Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when the kitchen becomes a whirlwind of flour, sugar, and the most delightful scents. One of my absolute favorite treats to bake are these Christmas Hazelnut Cookies. They’re not just cookies; they’re little bites of joy that remind me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where we’d bake together while singing carols. The unique flavor of hazelnuts adds a warm, nutty twist that pairs perfectly with the sweet, buttery dough. Trust me, every bite of these soft, golden cookies feels like a warm hug on a chilly winter day!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (this will give your cookies that lovely sweetness)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (the backbone of our cookie dough)
- 1 cup ground hazelnuts (I love using freshly ground for that nutty aroma)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (because every sweet treat needs a hint of vanilla magic)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (to help those cookies rise just right)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (don’t skip this; it enhances all the flavors)
How to Prepare Christmas Hazelnut Cookies
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that lovely golden color. You don’t want to pop them in a cold oven and risk them spreading out too much. Trust me, a properly preheated oven is the secret to perfect cookies!
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
Next, grab a large mixing bowl and add your softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You want to incorporate air into the butter, which makes the cookies tender and gives them that delightful texture. Don’t rush this step—it’s where the magic begins!
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
Now, let’s combine the dry ingredients! In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground hazelnuts, baking powder, and salt. Mixing them well ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which is key for those fluffy cookies. Once combined, gradually add this dry mixture to your creamed butter and sugar. Mix until everything is just combined; you don’t want to overdo it!
Adding Vanilla Extract
Time to bring in the flavor! Stir in the vanilla extract to your dough. This step is simple but so essential. The vanilla adds that warm, comforting aroma that’ll have everyone flocking to the kitchen. Just fold it in gently until it’s fully incorporated.
Shaping and Baking
Now for the fun part—shaping! Roll the dough into small balls, about an inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to give them a little space, as they’ll spread while baking. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden around the edges. You’ll know they’re done when they’re set but still soft in the center!
Cooling the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them firm up a bit before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Letting them cool is crucial—if you dive in too early, they might crumble! Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, these cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for busy holiday baking sessions.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery dough and nutty hazelnuts creates a rich, mouthwatering taste that you won’t be able to resist!
- Festive Appeal: Their beautiful golden color and delightful aroma fill your home with holiday cheer, making them a wonderful addition to any festive gathering.
- Great for Sharing: These cookies are the perfect treat to share with family and friends, or to leave out for Santa—everyone will love them!
- Versatile: You can easily customize these cookies by adding chocolate chips, spices, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra special touch.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze some for later! You’ll have a delicious treat ready to go whenever the cookie craving strikes.
Tips for Success
Alright, friends, let’s make sure you nail these Christmas Hazelnut Cookies! Here are my top pro tips to ensure you get the best results:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Trust me, using high-quality unsalted butter and fresh hazelnuts makes a noticeable difference. The flavor shines through, and your cookies will taste even better!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be soft and tender!
- Chill the Dough: If you find your dough is a little too sticky, don’t hesitate to pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. Ovens can vary, and you want them to be lightly golden but still soft in the center. If they look too brown, they might be overdone!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to play around! Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor. Or, try folding in some chocolate chips for a delightful twist!
- Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them—just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper!
With these tips, you’re all set to bake your way to cookie perfection! Enjoy every moment of the process, and happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! While these Christmas Hazelnut Cookies are pure joy to eat, it’s good to know what’s in them, right? Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for one cookie, keeping in mind that these values are estimates:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 2g
These cookies are a delightful treat, so enjoy them in moderation as part of your holiday celebrations! And remember, it’s the love and joy of baking that truly counts!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the hazelnuts?
Absolutely! If you’re allergic to hazelnuts or just want to try something different, you can easily substitute them with other nuts. Almonds, walnuts, or pecans work great! Just make sure to grind them down to a similar texture as the hazelnuts. You could even use sunflower seeds for a nut-free version—just as tasty and still packed with flavor!
How should I store the cookies?
To keep your Christmas Hazelnut Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to keep them for a bit longer, just layer them between pieces of parchment paper to prevent sticking. And remember, keeping them sealed helps maintain their lovely texture!
Can I freeze the cookies?
You bet! Freezing these cookies is a fantastic way to enjoy them later. Just let the cookies cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature. No need to re-bake—just enjoy the deliciousness right away!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve baked up a batch of those heavenly Christmas Hazelnut Cookies, let’s talk about how to elevate your holiday experience! These cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with a few tasty treats can really take your festive gatherings to the next level.
- Hot Cocoa: Picture this—sipping on a warm cup of rich hot cocoa while nibbling on a hazelnut cookie. The creamy chocolate and nutty flavors complement each other beautifully. You can even top your cocoa with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed hazelnuts for that extra festive touch!
- Tea or Coffee: These cookies are perfect with a steaming cup of your favorite tea or coffee. The warm beverages balance the sweetness of the cookies, making for a cozy afternoon treat. Try pairing them with a nutty coffee blend for an added flavor boost!
- Fruit Compote: A spoonful of warm fruit compote—like raspberry or apple—served alongside your cookies adds a lovely tartness that contrasts wonderfully with the buttery, nutty cookies. The vibrant colors also make for a beautiful presentation!
- Cheese Board: For a fun twist, include these cookies on a cheese board! Pair them with a creamy brie or tangy goat cheese. The combination of sweet and savory will wow your guests and make your spread even more festive.
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: For a simple yet elegant touch, dust your cookies with powdered sugar just before serving. It adds a lovely visual appeal and a little extra sweetness that’s sure to delight!
So go ahead, get creative with your serving ideas! These Christmas Hazelnut Cookies are versatile and can enhance your holiday celebrations in so many delightful ways. Happy indulging!
Print
Christmas Hazelnut Cookies: 7 Steps to Pure Delight
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas cookies with hazelnuts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ground hazelnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl.
- Add flour, ground hazelnuts, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Shape dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for decoration.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas Hazelnut Cookies