contamination risks, especially if preparing for someone with severe allergies.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can mix it up with different types of chocolate chips. For a twist, try using white chocolate, milk chocolate, or even butterscotch chips. A combination of semi-sweet and dark chocolate chips adds lovely depth to your Double Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies!