Chocolate Caramel Hazelnut Cookies

Chocolate Caramel Hazelnut Cookies are the perfect blend of rich chocolate, smooth caramel, and crunchy hazelnuts. These cookies are a decadent treat that combines some of the best flavors into one irresistible bite. The soft, chewy texture of the cookie pairs beautifully with the gooey caramel center, while the toasted hazelnuts add a delightful crunch. If you love a balance of sweet, nutty, and chocolatey goodness, these cookies will become your new favorite. They’re ideal for holiday baking, special occasions, or simply when you want a luxurious treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or milk. The best part is how easy they are to make – you can prepare the dough in just a few steps, and once baked, the cookies will be soft on the inside with a bit of bite on the outside. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing them with friends and family, Chocolate Caramel Hazelnut Cookies are sure to impress everyone with their delicious flavor profile and beautiful look.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Decadent Flavor Combination

These cookies feature the perfect combination of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy hazelnuts, creating a flavor profile that’s both indulgent and satisfying.

2. Soft and Chewy Texture

The cookies are soft on the inside with a chewy texture that makes each bite feel luxurious. The caramel center adds an extra layer of gooey goodness.

3. Simple Ingredients

Despite their gourmet taste, the ingredients are simple and easy to find, making this recipe perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.

4. Impressive Appearance

These cookies have a beautiful appearance, with the melted caramel peeking out from the center and the chopped hazelnuts adding a rustic yet elegant touch.

5. Perfect for Special Occasions

Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a birthday celebration, or just a treat for yourself, these cookies are the perfect way to elevate any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Hazelnuts (chopped and toasted)
• Dark chocolate chips or chunks
• Caramel (soft chewy caramel squares or caramel sauce)

Variations

1. White Chocolate Version

Swap out the dark chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a different flavor contrast with the caramel and hazelnuts.

2. Add a Touch of Espresso

Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough to enhance the chocolate flavor and give the cookies a slight depth.

3. Nut-Free Option

If you’re looking for a nut-free option, you can substitute the hazelnuts with crushed pretzels for crunch or use additional chocolate chips.

4. Milk Chocolate Version

If you prefer milk chocolate over dark chocolate, use milk chocolate chips or chunks in place of the dark chocolate for a sweeter cookie.

5. Caramel Drizzle

For an extra caramel touch, drizzle melted caramel sauce over the cooled cookies before serving.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.

Step 6: Stir in the Chocolate and Hazelnuts

Fold in the chopped hazelnuts and chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Prepare the Caramel Centers

Take small spoonfuls of dough and flatten them slightly. Place a small piece of caramel in the center of each dough portion, then fold the dough around the caramel to enclose it. Roll the dough into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet once removed from the oven, so be careful not to overbake.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the warm, gooey caramel center as you bite into these delicious cookies!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Soft Caramel: Make sure to use soft, chewy caramels to ensure they melt easily inside the cookie. Hard caramel candies may not melt properly.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
• Toast the Hazelnuts: Toasting the hazelnuts brings out their natural flavor and enhances their crunch. Be sure to cool them before adding them to the dough.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. This will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and can lead to a thicker texture.
• Adjust Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies as ovens vary. If you prefer your cookies softer, check them at the 8-minute mark.

How to Serve

These Chocolate Caramel Hazelnut Cookies are perfect for serving at any special occasion, from holiday dinners to casual get-togethers. Pair them with a glass of milk, a cup of hot coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat. They can also be packaged beautifully as gifts for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. These cookies stay soft and chewy, thanks to the caramel center.

Freezing

To freeze the dough, scoop the dough balls and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftover cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their gooey caramel center and soft texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use caramel sauce instead of caramel candies?

You can use caramel sauce, but the texture may differ. It may not create the same gooey center, but it will still add a sweet caramel flavor.

2. What if I don’t have hazelnuts?

You can substitute hazelnuts with other nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts, or use crushed pretzels or additional chocolate chips for a different texture.

3. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes! If you prefer a sweeter flavor, milk chocolate is a great alternative to dark chocolate.

4. Can I make these cookies without caramel?

Yes, you can make the cookies without caramel. Simply omit the caramel filling and bake the cookies as regular chocolate hazelnut cookies.

5. How can I make these cookies chewier?

To make the cookies chewier, add an extra egg yolk or a tablespoon of cornstarch to the dough.

6. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a bag or container for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen when you’re ready.

7. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

8. How do I prevent the caramel from melting too much?

Make sure the caramel is wrapped securely in the dough to prevent it from oozing out during baking. Also, be careful not to overbake the cookies.

9. Can I add more caramel?

Absolutely! If you love caramel, you can add extra caramel pieces or drizzle some caramel sauce on top of the baked cookies.

10. How long will these cookies stay fresh?

These cookies will stay fresh for 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Chocolate Caramel Hazelnut Cookies offer the perfect combination of rich chocolate, smooth caramel, and crunchy hazelnuts, making them a treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a special occasion or simply indulge in a delicious homemade cookie, this recipe delivers both in flavor and texture. With their soft, chewy center and gooey caramel surprise, these cookies are a delightful treat for any time of year.

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